The 5 Types of Fiction Manuscript Editing

So, you’ve written a story, that’s the hard part done, right? 

Well, yes and no. 

Firstly, congratulations, you’ve achieved a goal many set out to do but never accomplish. Secondly, brace yourself for the world of Manuscript Editing. 

When I finished my first story, I thought a quick once over by me, a friend and maybe a professional (if I wanted to be fancy) was all that editing entailed, but as we all know from a quick internet search, that’s not right. The overwhelm at seeing so many different types of editing listed, and everyone saying different types were more important than others, made me want to avoid the process altogether. 

It was a lot. And still is, especially for new writers finding their feet. 

But through training, courses and experience, I simplify fiction manuscript editing into these main types.

  

1 – Developmental Editing 

What? 

A Developmental Edit (or Manuscript Evaluation) looks at the big picture of a story and makes sure everything fits together. 

A Developmental Editor will look at such elements as plot and character development, themes, dialogue and narrative style. Often, you won’t get feedback on every area, instead, the editor will be looking for the weaknesses in your manuscript an provide advice on how to improve.  

The aim is to bring clarity and depth to your story with a goal of improvement not perfection.  

  

When? 

Often the first type of editing a writer will approach a professional editor for, a Developmental Edit is completed during the early drafts of a manuscript. 

However, a common mistake I see is for writers to send in their first draft at this stage. If they do that I will politely suggest editing your own writing first before moving on to this first edit. Doing so will strip away the easy, surface level feedback you could’ve already fixed, so you can make full use of your editor’s expertise and get to the core issues of your manuscript. 

A Developmental Edit secures your story and structure, to ready your manuscript for the next type; A Line Edit. 

  

2 – Line Editing

What? 

This is a look at the style and flow of your story on a paragraph and sentence level. 

There’s a rhythm to writing that emphasises the plot and improves emotional readability and this edit is all about bringing out that rhythm. They might suggest swapping paragraphs around, moving sentences, changing wording in areas. 

It’s a critical moment of balance to improve flow without losing your unique voice. 

 

When? 

Completed after a Developmental Edit, a Line Edit takes place once you’ve cemented your structure but before looking at the nitty gritty mechanical corrections of a Copy Edit 

  

3 – Copy Editing

What? 

This is the mechanical look at sentences and words, that makes your story an easy pleasure to read.  

There’s nothing worse than being yanked out of a story by awkward sentences or tripping over multiple spelling mistakes. In the worst case, it can put a reader off continuing the book. 

A Copy Edit improves readability by looking at consistency and technical accuracy and correctness via spelling, grammar and punctuation checks.

  

When? 

Completed after a Line Edit, a Copy Edit takes you a step towards publication ready. Once done, and you are happy with the manuscript, you’ll be looking at formatting the manuscript for publishing. 

  

4 – Proofreading 

What? 

Probably the most common type of editing that people know, but not necessarily understands, is Proofreading.  

I have been asked to Proofread a first draft and a partial manuscript before, which isn’t the right moment for this edit. However, because the word has almost become synonymous with editing, many new writer’s think it’s where they should go first, but it’s actually an entire type on its own and has a key time within the process. 

This editing is the last line of defence before publication. It looks at formatting issues, inconsistencies in the story, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and overall readability. This sounds like an amalgamation of all the previous types, but consider it one final check. Like a restaurant manager’s checklist before opening for service. She might straighten a tablecloth or check the menu but those are other people’s responsibilities she is simply double checking. 

A note here; if there are many issues with either the story or the writing, a proof-reader will likely recommend returning to an earlier stage of editing. 

  

When? 

Just before the book is ready to be published. Once completed, and you are happy, this editing will provide you with your final manuscript. 

  

5 – A Self-Edit

What? 

After the last type, I bet you were wondering what else there could be, but this type of editing is the most important. 

It’s your editing. 

The name is pretty self-explanatory but the when is key. 

  

When? 

You should be editing your book throughout the entire editing process – and even beforehand with high focus on your first few drafts before looking for a professional. 

No, I don’t mean constantly being on your laptop changing the same sentence 15 times. That’s a bad state to get yourself in and I’d recommend walking away from your writing for a few days in that case. 

I mean; whichever editing type you are undergoing, the responsibility to make changes stays with you. The author. A Developmental Edit could provide you a 10-page report of advice on your plot, or a Copy Edit could leave 100s of suggested changes to your words, but it’s down to you to decide which feedback you want to take on and which changes to make. 

Self-Editing is a constant process and being aware of it actually improves your writing craft. If you want to learn more, follow to read my upcoming my blog about how to Self-Edit. 

  

So where does that leave you?

Hopefully, this has given you an insight into a process you were unfamiliar with before, and explained which editing type you should be looking at, depending on where you are in your writing journey. 

• In the early stages, look at a Developmental Edit to hone your plot and strengthen your story to satisfy your readers. 

• If your plot and structure are strong, look at Line Editing to make your sentences flow for an enjoyable read. 

• Ready to polish, look at Copy Editing to tidy your words for good technical readability. 

• Ready for publishing, use a Proofread as the last check. 

• And, of course, our continual Self-Editing. 

Sometimes timelines or budget can get in the way of getting the correct editing for your story, a topic I have plenty of advice on and will be sharing in an upcoming post – so follow along with my Substack to stay in the loop. 

If you have any further questions on the Editing Types, leave a comment or Get in touch for a chat. 

But remember, if you’ve finished your first draft, you’ve already done the hardest part of writing a story. A bit more work and you’ll have the final published book in your hands.