When you begin the search for an editor understand there is more to editing than proofreading. All editing types have their own description and title. Therefore, each type possesses a specific service that will benefit your manuscript, bringing it a few steps closer to publish ready. Now this does not mean to only attain the edit you believe you need, but to decipher which may benefit you more—this is especially important when it comes to your publishing route.

I believe every author should perform 2-3 self-edits on their manuscript before handing it off to an editor. This allows for the edit to not be as heavy as the edit that would proceed it. For example, if you hand your manuscript off to an editor they will read sections to determine whether or not your manuscript needs the editing service requested. (Here’s where your self-editing comes in). If you do not perform any self-edits prior to submitting your manuscript to your editor, they may let you know you do not need a line edit, but a developmental edit instead. Which they can either alter your quote to perform the developmental edit or they can refer you to a developmental editor, or you can perform a few more self-edits yourself before they take over.

An edit saves you from simple mistakes made due to the fact that authors are so close to their manuscript, it makes it easier to miss things—like a misspelled word. An accidental POV ( point of view) change, or even something as simple as a missing oxford comma. (I believe in the oxford comma. I will not argue about this.)

Nonetheless, editors are your friends through this journey. Whether you are indie or self-published, you always want to put your best foot forward.

Take a look at the following types of edits.

4 Types of Editing

1. Developmental Edit

Developmental editing provides detailed feedback on “big-picture” issues. provides. The report will point out plot holes within your story, develop character arcs, story structure, and more. If your not ready for a developmental edit consider an editorial assessment. An editorial assessment will identify primary story elements and explain why they are not currently working for the story. If you’re editor is nice they may provide additional resources.

2. Line Edit

A line edit is special as it listens to the author’s voice while still keeping the character’s voice intact. It analyzes your manuscript line-by-line to make sure comprehension, syntax, and consistency are present. For instance, if your story takes place in an era in the future and has a unique way of speaking, a line editor will make sure the unique dialect is comprehensible for the reader, while staying true to the culture of the characters.

3. Copyedit

Now that your story is rid of all the clunky vocabulary, punctuation and grammar are considered.

There is nothing like being caught off guard by something that you know needs a comma or an em dash to really project the meaning of the statement. A copy edit will ensure the fluidity of your line will not be disrupted by the confusion of when a line starts and stops. Sometimes copyediting is coupled with fact checking. This usually comes into play when writing nonfiction and some historical fiction books as well.

Though, new information is stating fact checking is not the responsibility of the copy editor so double check with your editor on if they provide this service along with the copyedit.

4. Proofreading

And finally proofreading. If you’ve made it his far throughout your editing journey prepare for celebration because you are closer to the finish line. A proofread is the last step of editing, catching any errors that may have been overlooked during the copyediting phase. Maybe even a line that still doesn’t make sense and slipped through the line editing phase. Nonetheless, a proofread has your back to give your manuscript its last polish.

Receiving a developmental edit, line edit, cop edit, or proofread will mean your manuscript will be at its best, that your message will be relayed accordingly, that the story remains true to you, and there are no hiccups along the way. Keep in mind these are not the only types of edits a manuscript can receive. There are a few others, but I just wanted to help you dip your toes in before diving headfirst. Curious on how to go about finding an editor?

Check out my blog post on how to search for an editor.