So you’ve written a book. Congratulations! That is no small feat. Now, you probably want to get it published—but first, you should consider hiring a book editor.
Many people think that editors just catch typos and grammatical errors. While that is true for proofreading, that’s far from the only type of editing—and it’s likely not all that your book needs.
Every manuscript is different, and every author is different, but an editor’s purpose remains the same: to turn your manuscript into a polished, finished product that is ready for self-publishing or querying (for those seeking traditional publishing).
Types of Editing
An editor will help you evaluate your manuscript to determine what type of editing you need. There are four main types of editing, and their focuses range from the big picture to the tiny, little details.
Developmental editing
Developmental editors look at your manuscript on a large scale. This is the most in-depth—and therefore, the most expensive—type of editing. Not all books require developmental editing, but many do.
For fiction, your editor will critique the plot, characters, and other broad aspects of your story. For nonfiction, they’ll look at your content and message. In either genre, they’ll critique your overall structure, organization, flow, and writing style, while providing suggestions for rewriting and revision.
You can work with a developmental editor after you’ve already completed your manuscript or while your manuscript is in progress. Many writers opt to work with a developmental editor during the writing process to receive real-time feedback and guidance.
A manuscript evaluation is a lower-cost alternative to a developmental edit. It provides a much shorter report than a developmental edit but is a good starting point, especially for first-time authors on a tight budget.
Line editing
Line editing is the next step down. This is where a vast percentage of manuscripts should enter the editing process. While not as broad as developmental editing, line editing goes far beyond just fixing grammatical errors.
A line editor will make your content more effective and readable. They’ll ensure your writing maintains a consistent and distinct voice—your voice. Line editing is where you can most noticeably see your manuscript transform from a rough draft to a final draft.
Copy editing
Copy editors correct typos, grammar, punctuation, misspelled words, unintentional repetition, and style inconsistencies. For example, they’ll check whether a certain word is capitalized or hyphenated throughout text.
While a copy editor will do some light rewriting to correct errors, improving flow is not their focus. Even if something sounds “off,” they will not change it if it’s not technically incorrect.
Proofreading
Proofreading is by far the least expensive form of editing. It involves an examination of the text on a mechanical level. A proofreader will check for spelling, typos, punctuation errors, and consistent formatting. They do not provide any creative input and focus solely on errors.
Most manuscripts are not ready to jump straight to proofreading. Your book may be ready for proofreading if it’s gone through a round of higher-level editing with a professional editor. (Or if you are an experienced writer who has done several rounds of editing yourself.)
Why hire a book editor?
Now that you know what a book editor does, you may still be trying to decide if you need one.
Consider your goals for your book. Are you planning to self-publish, or are you seeking traditional publication?
If you’re planning to self-publish, keep in mind that while this route provides a quick and easy way to get your book out there, it does not ensure that your book will actually sell. For your book to sell, you’ll need two things: 1) marketing, and 2) a great book—and it’s very difficult to have a great book if you skip the editing stage. Even if you edit it yourself, nothing compares to a fresh set of eyes, especially the eyes of an expert editor.
If you’re hoping to have your book picked up by a traditional publisher, you will need to start sending query letters to literary agents along with your manuscript. If your book gets picked up by a major publishing house, typically, they’ll edit and market it at no cost to you—sounds great, right? Unfortunately, getting a literary agent to even read your full manuscript is unlikely for most new authors, especially if you’re sending out an unpolished draft. An editor can help ensure that your book is the best it can be before you start sending it out, dramatically increasing your odds of success.
How do I find a book editor?
If you’re reading this, you’re in luck: Aha! Editorial offers a wide range of editing services, all personalized to meet you wherever you are in your writing project.
Whether you’re ready to get started or still on the fence, we’d love to talk to you about how we can support you. Click here to book a complimentary consultation!
Owner of Aha! Editorial
Let’s talk about your writing project: https://calendly.com/ashlyn-ahaeditorial
