Types of Editing and How to Decide What Your Manuscript Needs

Imagine this scenario:

Author: "Hello! I found your website and really like what you have to say. Can I get a quote for editing a 60,000-word book?"

Me: "Thank you so much for reaching out. I would love to collaborate with you. Since each type of editing is priced differently, I need to know what service you're interested in before giving you a quote."

Author: "I didn't realize there are types of editing. What are my options?"

Me: "I have just the resource to help you." (Hint: Keep reading.)

So many authors come to me for help polishing their book (which is wonderful), but they believe editing is a one-size-fits-all situation. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

There are 4 main types of book editing, each with a different purpose. Many authors don't need every type of editing, so don't be intimidated.

Type 1: Developmental Editing

This is a big-picture edit. Your editor will evaluate your manuscript's structure, plot, pacing, and characterization (to name a few things).

You'll receive a report where the editor explains their suggestions and how to improve your book, or your editor will make in-text changes to your manuscript. This can look like moving paragraphs around and changing the order of scenes.

A developmental edit is the most expensive edit because it requires a lot of time and effort. A good developmental editor will overhaul your book and help prevent soggy middles, plot craters, and inconsistent character arcs.

Type 1.5: Manuscript Evaluation

A manuscript evaluation is very similar to a developmental edit in that it addresses larger issues with your manuscript. However, an evaluation is less in-depth and only offers a report. The editor will not make any in-text changes.

Evaluations are much cheaper, but you won't receive the same level of suggestions. This type of edit will require you to put in a lot of work on your own to make changes and come up with solutions.

However, since it's budget friendly, it's a go-to for some authors.

Type 2: Stylistic Editing

Say hello to sentence-strengthening techniques and writing advice. A stylistic edit enhances a manuscript's flow, clarity, strength, and readability. You'll see changes in paragraph length, word choice, and transitions. This type of edit will address writing habits that may be holding you back, such as overusing "was," passive voice, and unnecessary repetition.

You should expect the following with a stylistic edit:

• In-text suggestions and rewriting

• A style sheet

• Pointing out inconsistencies and querying information

• Fixing or removing awkward phrases and cliches

Stylistic edits are typically the most "hands-on" edits, meaning you'll see the most mark-ups on your manuscript.

One of the biggest misconceptions about stylistic editing is that it'll change your voice. No, it absolutely will not. A professional editor will tailor their suggestions to fit your voice. If they do their job well, no one will be able to tell where they altered a sentence because it'll sound like you. Essentially, a stylistic editor is a chameleon who enhances the beauty that is already on the page.

Type 3: Copy Editing

When an author thinks of editing, a copy edit is typically what they imagine.

Copy edits address the following:

• Spelling

• Punctuation

• Grammar

• Consistency

Essentially, a copy editor focuses on nitty-gritty details and follows a style guide to ensure everything is consistent. They also create a style sheet if one hasn't been made already.

Expect very little rewriting (if any). Oftentimes, the editor will only change what is incorrect rather than work on improving something that is technically sound.

Depending on the editor, you'll receive in-text changes and comments that query inconsitent information. Other editors may explain why they made an alteration, but many don't dive into grammar rules and technical jargon.

After a copy edit, your manuscript will be technically sound.

At this point, you're probably thinking that's all the editing you can do on your manuscript. We've gone over big-picture editing and nitty-gritty, detailed editing. But there's one step left.

Type 4: Proofreading

The final step in your editing journey is proofreading. This step can only be completed after copy editing.

A proofreader goes through your manuscript with a fine-toothed comb, looking for any lingering errors that may have been missed in earlier editing stages. Many authors believe this stage to be redundant, but it's extremely important.

A fresh set of eyes will pick up mistakes that have gone unnoticed--mistakes that a keen reader will likely notice and comment on. Professional proofreaders are trained to spot slip ups like "from/form" mistakes and misplaced commas. They're embarassment-avoidance-heros, and you'll thank them after realizing what they corrected.

Oftentimes, published novels that are praised for containing few errors are those that undergo proofreading. Trust me--you won't regret working with a proofreading, especially if you're the kind of person who will be personally wounded if you notice a spelling mistake in your book after you hit "Publish."

Now That I Know The 4 Types of Editing, How Do I Choose?

Time for introspection.

If you've had beta readers, consider their feedback and your own thoughts while answering these questions. If you answer yes, the type of edit that may suit you is listed in brackets.

1. Is my manuscript too long or too short for my genre? (Consider a developmental edit or evaluation.)

2. Have readers commented on my pace lagging or not being able to connect with my characters? (Consider a developmental edit or evaluation.)

3. Have I received comments about my writing sounding to "amateur" or choppy? (Consider a stylistic edit.)

4. Do I struggle with punctuation and grammar? (Consider a copy edit.)

5. Is my writing solid but I'm not sure my premise and execution are solid? (Consider a developmental edit or evaluation.)

6. Do I have problems remaining consistent with descriptions and timelines? (Consider a stylistic edit or copy edit.)

7. Do I want to be traditionally published? (Consider a developmental edit or evaluation.)

8. Do I want only the bare minimum, for personal or budgetary reasons? (Consider a copy edit.)

However, the type of edit you get is ultimately up to what you want to achieve and your budget.

And if you're wavering between two different services, ask your editor. After reading a sample of your writing, they'll be able to tell you what service will be most beneficial for your book's success.