Category: Blog

What are the Four Types of Editing?

It’s done! The first hurdle of publishing is cleared because that first draft is complete! After a little celebration, it’s on to the next steps: get this new and wonderful creation edited… But how do we figure out what kind of edit we need?

Editors typically offer four kinds of editing services: developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. While the scope of work varies from editor to editor, we can go over the basics of each type of editing and what it typically addresses in a manuscript.

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing, also known as structural editing, is the most involved type of editing. It’s concerned with the foundational pieces of the storytelling, like how engaging it is to watch the main character move through the plot as well as the character interactions and motivations. This type of edit is best done early in the process, either during story conception and plotting or after the first draft is complete or nearly complete. In a developmental edit, the author invites the editor into the creative process for the story. Together the pair refines, adds, moves around, or cuts scenes, plot points, settings, or characters from the narrative. The goal with this kind of edit is to ensure the structure and framework for the story is solid to support all the nuances and details.

Line Editing

Line editing, also known as stylistic editing, is focused on the rhythm, flow, and tone of the story. It’s about the music of the words that the reader hears in their head as they read the novel. The goal is to balance lyrical, evocative prose and clarity of motion in every scene so the reader can be swept away by the story. This type of edit is where an editor points out possible tripping points for a reader; ensures word choice is supporting the tone of each moment; checks and adjusts the logical flow of phrases and transitions between scenes; coaches when movement supports character intentions; tightens up action and motion; suggest if a paragraph would be better as dialogue or if dialogue would be better summarized in a paragraph; and refines dialogue expression. This type of edit takes time and can be well worth it for the level of subconscious music it enhances within a novel.

Copyediting

Copyediting is the most common type of editing done for novels as it refines the more technical aspects of writing. It’s focused on consistency throughout the story on the narrative and grammar level. This type of edit seeks to smooth over and remove distractions for the reader. This is where the nitty-gritty of grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, style, and consistency within the story are smoothed over. Common elements addressed in a copyedit include making sure character names are spelled and used consistently throughout the novel; double-checking the narrative time line so that days or events aren’t repeated, skipped, or oddly placed; ensuring grammar and punctuation rules are consistently applied throughout; and advocating for the reader.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final polish of a novel. This is the last type of edit to do just before publication. Proofreading is like that final once over by a trusted friend before heading out to an event. Instead of tucking in clothing tags and straightening ties, a proofread catches those stray grammar or punctuation distractions and ensures overall technical consistency. A proofread also checks the formatting of the manuscript, making sure sentences don’t hang funny on the page and chapter headers are consistently applied throughout. The goal of this edit to catch any stray errors that may have slipped through the copyedit.

In the end, an editor’s goal is to ensure the novel is clear and consistent throughout. Edits are made with the author, their story, and their reader in mind. At every stage of editing, any editor worth their salt (and your money) is focusing on preserving and enhancing your unique writing style. That’s part of what’s makes hiring a professional editor worth it: leveraging their skills and expertise to enhance the vision you’ve penned to the page.

If you have any questions about these types of editing and about how I edit, please feel free to ask me here!

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7 Tips to Rock Preptober

It’s that time of year again! Preptober is here and I’ve collected seven (and a half!) helpful tips to set yourself up for success. Before we jump into tips, let’s refresh on what NaNoWriMo is. Every November, writers can take part in a challenge to write 50,000 words to complete the first draft of a novel, known as National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) which is open to all. 

So then what is Preptober? Those participating in NaNoWriMo often take the month before, October, to get themselves set up for success in November. If you prefer to show up November 1st and start completely from scratch, go ahead! It’s meant to be fun. For those  who benefit from a bit of planning or prework, let’s dive into those tips!

Tip 1: Pick your story idea

This one sounds a little obvious, but deciding whether to start with a brand new idea or tackle a story you’ve had kicking around in your head for a while is something to decide before you sit down to write. Committing to a story idea during Preptober also gives you time to pin down any worldbuilding and work through potential sticking points before you show up to hit that word goal. It gives you a lane and focus point to streamline your process.

Tip 2: Sketch out your characters

Whether you want to fill out a super detailed character sheet or just pick a first name, it’s helpful to have an idea of who your characters are and why they’re in this story. Having an idea of what’s at stake for each character gives you something to work from in moments where the words might not flow as easily. Instead of staring at the page trying to think of what to have happen next you can refer to your character sketch to ground you back into what drives them and makes sense for them to do next. It’s all about making showing up to the page as easy as possible.

Tip 3: Make a list of must have scenes

I can hear the pansters revolting at this pitch to have an outline, and just hear me out! If you want to go into NaNoWriMo fully blind and organically discover your entire story, go ahead! It’s meant to be fun, and if that’s what works for you, do it. And there are also benefits to having a list of scenes you know you want to have in your story. Having a list can help fend off writer’s block. If you’re unsure of what to write that day, pick a scene from your list! Completed a scene from your list and not sure where to go from there, write towards another listed scene! Outlines can be as meticulous or loose as you want because the whole point is for it to serve you. 

Tip 3.5 is to list how much energy you think those scenes will take. That way, if you have a ton of writing energy one day, you can tackle something big, and if you’re low on energy another day, you’ve already done the legwork to give yourself an easy writing day. 

Tip 4: Experiment with mood boards and playlists

Make it easy to sink into your story by using mood boards and playlists. Pinterest is a great way to collect images that relate to your characters, settings, or vibes for your story. And you could go old school by collecting pictures in a Powerpoint or Google Doc. There’s plenty of lofi and ambient playlists on YouTube or Spotify. Listen as you write to stay in the zone. 

Tip 5: Sign up for NaNoWriMo 

Don’t forget to sign up for NaNoWriMo! Create a profile, set goals, and track your progress. There’s also a bunch of great resources on the NaNoWriMo website to help you succeed.

Tip 6: Connect with other writers

Once you have your NaNoWriMo account you can connect with others participating in the challenge, local and beyond! You can also find some writing buddies through social media using hashtags like #NaNoWriMo #Preptober #amwriting #writing #writingcommunity Connecting with other writers is a great way to keep up the excitement about your own book. There’s power in knowing you’re not alone and that others are struggling and succeeding right alongside you. I’d love to be your writing buddy! Find me on Instagram @vibrant.prose and NaNoWriMo @vibrantprose

Tip 7: Plan where and when you’ll write

While NaNoWriMo is a challenge to finish a novel, that doesn’t mean you need to secret yourself away for the entire month to do it. Pick a place and time where writing will be easiest for you. Whether that’s a consistent time and place like before work at your kitchen table, or a flexible plan to write while on your lunch break or the hour before bed, setting a time and place to write helps to get our brains in the right space to do the creative play that is writing a novel. And let’s face it, life always finds a way to muck up our best laid plans, so make back up plans accordingly! Spread out any “missed” word count goals throughout the rest of the challenge instead of taking them onto the next day. An extended weekend session, even by thirty minutes, could be a great way to keep on track. And carve out time to spend with friends and family around the Thanksgiving holiday.

There we have it! Go forth and prep writing peeps, I’ll see you in November!

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