Starting to write a novel is super exciting but also kind of scary, partly because writers, in general, go it alone – at least while they’re pounding away on their keyboards. While there are many stories of authors who stow away in cabins or hotel rooms and bang out their books, it’s not an overstatement to say that they are in fact using editors to read, comment, and support their work. And yet for some reason many new writers complete a first draft, pop it off to a proofreader, and forget entirely about the important editing process that published writers know so well.
Understanding the editing process may help to clarify when editing, whether self-editing or professional editing, is in order. Skimping on any part of this process could be a manuscript’s kiss of death in the highly competitive literary arena. Even if you plan to self-publish, an unedited manuscript may lead to poor reader reception – no one wants that.
So, let’s start by reviewing the five stages of editing.
Developmental Editing: Building Your Book’s Backbone
Imagine developmental editing as a deep dive into the core of your story. A developmental editor isn’t there to nitpick your grammar; they’re there to question your plot’s feasibility, the depth of your characters, and the effectiveness of your dialogue. They help you structure your narrative so that it’s not just good—it’s compelling.
The relationship between F. Scott Fitzgerald and his editor, Max Perkins, is a prime example of how this dynamic can work wonders. Perkins didn’t just correct Fitzgerald’s drafts; he challenged Fitzgerald to push his narrative to its fullest potential, which is a crucial step many first-time authors overlook.
Publishers, in general, do not engage in developmental editing as they once did. A publisher will not bring on a new writer just because they have a great idea. If that ever really happened, those days are long gone. Developmental editing can take place on day one as you’re outlining your story and writing pages.
Manuscript Assessment: A Review at 50,000 Feet
Think of manuscript assessment as getting a bird’s eye view of your work. It’s very similar to a developmental edit, however, as the name implies, it’s completed on a full manuscript. This evaluation pinpoints strengths and weaknesses, offering the writer a clear direction on what aspects of the novel need more attention. It’s a macro view of your story. If you’ve been working with a developmental editor since the start of your writing journey, you may not need a manuscript assessment. Conversely, a manuscript assessment could be done as a second opinion.
Line Editing: Where Your Style Shines
Susan P. Bell’s The Artful Edit emphasizes the importance of line editing in giving your manuscript its voice. This is where you refine the way you say what you’re saying. It’s about rhythm, impact, and ensuring that your language carries the emotional weight of your narrative. Good line editing helps avoid the dull prose that can make readers (and crucially, publishers) lose interest. There are professionals who are great at line editing and are worth their weight in gold. However, completing an in-depth self-edit prior to sending your story to a line editor will likely save on the cost.
Copy Editing: The Unsung Hero of Publishing
Here’s where the real polish comes into play. Copy editors are the meticulous detail-oriented folks who catch the mistakes everyone else misses. They ensure your manuscript adheres to grammatical standards, which is vital because even minor errors can distract discerning readers and make publishers think twice.
Proofreading: The Final Guard
The last line of defense before your manuscript goes out into the world is proofreading. Proofreading isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. This is your final check for typos, misplaced punctuation, and formatting errors. It’s about presenting a clean, professional manuscript that says you care about your work down to the last detail. Understand that not every typo will be caught. I’ve read plenty of traditionally published books with small typos or missing words. It just shows how tough it is to catch them all.
Why This Matters: The Competitive Edge
The literary world is brutal. Tons of manuscripts land on agents’ desks every day; you have seconds to stand out – 90 if you’re lucky. Don’t stand out for the wrong reason. Every stage of editing is an opportunity to enhance your manuscript’s appeal and show that you’re serious about your craft.
Many novice writers believe that writing their novel is a one-and-done deal. Skimping on these critical steps can lead to underdeveloped plots, flat characters, or a manuscript that feels unfinished or unprofessional. Your first draft is just the beginning. Agents and publishers are looking for polished, compelling stories that are ready to hit the shelves. They want to see that you’ve invested not just in writing a story, but in crafting something special.
Final Thoughts: It’s Worth the Effort
Think of each draft as a step towards your ultimate goal: a book that isn’t just published, but loved, recommended, and perhaps best of all, sold! Take the time to thoroughly process each stage of editing. Engage with your editors, listen to feedback from your beta readers, and always strive for a cleaner, more impactful manuscript.
Where do book coaches fit in? Book coaches engage writers up front. They generally perform developmental editing as well as manuscript assessments, working with writers as they develop their story structure, characters, and plot. You may find some who are also practiced at line or copy editing, though I think it’s rare to find all things editing in one person. Select this link to find editing services that match your need.
All of this to say, embrace the journey of editing with the same passion you put into writing. It’s not just about fixing a manuscript—it’s about fulfilling the potential of your story and your skills as a writer. Remember, even F. Scott Fitzgerald worked closely with editors like Max Perkins to sculpt their preliminary drafts into classic literature. Who is your Max Perkins?
Continue the conversation.
How has editing improved your writing project?