How to Choose the Right Level of Editing for Your Novel
- Hayley Rushbrook
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 16
One of the biggest mistakes I see as a fiction editor is when an author requests the wrong editing service. Often, they ask for a proofread when a more in-depth edit is needed.
And that’s perfectly fine! I understand it can be tricky to determine which service you actually require. This is especially true for debut authors who may not have reached out to an editor before and are unfamiliar with the process.
There is no specific number of drafts you should write before seeking an editor. It's about quality, not quantity. As long as you've polished it as much as you can, it's time to hire help. However, that also means being open to the possibility that your work requires more intervention than you may think.
This post is mainly aimed at self-publishers looking to get their novel professionally edited so it's ready for publication. However, authors looking to query with agents may also find value in the benefits of a 10,000-word agent teaser.
What is Book Editing?
Book editing is a highly skilled process that involves a structured approach to reviewing and refining a raw manuscript. It starts with big-picture fixes that address plot, character, and emotional issues. Each level of editing requires different skills and knowledge to hone the story further until you reach the final proofread. This last stage catches any 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: This focuses on big-picture issues, such as character development and story arc. While I don't offer developmental editing, I do provide manuscript evaluations. These evaluations are less invasive and much more cost-effective, offering guidance on what works in your manuscript and where improvements are needed.
Line Editing: This improves sentence structure, pacing, and logical flow.
Copyediting: This is more technical and enhances clarity and consistency while addressing spelling, punctuation, and grammar issues. Having worked on many books, I find that line and copyediting often overlap. That's why I combined line and copyediting into one service, providing you with more value for your investment.
Proofreading: This is the final stage of the editing process and deals only with definitive errors. It is typically performed 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 major changes. Proofreading is the last chance your manuscript will have expert eyes on it, and any changes at this stage could introduce new errors.
Every editor may have slightly different interpretations of these terms and what they cover. Always check with each editor to ensure their services align with your needs.
How to Choose the Right Level of Editing for Your Novel
First, you need to assess where you are with your manuscript.
Have you just typed 'the end'?
Have you sought feedback from beta readers or writers' groups?
Have you gone through rounds of editing and now want the final polish before publication?
Let’s tackle that first question.
If you’ve just typed 'the end', your manuscript is NOT ready for an editor. Every manuscript needs self-editing before sending it off to a professional. Drafts are called drafts for a reason. Each time you revise, you shape your story into its final version. Check out my free downloadable guide to self-editing to assist you with this process.
In an ideal world, you’d reach out to editors for every step of the process to ensure your book is the best it can be. However, self-publishers often have limited budgets and struggle to afford all levels of editing.
This means you must be savvy about where to spend your hard-earned money. Understanding where each editor fits into the process is crucial.
Example Editing Process for a Self-Publishing Author
Here’s just one way a self-publishing author might navigate editing:
Step 1 – Step away from your novel for a few weeks to let it rest. This allows you to return with fresh eyes.
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 for another round of feedback to see if you’ve addressed their initial concerns.
Step 6 – Revise again with your latest feedback.
Step 7 – Seek a manuscript evaluation for professional guidance on what’s working and what needs improvement.
Step 8 – Revise your novel based on the editorial feedback.
Step 9 – Hire a line/copyeditor to enhance flow, clarity, and consistency.
Step 10 – Review track changes and adjust your novel according to the editor's suggestions.
Step 11 – After formatting your novel, hire a proofreader to catch any remaining or newly introduced errors.
In this example, by using beta readers and critique partners, you can replace developmental editing with a more cost-effective manuscript evaluation. By opting for a combined line and copyediting service, you get more value for your money.
For an author of an 80,000-word novel looking to work with me, the expected cost would range between £2,595 and £3,075. Developmental editing alone can be in this price range, so it’s worth considering your options.
However, this example may not reflect every author’s situation. True developmental editing, despite its higher price, is considerably more in-depth and most definitely worth investing in if this is an area you struggle 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 your 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 struggle 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 satisfied with what they offer and that it meets 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
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