Different types of Editing
How to distinguish between them
Developmental Editing
Book level
Developmental Editing considers the big picture of the book. We look at:
Structure
Point and Purpose
Narrative drive and flow
Internal logic
Developmental edits can also be called Manuscript Assessments, or Structural Editing.
If you know you want to find a traditional publisher for your nonfiction work, you will want to start by concentrating on securing a publisher’s contract based on a ‘book proposal‘ before writing the actual book. I love to help writers with their book proposals.
If you are self-publishing (half of my clients are) and you have started writing your book and feel stuck, or want a second pair of eyes on it, then you need a developmental edit. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Line Editing
Paragraph level
In Line Editing, we begin to get more granular. We look at:
Style
Word choice
Tone
Line edits are performed on all types of writing.
Not as granular as copyediting or proofreading (although your attention will be drawn when typos are spotted), the main objective of line editing is to ensure that the right style, words and tone are being used for the piece in question.
If you feel anxious about your ability to say what you want to say in the best way you can, then a line edit will be the best edit, to start with, for your book.
I am trained to be able to pick up your style and enhance it so that it becomes the best version of itself.
Copyediting
Sentence level
In Copyediting, we get even more granular. We look at:
Grammar
Punctuation
Mechanics
Copyedits are performed on all types of writing. When I do them, I will always also correct any typos I see (although the final stage of editing, Proofreading, is where typo correction is done thoroughly.)
There are different ‘style guides’ appropriate to the type of writing and the important thing is to choose one and to stick to it – consistency is essential. If you choose me as your Editor, we will talk about any changes you would like to make to your own Style Guide to reflect your own preferences.
Always get your manuscript edited before you self publish so that you maintain a high reputation for quality with your readers.
Always hire an editor before you send your manuscript, or a nonfiction book proposal, to an agent or publisher’s Acquiring Editor. You want to avoid their being distracted while they are making up their mind whether to buy your book, or book idea.
Indexing
Navigability
A good index respects your reader’s time. It helps them find what they need, return to key sections, and use your book as a working tool, not just a one-time read.
Indexing is especially important in nonfiction books that are practical, professional, or academic. Readers may not read in a linear way. They’re often searching for specific topics, examples, or references. A well-made index allows them to do that quickly and with confidence.
Indexing is not just about listing terms. It involves careful judgement: what to include, how to phrase entries, and how to organise them in a way that reflects the structure and logic of the book.
If your book would benefit from an index, I can take care of it for you. I provide this service alongside editing for nonfiction writers, particularly those publishing in fields like law, finance, education, and healthcare. An index will make sure your book is both readable and navigable.
Are you sitting on the fence about whether to invest in getting your work edited?
If you think I may be able to help you, then let’s talk, so you can tell me about your book and what you need. Everything you tell me I’ll hold in strict confidence. You can ask questions about what editing might look like for you and I can outline your best next steps.