Choosing a book editor can be stressful.
The sad truth is that there’s nothing that kills sales and reviews more than poor spelling, grammar, and book structure.
What are the different types of editing?
Why does developmental editing cost so much more than proofreading?
This is a second time working with Griffin and GS design. I was impressed as much the first time. Professional editing and proofreading took my story to the next level. I highly recommend his service.
Arthur Reed
Different Types of Book Editing
It seems simple, there are editors who edit books, right?
Editors, authors, and even professional organizations for editors use different terms to define what editors do. When it’s time for you to connect with a manuscript editor, you absolutely must clarify what is and what is not included in their service.
Here is a rundown of the three types of the most common professional editing.
Developmental editing
Also called structural or content – this type of editing looks at the book’s big picture and overall structure in nonfiction or plot and characters in fiction.
Developmental editing will assess a book idea, outline, or early draft to tell authors what works and what could be better. The big picture questions need to be answered first before an editor ensures your words are polished and used correctly.
Line editing
Also known as copyediting, substantive or stylistic – this type of editing goes through each line refining the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences and smooth-transitioning paragraphs.
This helps the book “sound good” by polishing the language used to communicate your story.
Line editing corrects grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. And also includes correcting commonly confused words (e.g., affect and effect) as well as checking for internal consistency of facts and consistency with capitalization, hyphenation, and numerals.
Proofreading
A final check before publication to find missed typos, missing words, repeated words, spacing and formatting consistency. Proofreading should be the very last level of editing.
Griffin delivered a thoroughly reviewed and edited book within days. The final product was excellent. He provided constructive and kind feedback. I will definitely work with him again. Thank you!
April Evans
Free Consultation
If you’re still not sure which editing service you need, we offer a free consultation and we’re happy to help you figure that out.
Please ask as many questions as you like, we’re happy to answer them.
Please fill out the form below or send me an email at griffinsmith74@gmail.com