Editing for Impact: Get the Most Out of Your Manuscript

Developmental Editing

This big-picture approach looks at your manuscript as a whole, at plot, character, and pace. For fiction, a developmental editor helps refine the story arc. For nonfiction, they assess the overall structure and organization.

Line Editing

Beyond surface-level corrections, line editors get into the nitty gritty of your writing. They look at word choice, sentence structure, and flow to improve your prose while keeping your voice.

Copyediting

While developmental and line editors look at the big picture and the details, copy editors focus on the in-between. They review your manuscript, correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Proofreading

The final check, proofreading, catches any remaining formatting issues, typos, or inconsistencies before your book goes to print or digital publication.

How Much Editing Do You Need?

The amount of editing your manuscript needs depends on your publishing path and your writing skills/practices.

For self-published authors, the onus is on you to supply a professionally edited manuscript, so you’ll likely need to invest in developmental, line, and copyediting. Traditional publishers may provide in-house copyediting and proofreading, but you should still consider developmental editing before submission.

Your writing strengths and revision process also affect your editing needs. If grammar and mechanics aren’t your thing, upfront copyediting can give you a competitive edge. If your manuscript has been heavily workshopped, you may need less developmental attention.

When to Invest in Editing

Regardless of your publishing path, editing is an investment. Get it right early – before your book hits the market – and your readers will focus on your story, not the errors. With the right team behind you, you can take your manuscript to a new level of shine and professionalism.