3 Kinds of Editors Writers Need to Know About

English teachers wielding red pens, crossing out typos and improper punctuation as they dash young writerly dreams—it’s the stuff of nightmares. For many writers, this was their first, and in some instances their only, encounter with the editorial process.

Fortunately, these slash-and-burn techniques have little to do with the actual art of editing. In fact, many writers I work with find collaboration with a thoughtful editor to be among the most satisfying, clarifying, and empowering elements of their writing process.   

In her book The Artful Edit, Susan Bell notes: “Editing is a conversation, not a monologue.” Let’s pause here and let those words sink in. They matter.

I would add that editing is a conversation with someone who cares about words as much as you do, who is invested in your story and wants to make certain your vision aligns with the content on the page.

The word editor is an umbrella term used to describe professionals offering a variety of services. Let’s look at the three types of editors that writers are likely to find most helpful.

Developmental Editors

Working with a developmental editor is often deeply satisfying in that it leads the author toward a variety of discoveries about their work. While this kind of editing is arguably the most helpful, it might also be the least understood.

Much like a book coach, a developmental editor reviews your manuscript through a wide-angle lens to:

• ask probing questions to help you crystalize your story’s structure scene-by-scene.
• analyze the clarity and impact of your book’s messaging.
• assess your book’s structure to ensure information delivered is optimally organized.
• identify issues with your book’s main themes and spotlight sections that may benefit from further development or streamlining.
• make sure that your work aligns with professional industry standards.

Hiring a developmental editor before you begin revisions is optimal.

Line Editor

While a developmental editor takes a wide-angle view, line editors home in on every line of your story to:

• read for tone, flow, and pacing.
• ensure that style and sentence structure are consistent.

Consider hiring a line editor once you feel like the big-picture issues of your book are in place.

Copyeditor

Whether your book is self-published or published traditionally, it will be reviewed by many sets of eyes. By the time your story reaches the hands of a copyeditor, you are nearing the end. A copyeditor:

• proofreads,
• fact-checks,
• and ensures proper grammar, syntax, and punctuation.

Copyediting is sometimes confused with proofreading. Copyedits come before the book is printed and are more numerous than proofreading edits, which come after the book is in print.

Manuscripts published traditionally are copyedited by someone at the publishing house. Those who self-publish should hire copyeditors to ensure a professional final product.

Tip: No two editors work exactly the same way. Sometimes the lines between different editorial services blur. To avoid disappointment, ask any prospective editor exactly what their services include.

Timeline

When it comes time to decide which service you need, think of your manuscript as an outfit you’re assembling for a big night out.  

• Developmental editing is like choosing what you’ll wear and making sure the fabric, colors, and cut of the outfit convey a specific style and functionality.
• Line editing is the equivalent of adding or removing a sparkling accessory.
• Copyediting is that last look in the mirror. Make sure everything it latched, buttoned, and zipped.  

With the finishing touches in place, you and your manuscript can hit the town!

For information about the editorial services I provide, reach out and schedule a free Discovery Call with me today.