#01
The
Types
of
Editing
Developmental edit, stylistic or line edit, copyedit, proofread; what’s the difference?
Editing
Hi friends.
I thought we could talk about the four main types of editing. When I first starting poking about the editing world, I found that definitions of services vary based on location and get even more particular from editor to editor. The definitions I’m sharing are the ones I came across most frequently. Before working with any editor, I recommend asking them for a scope of work to make sure you’re on the same page about the service.
OKAY, SO. Each stage has a specific focus, and it's helpful to divide them into two levels: macro edits and micro edits.
Macro edits deal with elements of storytelling, looking at your manuscript as a whole. This comprises developmental editing but can also include beta reading and manuscript critiques. At this point we focus on things like plot, structure, point of view, pacing, and characterization.
Micro edits include stylistic/line editing, copyediting and proofreading. This is where we look at language and writing, starting with syntax, prose, and word choice, before moving on to spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Developmental Edit
This type of editing focuses on the big picture—structure, plot, story arc, character development, pacing, point of view, tense, and genre. A developmental editor (oh, hey) will help you refine your story, offering constructive feedback to enhance its narrative flow, character depth, and emotional impact. An editorial letter will outline their analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript and provide suggestions for edits. They also provided comments within the manuscript itself.
Some authors like to reach out to beta readers before the developmental edit. This is a way to get feedback from test-readers on their overall experience and can help tease-out story-level issues before starting a full in-depth edit.
Another macro option is a manuscript critique. It’s pretty similar to a developmental edit but doesn’t include any changes or comments in the manuscript itself. It just provides feedback through the editorial letter.
Stylistic or Line Editing
Once your story's structure is sound, we start on your prose with stylistic or line editing. This is the sentence-level work that focuses on readability, clarity, and pacing. A stylistic/line editor (oh, hey again) can help with untangling awkward phrasing, tightening sentences, and refining your authorial voice.
Stylistic/line editors review each sentence and word to make sure they serve a purpose and enhance the overall reading experience. We refine the use of grammar to control pacing, tension, and clarity. This stage is where your prose comes to life, capturing readers and immersing them in your world.
Copyediting
Copyediting is the meticulous stage where we correct inconsistent spelling, grammar, and punctuation. We ensure nothing distracts your readers from the story itself. We create a style sheet, where we record decisions on things like language choice, style, proper noun spelling, and character traits. Copyediting ensures that your manuscript adheres to language conventions and maintains consistency throughout.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the fine-tuning stage, where the editor does some quality-control. It's the meticulous examination of your manuscript for any remaining typos, formatting glitches, or minor errors. A proofreader gives your book that final pass, hunting for sneaky typos and formatting blips, making sure your manuscript is ready for publication.
Remember that storytelling always comes first. Start with the big picture work through developmental editing, then refine and polish your manuscript through stylistic/line editing and copyediting. Finally, ensure a flawless (or, as close to flawless as a human is capable of) reading experience with proofreading.
You might not require all forms of editing for every project, but understanding these distinctions can help you navigate the process. Some authors will choose to hire an editor for every stage, and some are comfortable doing some level of the work themselves, only outsourcing select tasks. I am happy to work with you at any stage, and we can always Frankenstein a type of editing that suits your specific needs.
Feel free to reach out with questions or just to talk about your writing—I'm always happy to chat.
Love you long time,
Kayla
