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!
Vibrant Editing 