How to Choose the Right Level of Editing for Your Novel
- Hayley Rushbrook
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
One of the biggest mistakes I see as a fiction editor is an author asking for an incorrect editing service. Often, they request a proofread when a more in-depth edit is required.
And that's OK. I know it can be tricky determining which service you need. This is especially troublesome for debut authors who haven't reached out to an editor before and are not fully aware of the process.
This post is mainly aimed at self-publishers looking to get their novel professionally edited so it's ready for publication, though authors looking to query with agents may be interested in the benefits of a 10,000-word agent teaser.
What is Book Editing?
Book editing is a highly qualified skill that takes a structured approach to reviewing and refining a raw manuscript. Starting with big-picture fixes that resolve plot, character and emotional issues, each level after requires a different skill and knowledge base to hone the story further until you reach a final proofread, which catches the last few remaining errors before your book goes to print.
What are the Different Levels of Editing?
There are four main types of editing in publishing.
Developmental editing deals with big-picture issues, such as character development and story arc. Although I don't offer developmental editing, I do provide manuscript evaluations. These are less invasive and much more cost-effective when working within a budget, offering guidance on what's working in your manuscript and where you need to improve.
Line editing improves sentence structure, pacing and logical flow.
Copyediting is more technical and improves clarity and consistency, whilst picking up on spelling, punctuation and grammar issues. Having worked on many books, I find it's rare to work on a manuscript where line and copyediting don't overlap. This is why I combined line and copyediting into one service, so you get more bang for your buck.
Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process and deals with ONLY definitive errors. It is most often carried out on a typeset manuscript and includes catching slips such as spelling mistakes, typos, punctuation errors, capitalisation confusion and inconsistent formatting. This is NOT the time to make any major changes to the manuscript. Proofreading is the last time your manuscript will have expert eyes on it, and any changes at this stage could introduce errors back into the manuscript.
Every editor will have slightly different variations of what each term means and what they'll cover. Be sure to check with each editor you reach out to that their service provides what you need.
How to Choose the Right Level of Editing for Your Novel
First, you need to understand where you are with your manuscript.
Have you only just typed 'the end'?
Have you sought beta readers and outside critique from writers' groups, perhaps?
Have you already been through rounds of editing and now want the final polish before you publish?
Let's just deal with that first question, shall we?
If you've just typed 'the end', your manuscript is NOT ready for an editor. Every manuscript needs to be self-edited before you send it off to a professional. Drafts are called drafts for a reason, and every time you revise your draft, you'll be shaping your story into the final version it will be. Check out my free downloadable guide to self-editing to help you with this.
Now, in an ideal world, you'll be reaching out to editors for every step of the process so your book can be the best it can possibly be. But self-publishers rarely have the budget to source all levels.
This means you have to be savvy about where you spend your hard-earned money, and why it's so crucial you understand where each editor fits into the process.
Let's look at an example editing process for a self-publishing author:
Step 1 – Step away from your novel for a few weeks to let it rest. This allows you to come back to it with a little subjectivity
Step 2 – Revise the first draft of your novel
Step 3 – Reach out to beta readers for feedback and critique
Step 4 – Revise your novel based on beta feedback
Step 5 – Ask beta readers to do a further round of feedback/critique to see if you've fixed their initial reader reactions
Step 6 – Seek a manuscript evaluation for professional targeted guidance on what's working and what needs improving
Step 7 – Revise your novel based on the editorial feedback
Step 8 – Hire a line/copyeditor to improve flow, clarity and consistency
Step 9 – Review track changes and incorporate/adjust your novel according to the editor's suggestions
Step 10 – After formatting your novel (i.e. visually structuring it how it will appear in the published format), hire a proofreader to catch any remaining or introduced errors
In this example, by using beta readers and critique partners, you can swap developmental editing for a more cost-effective manuscript evaluation, and by using a combined line and copyediting service, you get more for your money.
In this example, an author of an 80,000-word novel looking to work with me would expect to pay between £2,595 and £3,075. Developmental editing alone can cost in this region, so it's worth considering.
However, this example is not reflective of every author, and true developmental editing, despite its higher price, is considerably more in-depth and worth investing in if this is an area you are particularly struggling with.
How to Maximise Your Editing Experience
Working with an editor is a collaborative process. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of the experience:
Be open to feedback. It’s not always easy to hear critiques, but remember, your editor is on your side, helping you create your best work.
Ask questions. If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask for examples or explanations.
Set clear goals. Share your vision for the book and what you hope to achieve with the edit.
Take your time. Don’t rush the process. Good editing takes time and reflection.
Use the feedback to grow. Editing is a learning opportunity. Embrace it to improve your writing skills.
If you’re ready to take the next step and looking for personalised support tailored to your genre and goals, tell me more about your book.
Wrapping Up
Understanding where you are in the process and what you are struggling with most will help you determine which editing service you need.
Don't assume every editor provides the same service under the same name. Always check that you are happy that what they offer fulfils your needs.
Be savvy about how and where you spend your publishing budget and be realistic about your expectations.
Looking for an editor to support you on your self-publishing journey?
Hayley Rushbrook is a respectful, human fiction line and copyeditor and proofreader specialising in mystery, crime and thriller, romance and general fiction, children's, middle grade and YA.
She gives your hard work the careful attention it deserves, so it is remembered for all the right reasons.
Connect: LinkedIn
Discover more Author Resources
Comments