When you’re writing a novel, there’s always a question of how many times you should revise the manuscript. While there isn’t an exact number, all writers must come to a point where they’re comfortable, if not completely satisfied (because what writer is ever completely satisfied?) with their stories. Quality editing can help a writer to make a book achieve its full potential.
There are three basic types of editing, which have distinct purpose in the writing process. A story that undergoes all three edits has the best chance of being revised into a form that is fit for publication. Some writers prefer to do their own edits, although most authors who are earning income at their craft understand the benefits of professional editing.
Line editing addresses each individual sentence in your manuscript
When a writer thinks of editing a manuscript, it’s usually line edits that come to mind. This is a meticulous process, where an editor carefully reads each and every sentence in a story, one at a time. It is the most tedious type of editing. During a line edit, the editor is carefully analyzing word choice, syntax and sentence meaning.
A line editor is also considering the structure, flow and general pace of a story. If you have been redundant or there are better word choice options for a particular sentence, it can be addressed during this process.
Copy editing is slightly different from line editing
You’d be surprised at how many authors submit manuscripts for consideration without having a professional copy edit done first. This is the process that thoroughly reviews grammar and punctuation in a manuscript, as well as other things. Many writers assume that they have a strong grasp on spelling, sentence punctuation and grammatical form.
However, many manuscript reviewers can tell you horror stories about submissions they have received, which contain so many errors that the writing is barely readable. A copy editor will also make sure the overall language and structure of a novel sets the tone for easy reading. If a writer is using a particular style guide, a copy editor can help spot inconsistencies or errors in this area, as well.
Developmental editing helps your characters achieve their full potentials
As opposed to a line or copy edit, the developmental editor is looking at ”the big picture” in your manuscript. With sentence structure, syntax, spelling and grammar out of the way, a developmental editor makes recommendations to an author about character and plot development, as well as settings and other integral components of a novel.
A developmental editor also ensures that there is nothing in a manuscript that is offensive, according to accepted social norms of the time. For example, if a piece contains content that is racist or discriminatory to a particular group of people, a developmental editor can bring the issue to the writer’s attention.
The benefits of editing
An experienced editor will not only alert a writer to grammar or punctuation errors but will also provide insight and comments on the best parts of a story. Noting strengths is a valuable part of the editing process because it encourages an author and helps him or her better recognize where there may be room for improvement in other parts of the story.
