What editing service do you need?

Editors come in many forms. I’m one of them. Most editors will offer more than one type of editing service. Those who need a specific type of editor will need to look in the right place. For example, if you’re looking for the last four I name below, let’s talk. If you need an indexer, check out the Editorial Freelancers Association to find qualified indexers, proofreaders, and more. You’ll find me there, too, but don’t try to hire me as an indexer. I won’t do it. You don’t want me to, either.

Most fiction authors need one of the following: proofreading, copyediting, line editing, developmental editing, and formatting. Some may know how to format their own books and others may only need a copy editor (and ideally a proofreader, too), but most authors will want some combination of the above.

This post will cover three types of editing. I’ll cover proofreading and formatting in a future post. Those are important, too. When you’re trying to figure out what type of editing you need for your book, learn what these services include.

Copyediting is one of the last lines of defense

Copyediting is the process of checking consistency and accuracy. This includes spelling, grammar, light formatting such as paragraph indentation, word usage, consistency issues, etc. If you noticed, I said “one of the last lines of defense.” Proofreading is the last line of defense, but copyediting must come before proofreading.

Your copy editor might rearrange a sentence or two if it doesn’t read well, but they won’t make note of character inconsistencies, dialogue, plot holes, or anything you’ll find in other forms of editing.

Here are a few things, which I pulled straight from my editing services list, that an editor might look for:

incorrect style
punctuation
capitalization
spelling
word choice
correct regional English usage
removing simple formatting errors
sentence readability
passive voice

I say might (if you caught that) because editors interpret the definition of copyediting differently. You will need to check their services page to see what they look for in detail. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s impractical to include everything we look for in one list, but you should have enough detail to know what to expect.

Line editing at the sentence level

Some call line editing content editing, and some consider content editing to be a more substantial form of editing. Again, you’ll have to read an editor’s services to understand what they offer in more detail.

Your editor will be looking at the style of your writing, consistency of language, and your voice, readability, unclear scenes, paragraphs or sentences that need to be tightened, and so much more. This is not where your plot and character arc are analyzed. This is where your story is reviewed for flow from one sentence and paragraph to the next and for clarity in reading.

Here are a few things an editor might look for, though you’ll still want to look at their page and definitely ask questions:

sentence structure
paragraph structure
clarity
digressions in narrative
vague descriptions
choppy or slow transitions
wordy paragraphs
overuse of words, descriptions, or details
unnatural/unclear dialogue
contradictions in scene and character presentation

If you have problems with any of these (like dialogue or character presentation), you might have a few plot holes or developmental issues that won’t be addressed here, so keep that in mind. Line editing allows the writer with a strong story to enhance their storytelling through conciseness, vivid and impactful scenes, and a consistent flow.

Developmental editing isn’t for the sensitive writer

When I started my editing business, I focused on copyediting, but after school and training, I began offering developmental editing to my clients. I learned quickly that not all authors who ask for it want developmental editing…not really.

Developmental editing is the deepest form of editing. Your editor will focus on the characters, plot, story arc, flow, dialogue, structure, organization, and so much more. This is an invaluable service, but you can’t go in expecting anything less than a lot of notes, a long editor report, and a heavy hand. Developmental editing is not meant to tear you down, but authors who need help digging up those rocks buried in their story will find great value in this service. The price tag is a bit large, but you get the opportunity to learn so much, and you will build a stronger story.

Here are some things included in most developmental editing services. This is mine so it doesn’t encompass all editors’ lists by any means:

organization of chapters and plot points
character authenticity
believability
plot consistency and structure
flow from one plot point to another
clarity of descriptions, dialogue, narrative, and action
plot holes
scene/character relevance
exposition, climax, and denouement
distractions or missing scenes
pacing

This list could go on. An editor will focus more on some bullets (whether listed or not) based on the manuscript’s needs. Don’t fear the notes. Don’t fear the questions. What you should fear is the unasked question.

Do not ask for copyediting or line editing first

If you want developmental editing, do not get your book copyedited first because it’s less expensive. You will be paying another copy editor after all those revisions.

A few things an editor might include with their developmental service are workshops or revisions e-books, discussions, or sessions. I include what I call a Red Pen Consultation, which is an in-depth discussion after my client receives their manuscript and reviews the edits and report. It allows the writers to ask questions, it allows both of us to clarify things, and it solidifies a partnership, I think.

Look at what your prospective editor offers. Ask questions if you need to.

Don’t take edits and critique as law

Any notes or edits you receive, whether from beta readers or from an editor, are not absolutes. You know your story better than anyone ever will, so consider all feedback and apply it where it’s necessary. Discuss it with your editor so you can hear their reasoning. Help them see it from your perspective, too. We’re editors, not mind readers. We’re good at our job, but we still need your help to do it.

In the end, you make the choice, but discussing it allows the editor to either understand that they have to respect your decision or it provides further reasoning for you so you can make a better decision.

Which editing service is right for you? After finishing your book, what do you find yourself struggling with most? All books at least need copyediting, so if you still aren’t sure what editing service is right for you, ask your prospective editor for a sample edit, and that will help you see what those services look like in action.