The stages of editing are broken down differently from one editor or firm to another, but at the Editor’s Mark there are three stages: developmental , line, and copy editing. To avoid confusion and extra work we want each stage done well and in order. There is no point in line or copy editing if you plan to rewrite a manuscript.
Not all authors need all three types of editing. However, if the writing muse has torn you through the writing to get it done, and you are now overwhelmed with an undisciplined manuscript and you don’t know what to do next, The Editor’s Mark can work with you to get the manuscript publishing ready.
Prices are based on the number of words, and a bit on the condition the work is in when received. I specialize in creating clarity from your submitted piece. I am here to help you tame your muse.
Developmental Editing – Crystallizing the Big Picture
Developmental Editing is putting the big rocks in the jar first and deals with the big picture. The editor will make suggestions that may require rewriting in order to make the writing work better and be more readable. Therefore, developmental editing may need to be done more than once, depending on the level of polish the writing had originally and the amount of rewriting that needs to be done.
It may include:
Fiction
- Story arc and subplots
- Character development and motivation
- Use of dialogue
- Audience
- Pacing and Flow
- Point of view
- Clarity
Non-fiction
- Main purpose of the writing
- Overall outline and sub points
- Supporting information
- Audience
- Pacing and Flow
- Point of view
- Clarity
Line Editing– Applying and Refining the Glue that Holds the Piece Together
Once the work is ready to move forward, we want to ensure the language works and flows.
It is an extensive review of the glue that holds the writing together, including things such as:
- Syntax
- Flow
- Wordiness
- Word choice
- Voice
- Clarity
- Phrasing
Copy Editing – Removing the Devil from the Details
The job of Copy Editing is to make sure all the grammar, punctuation and smaller details work well.
It does not focus at all on the plot, characters or style, but on the grammar basics such as:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Capitalization
How Editing Works
The editor reads the manuscript 2-3 times, taking notes and making comments in the piece. The amount of time will depend on how long the manuscript is.
For Developmental Editing, an 85,000 word manuscript may take a few weeks.
The original manuscript will be returned to you with Microsoft Word Comments in the right margin.
You will also receive editorial notes in the form of an Editor’s Critique which will address the bulleted items above that need attention, rewriting, revision or research. In a longer or more complex work, this may be a separate document from the commented manuscript.
Line and Copy editing may take less time.
The original manuscript will be returned to you in Microsoft Word with suggested changes inline or in comments which you may choose to accept or not.