Editing is an essential part of the writing process, transforming a rough draft into a polished piece ready for readers. But with various types of editing available, it can be confusing for writers to know when to seek professional help. Remember, not every editor offers the same services! Even if they offer everything, you may not want (or be able to afford) every phase.

Here’s a breakdown of the different editing stages—developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading—along with guidance on when to hire each service.

Developmental Editing

What It Is:
Developmental editing focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript. This includes plot structure, character development, pacing, and overall coherence. A developmental editor helps you shape your story and ensure that your ideas are effectively communicated.

When to Hire:
This is typically the first stage of editing, and it’s best to hire a developmental editor after completing your first draft. If you feel stuck or unsure about the direction of your story, a developmental editor can provide invaluable feedback and guidance.

Key Considerations:
- Feedback on structure: Are your plot points compelling? Are they in an order that makes sense?
- Character arcs: Do your characters evolve? Do their motives and actions align? Do their roles make sense? Do they enhance the overall themes?
- Pacing issues: Does your story drag in places? Does it move too quickly? Should you spend more time on a particular scene?

Line Editing

What It Is:
Line editing hones in on the writing itself. This process focuses on clarity, style, and flow. A line editor examines each sentence, ensuring that your prose is engaging, concise, and consistent. They’ll help you refine your voice and improve readability.

When to Hire:
Once you’ve addressed the developmental feedback and are satisfied with the overall structure and flow of your manuscript, it’s time to consider line editing. Hire a line editor after making major revisions based on developmental suggestions but before polishing your work. You don’t want to spend a ton of time tweaking things that will end up being rewritten during this phase.

Key Considerations:
- Sentence structure: Are your sentences varied and fluid? Are you using the length to convey tension, suspense, and action appropriately?
- Word choice: Is your language precise and evocative? Is there a better way to say something? Are you picking appropriate vocabulary for your target audience?
- Consistency in tone: Does your voice remain steady throughout? Are you catering to the genre’s expected tone?

Copyediting

What It Is:
Copyediting is the process of correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. A copy editor ensures your manuscript adheres to specific style guidelines (like APA, MLA, or Chicago) and checks for consistency in elements like character names and timelines.

When to Hire:
Once your manuscript has gone through developmental and line edits, it’s time for copyediting. Hire a copy editor after your manuscript is nearly final, ensuring that all major content and stylistic decisions are complete.

Key Considerations:
- Grammar and punctuation: Are there any lingering errors?
- Formatting: Does your manuscript adhere to your chosen style guide? [NOTE: This is not formatting bibliographies, appendices, margins, headers, footers, etc. Some copyeditors will also do that, but talk to them first about what their formatting entails beyond a style guide.]
- Consistency: Are character names, places, and timelines consistent throughout?

Proofreading

What It Is:
Proofreading is the final step in the editing process. It involves a meticulous review of your manuscript to catch any remaining typos, errors, or formatting issues. A proofreader ensures your work is polished and ready for publication.

When to Hire:
After copyediting is complete, hire a proofreader just before publication. This is your last chance to catch any mistakes that could detract from the reader's experience.

Key Considerations:
- Final errors: Are there any typographical or grammatical mistakes?
- Formatting issues: Is your layout clean and professional?
- Readability: Does your work flow smoothly as a finished piece?

Conclusion
Understanding the different types of editing and knowing when to seek professional help can make a significant difference in your writing journey. By following this editing hierarchy—developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading—you’ll ensure that your manuscript receives the attention it needs at each stage, ultimately leading to a polished and engaging final product. If you don’t want every phase, that’s okay! Hiring a professional for even one stage can really elevate your writing.

For many emerging novelists, the path to publication is a thrilling yet challenging journey. Crafting a novel is a feat in itself, but once the manuscript is complete, the next crucial step is often to enlist the help of a professional editor.

A lot of writers panic when they see how much editing costs. You don't have to! While this can be a significant expense, there's good news: in many cases, hiring an editor can be a tax-deductible business expense.

Here’s a guide on how emerging novelists can navigate this aspect of their taxes and maximize their deductions.

Understanding Tax Deductibility for Writers

Firstly, it’s important to grasp the concept of tax-deductible business expenses. In the realm of self-employed individuals and freelancers, business expenses are costs incurred in the process of generating income. For novelists, these expenses can include a wide array of items such as research materials, marketing costs, and yes—editorial services.

The Basics of Deducting Editorial Costs

Business vs. Hobby: The IRS differentiates between a hobby and a business. To qualify as a business, your writing should be conducted with the intent of making a profit. If you’re actively working towards publication and earning money through your writing, it’s likely considered a business. Editorial costs can only be deducted if your writing is classified as a business rather than a hobby.

Read that again: editorial costs can only be deducted if your writing is classified as a business. This is often the biggest challenge for writers, especially if you've never sold any of your work. That doesn't mean you can't do it, though. Plenty of businesses get started before they've earned a cent.

The IRS looks at, among other things, how much time and effort you're dedicating to your craft to see if it's a business.

Documenting Your Expenses: To claim a deduction, you must keep meticulous records. Save all invoices and receipts from your editor. Make a clear distinction between personal and business expenses in your accounting records. If you’re using a spreadsheet or accounting software, create a specific category for editorial costs.

Filing Your Taxes: When it’s time to file your taxes, editorial expenses are typically reported on Schedule C if you’re a sole proprietor or on the appropriate form if you’re operating through an LLC or other entity. Most people are sole proprietors. You’ll list these costs under "Expenses" as part of your overall business expenses.

Understanding the Types of Editorial Costs: The IRS allows for deductions on various types of editorial services, including developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Ensure that the services you’re claiming are directly related to your writing business and not personal projects.

Practical Steps to Maximize Your Deduction

1. Separate Accounts: Consider setting up a separate bank account and credit card for your writing business. This separation simplifies tracking expenses and ensures that personal and business expenses are not mixed.

2. Detailed Invoicing: Request detailed invoices from your editor that specify the services provided. This helps in justifying the expense as a business cost and provides clarity in case of an audit.

3. Consult a Tax Professional: Tax laws can be complex and vary by location. Consulting with a tax professional who understands the nuances of deductions for writers can help ensure that you’re maximizing your deductions and complying with all relevant regulations.

4. Keep Up with Tax Laws: Tax regulations can change, and new rules might impact how you can deduct editorial costs. Stay informed about tax law changes or consult with a tax professional regularly.

In Summary

For emerging novelists, hiring an editor is not just an investment in the quality of their manuscript but also a potential tax deduction. By understanding the criteria for deductibility, keeping detailed records, and seeking professional advice, writers can make the most of this opportunity. Not only does this reduce the financial burden of editing costs, but it also allows writers to focus more on their craft and less on their tax concerns.

Remember, while the journey to publication is filled with many steps, managing your taxes effectively can make the process a bit smoother and more financially manageable. Happy writing!

Navigating the world of publishing can be daunting for emerging and indie writers, particularly when it comes to finding a professional editor. An editor can elevate your manuscript from a rough draft to a polished gem, but with numerous options available, choosing the right one is crucial. Here’s a rundown of different ways to find professional editors, along with their pros and cons.

Note that this post does not include simply Googling "[genre] editor" because of the massive influx of AI-generated results and scams.