Editing

Editing your writing is an essential part of the publishing process. Although the task may seem overwhelming, it can be divided into four main phases. 

1) Developmental Editing

• looking at the greater picture
• putting ideas together, creating a detailed outline, and forming them into a book
• focusing on organization, pacing, characters, point of view, plot, and theme

2) Content Editing

• looking at sections, chapters, and paragraphs
• evaluating the construction of ideas, the narrative, tone, and voice
• focusing on structure, presentation, flow, and completeness 

3) Copyediting

• looking at sentences and words
• ensuring the style guide is followed, typically The Chicago Manual of Style
• focusing on syntax, word choice, grammar, spelling, punctuation  

4) Proofreading

• looking at the final book proof
• reviewing typos, page numbering, heading consistency, line and page breaks
• focusing on typography, layout, and formatting

Working through these editing phases with a professional is incredibly important and will ensure readers can truly enjoy your book.

Ready to share your manuscript and start the editing process? Submit your work HERE.