There are many types of editing services out there, but what exactly does each term mean, and how do you decide which one is right for your current manuscript? This article will explain the major differences between the different types of book editing, as well as during what stage of the writing process you should consider these editing services.
Manuscript Evaluation:
A Manuscript Evaluation is essentially an editor’s review and critique of your story that will probably be a couple pages in length. The editor might provide examples from the text to clarify certain points and offer suggestions, but they will not provide extensive notes throughout the entire novel document.
This can be done for an early draft if you want professional guidance early on, or if you have a fairly polished draft and wish to receive an overview critique, focusing on the big picture elements of your story, rather than a sentence-level polish.
A Manuscript Evaluation of an early draft can certainly lead to a full Developmental Edit if you appreciated the editor’s feedback and want to continue receiving their guidance for your additional drafts.
Developmental Edit:
The Developmental Edit will often cover multiple drafts of your manuscript as you consider the editor’s feedback, revise, and send the revised draft back to the editor. The editor will continue to work with you and offer guidance as needed.
This type of edit provides detailed notes throughout your manuscript, focusing on all the large-scale elements of the story, such as continuity, character development, etc, and even structural issues to help you develop your story to its fullest potential.
Line Edit (Or Copy Edit):
The Line Edit, sometimes referred to as the Copy Edit, should come after the Manuscript Evaluation or Developmental Edit. Your story should be as complete as you can possibly make it on your own. Your editor will focus on the sentences themselves to make everything as polished as possible. They may mention any major weaknesses in your story, but at this stage they are not there to re-construct the structure of your novel.
Proofreading:
Proofreading comes after the line-edit (or copy-edit). It is the final check to ensure that all of your grammar is perfect. This is the edit that will focus on spelling and punctuation errors, comma placement and so on.
While line editing will likely point out some of these errors, the focus of the line editing is the storytelling and flow of the novel and not the grammar itself.
Why can’t the line edit cover both?
It is very difficult to focus intensely on grammar and punctuation while at the same time immersing oneself in the language and flow of the story. They are two very different editing mindsets.
I hope this article provided some clarity on the different types of editing available to authors. I know when I first started researching the subject, all of the different terms seemed very confusing, and they sometimes seem to be used interchangeably!
Are you looking for a book editor without breaking the bank? My rates are currently over 50% less than the industry standard!
I hope you have a wonderful day, and remember to have fun and stay creative,
-Vanessa Marie
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