Types of Book Editing: The Ultimate Guide

Book editing isn’t as simple as it seems. Adding some period, running a spell check, and deleting a few commas does not mean editing. A book editor works, learns, and gets trained for years before they finally learn how to help the author deliver the purpose in an effective and affecting manner.

But for clients looking to get their book edited, it might get a little overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure about which type of book editor you need. Many writers and clients get confused about the types of book editing. So, we’re going to break it down for you. Here are a few most commonly used editing tactics:

1. Copy Editing

A copy editor will run a text editing on your work. This means he will make sure the grammar is correct, including the usages and consistency issues. The copy editor might edit or leave a comment on the manuscript related to the errors he finds. Our copy editor will eliminate any typos, run a spelling check, take care of grammar and syntax errors.

2. Proofreading

Proofreading is one of the commonly hire book editors. Proofreading comes at the very end of the publication cycle, which naturally means that there is no space for correcting grammar, eliminating paragraphs, or make structural changes—proofreading links to formatting. For instance, there is a specific format that needs to be followed for eBooks. Our proofreader will look after the format, correct a few typos here and there, look out for word splits at the end of the line and ensure the manuscript fits the respective format and you get the best version of your books!

Remember: Correcting the redundancy, flow of the ideas, any transition elements, tone, and style of the manuscript is not the proofreader’s job. It falls under Line Editing. Our Line editors are highly professional and ready to give your manuscript the sprinkle of finer aspects of language. Get in touch with us now to get a free quote!

3. Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is an in-depth and thorough review of the entire manuscript. A developmental book editor will examine all parts of your writing, including individual words and overall sentences to enhance the size and structure of the book. In fiction, this type of editing also looks after issues related to characterization, plot, story structure, pacing, and timeline.

Developmental editing is the first step to edit your book. It runs chapter by chapter and after every few drafts. Then comes copy editing. Copy editing, as well as the line editing are done when you get satisfied with the final results of the book. Finally, the last step to editing is Proofreading. Proofreading comes at the very end of the final formatting of the book.

If you’re looking for any of the above book editors for hire to enhance your manuscript, then don’t hesitate and give us a call to hire one of the best book editors for your project!