Editing is actually a big category of work. When you’re looking for an editor, it’s important to be clear about what kind of editing help you actually need. There can be some crossover between different types of editing, and there are other book services that may seem similar.
My goal is to explain what each of these is, but be aware that not everyone defines them exactly the same way. And some editors combine several kinds all at once.
Developmental Editing
This is big picture editing, where your concept is refined, adjusted, and worked out. In fiction, it’s about plot, pacing, voice, timelines, character development, description, and theme. In nonfiction, it’s about logic, clear explanations, flow, voice, results, and resolving confusion or vagueness.
Basically it’s about making sure you have a good, sound book that makes sense, is unique, and is compelling. It’s accompanied by an editorial letter that walks the author through some of the bigger issues and works through solutions and suggestions.
If you sell your book to a publisher, they will do a developmental edit (even if you think your book is perfect as is). It’s a chance for someone else to read and digest your content and see how it feels.
When I do a developmental edit, I dive in and am neck deep in the manuscript, making changes, deleting things, moving things, suggesting things, and leaving comments. It’s about working closely with the author to make the book the very best it can be, which may mean thinking (or rethinking) big parts of the book.
I also conduct manuscript assessments, where I write a comprehensive editorial letter outlining overarching thoughts on what to change or improve in the book. Because I charge less for this, I don’t get in and get my hands dirty, and instead let the author take my feedback and run with it.
Book coaching is very similar to developmental editing, but often we are starting with just an idea or an outline. I then work through each section of the book with the author, brainstorming and encouraging them as they write. It’s developmental editing on steroids.
Line Editing
Once a book is written and has been through a developmental edit, a line edit is a careful read of the actual language in the book, ensuring that it flows, has the right wording, avoids bias or cliches, has a strong voice, and actually says what the author thinks it says. I look at paragraph placement, check for repetition, and evaluate if everything makes sense as it goes. I also evaluate headers and chapter titles.
This is a hands on edit, making changes and leaving comments and suggestions.
Copy Editing
A copy edit is about grammar, spelling, punctuation, complying with a style sheet or style guide, formatting of text (not a print layout, but just making sure it’s all labelled and in the right places), checking for consistency, and cleaning it all up.
It’s the clean-up crew coming in to make sure it all is correct and tidy.
Fact Checking
A fact check is when an editor goes through a nonfiction book and makes sure all the information that is verifiable is actually true. Statistics, sources, quotes, and historical facts are evaluated.
Proofreading
Proofreading is a final read of the manuscript to check for any errors and to make sure there aren’t any remaining comments or tracked changes hanging around.
Combination Edits
Some editors will do several of these at the same time. When I do a developmental edit, I often end up doing a little line editing and a little copy editing simply because it bothers me to see something that’s wrong or that doesn’t sit well with me.
I also combine copy editing and line editing at times because if I’m fixing some things I might as well fix them all instead of doing a separate edit.
Proofreading should always be done as a final, last step.
Use AI as Your Book Coach
AI is a tool that can help you improve your book proposal.
Gasp. An editor just told you to use AI for your book proposal?!
I’m not telling you to have AI write or revise your book proposal.
I am telling you that it’s a tool you should be using to improve your own work. AI can help you find statistics, research, hone in on word choice, create compelling language, fill in things you haven’t thought of, and help you understand your audience and develop a winning promotion plan.
You’re not banging away on a typewriter or writing your book longhand when you can write it in Word or Google Docs. AI is just another tool you should be using to be more efficient, thorough, and successful.
Take my class, Use AI as Your Book Proposal Coach and find out how to maximize this without losing any of your human touch.
Talk to Me
As my subscribers are steadily growing, I want to know what you want to know. Do you have questions about writing, publishing, book proposals, developing ideas, surviving as a writer? I’ve been in this world for more than 25 years, and I’m here to help. Leave a comment or message me!
In My World
Huge congratulations to career coach and complete genius, Linda Raynier, whose book The Quiet Achiever, published by Wiley, is now available for pre-order. Linda offers solutions for anyone who feels like they are overlooked at work, passed over for promotions, or just not able to sell themselves. It was an honor and a privilege to be involved with this book. I always get a little weepy when one of my authors has their book come out. It’s a huge accomplishment and something to celebrate!
On the home front, my daughter was home for a week to visit, but was involved in contract negotiations for a new job, which finally got resolved, and she signed, so a big congrats to her. She is an oncologist who will now be working at Scripps in San Diego. We are, of course, ridiculously proud of her.
I got out my fall decorations over the weekend, which makes me so happy. I’ve made three types of soup in the past few weeks, and I’m itching to do some fall baking. Fall is always a time when I feel like nesting and settling into big work projects.
At my desk, I’m reviewing cover options for a client who is self-publishing, starting an assessment of a book proposal, and also diving in to do some hands-on editing/ghosting with a book about marketing.
Obsessed With…
I finished Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino and really enjoyed it. It’s about a woman who owns a PR company, is recently divorced, is dealing with body image, is searching for Mr. Right, writes a newsletter detailing her life, and is launching a size-inclusive clothing brand. It seems to closely follow Sturino’s life. It’s very fun and a good read. Sturino mentioned on her social media that she had a ghost, and I thought the ghost did a great job capturing her authentic voice.
I also finally finished the Robin Williams biography, which left me feeling sad. He was a deeply complex man with incredible talent who never felt fulfilled or successful. I’m indulging my reality TV cravings and have started Sister Wife by Christine Brown Wooley. SPILL. THE. TEA. HONEY.
My husband and I watched Hard Knocks on HBO about the Buffalo Bills and this year’s training camp. We aren’t crazy football fans (my husband refuses to devote three hours to watching a game and instead will watch the highlights on YouTube afterwards, but only if they win, leading me to call him a fair-weather fan), but a level of Bills proficiency is required in Buffalo. I liked learning about the players and seeing what they go through. My husband cried (he cries at anything now that is about parents and children and there were some touching moments with a player’s father). Go Bills.
I’m also watching the newest season of Project Runway, which, honestly, is a bit of a letdown. The episodes are short, and most of them are taken up with judging. There’s no drama at the apartments, very few “make it work” moments, and it’s just not as engaging. But I love the show in general and have seen every season, so I’m still watching. I really like to see people exercising other types of creativity - the act of creation always appeals to me.
Good Goods
I’m trying to reduce the plastics that come into contact with our food. I replaced our plastic cutting boards with dishwasher-safe wooden ones. Huge win. I love them. They are thinner than regular cutting boards and being able to put them in the dishwasher while not worrying about plastics getting in our food is a huge relief.
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