Types of Editing: A Self-published Author’s Guide

Do you know the types of editing you need for your book?

4 Types of Editing

As a writer and editor since 2015, I understand how hard it can be to navigate this bookish world on your own. There’s so much to learn about writing, editing, publishing, and marketing, and when I first started I was overwhelmed.

Now with my own business, K.M. Writing Services, and the vast experience I’ve picked up, the process of self-publishing doesn’t seem so bad anymore. I often get the question what the difference is between the editing types. I’m here to break it all down for you in the right steps!

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Developmental Editing

This is the first editing stage once you’ve finished writing your book. It looks at the big picture of plot, pacing, and characters. Developmental editing is all about the heart of your story, the “who” and the “what.” Once you’ve worked through a draft or two solidifying the full story arc of your novel, you can get into the technical side of things.

Discover more information on Developmental Editing and what you get from me, Kirsten McNeill, as your editor.

Copy & Line Editing

Stage Two: Copy & Line Editing. Some editors like to split these two up, but I think they work well together. In the first step of editing, you looked at what was in the story. Now, you’re looking at “how” you’re telling the story. What is in the structure? This editing looks at word choices, sentence structure, grammar, and style choices that help you tell the best story possible.

Learn more about Copy & Line Editing and if I’m the right editor for you!

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final stage after all other editing is done. It’s the last check to make sure that everything in the manuscript is spelled correctly, consistent, and makes sense. The core focus of it is grammar based, but sometimes an editor may point out an error related to plot or characters if there’s something that doesn’t make sense. With how many times you’ve probably read it, that’s highly unlikely, but it’s good to have that peace of mind.

Understand more about my Proofreading services and how K.M. Writing Services can help.

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Manuscript Critique

Though Manuscript Critique is more like a beta read than an edit, I still think it’s important to mention in this post. A critique can happen at any point in the writing process to help you understand the strengths and possible improvements for your piece. I create reports that detail all of this about your manuscript to be as clear and constructive as possible.

Want to learn more? Check out this Manuscript Critique page!

Work With A Dedicated Editor!

It’s important to work with an editor who works collaboratively with you and understands your goals for the book. An editor makes suggestions on how you can improve your writing style, bring out your writer voice, and create the best reading experience for the reader. The goal is not to change you, but to help bring out the best of your skills.

Am I the right editor for you? Let’s chat about your book! Contact Kirsten

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Thank you for reading Types of Editing!

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Looking for someone to create beautifully crafted content or edit your masterpiece for you? Hire my talents: Hire Kirsten!

Featured Image: Photo by Negative Space from StockSnap

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