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.

We've all been there. An essay for school is due the next day, and you'd swear you'd read over the darn thing at least a hundred times. There can't possibly be any errors. A few weeks later, you get it back, covered in red ink. Clearly, the teacher just has it out for you, right?

Maybe not.

Even the most talented writers know better than to rely solely on self-editing their work. It's why publishing houses provide editors to their authors, and large companies have teams of editors dedicated to reviewing marketing materials and press releases. You can be an expert wordsmith and still miss plenty of errors.