Choosing an editor can be stressful.
Many people come to editors with a rough idea of the strengths and weaknesses in their writing, but when it comes to knowing exactly what level of editing they need, they just don’t know.
Every editor has their own description of services and what is included, here is my take on the three main editing services I provide – editorial assessments, developmental editing, and line editing.
It was pleasure to work with Griffin. I am the first time author. I consulted him for editorial assessment of manuscript. His insights and the quality of assessment was great. I loved his candidness to get best out of my writing. After I incorporate his suggestions, I will be working with him again to get my book ready to publish.
Purvi Shah
Editorial Assessment
The most valuable editorial intervention for authors—novice and professional alike—is an Editorial Assessment (aka Manuscript Critique) to evaluate the core elements of your story.
One of the biggest mistakes I see authors make is jumping into line editing and proofreading of manuscript drafts that still have room for developmental growth.
Don’t get me wrong—a book can be transformed in important ways during editing focused on language choices, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. But that kind of work is sophisticated, the fine-tuning of an instrument already producing beautiful music.
I will read through the entire manuscript and provide thoughtful, in-depth feedback concerning elements such as plot, characterization, structure, consistency, and style.
My feedback can lead to significant changes to your manuscript. The assessment will identify your book’s strengths and weaknesses, and help you devise a revision strategy that dramatically improves the execution of your idea.
Developmental editing
A developmental edit is a thorough and in-depth edit of your entire manuscript.
It is an examination of all the elements of your writing, from single words and the phrasing of individual sentences to overall structure and style. It usually addresses “bigger picture” issues, like plot holes or gaps, problematic characterization, pacing issues, head-hopping, etc.
One way to look at it is that it focuses on your story, rather than on your language or grammar.
I’ll go through your manuscript and point out these issues through comments in the sidebar. I’ll write an “edit letter” that will recap the issues and offer advice on how to solve them.
Like any part of the editing process, you need a thick skin, and this rings true with developmental edits.
You may have to do a major overhaul to your work, and if so, it’s worth considering how much time and effort you’re willing to do to make your story great.
If you come into the process with an open mind, you’ll find a lot more success than if you have decided your story is fine as is and doesn’t need that full review.
Line Editing
A line edit addresses the creative content, writing style, and language use at the sentence and paragraph level.
The purpose of a line edit is not to comb your manuscript for errors – rather, a line edit focuses on the way you use language to communicate your story to the reader.
Is your language clear, fluid, and pleasurable to read?
Does it convey a sense of atmosphere, emotion, and tone?
Do the words you’ve chosen convey a precise meaning, or are you using broad generalizations and clichés?
I will draw your attention to:
- Words or sentences that are extraneous or overused
- Run-on sentences
- Redundancies from repeating the same information in different ways
- Dialogue or paragraphs that can be tightened
- Scenes where the action is confusing or the author’s meaning is unclear due to bad transitions
- Tonal shifts and unnatural phrasing
- Passages that don’t read well due to bland language use
- Confusing narrative digressions
- Changes that can be made to improve the pacing of a passage
- Words or phrases that may clarify or enhance your meaning
After your manuscript has been line edited, your prose will be stronger throughout. Weak words, phrases, and sentences will be axed in favor of more powerful alternatives. Sometimes entire sentences will be restructured for improved clarity. In short, it will be the most efficient and accurate version of your book.
At this stage, your manuscript will need to be proofread.
I recommended that someone who hires a developmental/line editor also goes through the proofreading process before publishing. A proofreader can catch the tiny errors that an author or editor might miss in the line editing process.
Copyediting
A copyedit will fix any problems with PUGS (punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling). This edit also includes evaluating your word usage, eliminating jargon, and removing repetitious words.
This is your final step in the editing process. You need a copyedit directly before formatting your manuscript. After copyediting and accepting all final corrections, you can proceed with formatting your book before proofreading and publishing.
I’ll provide you with neutral and constructive criticism so that you can grow as a writer and improve any repetitive errors within basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Griffin completed the collaboration ahead of schedule. He is enthusiastic and has helped me see my own shortcomings clearer. I am encouraged to continue pursuing the craft after interacting and collaborating with Griffin.
Edgar Scott
Free Consultation
If you’re still not sure which editing service you need, I offer a free consultation and I’m happy to help you figure that out.
I’ll work with you to develop an editing plan. Let’s connect. Send me an email: griffinsmith74@gmail.com