Writing a book is a labor of love, but crafting a polished manuscript requires a team. Editors play a vital role in transforming a good book into a great one. Each type of editor focuses on specific aspects of your manuscript, ensuring quality and coherence at every level.
Understanding their roles will help you choose the right professional at the right stage of your writing journey.
Structural Editors: Building the Foundation
Structural editing examines the framework of your book, focusing on how the structure supports the plot. This high-level edit ensures the structure serves the story’s purpose, whether through chronological order, multiple narrators, or other narrative techniques. Without a strong structure, your manuscript lacks the “bones” to hold it together.
When to hire a structural editor:
This step is best taken before diving into developmental editing. Many editors won’t begin deeper revisions without first addressing structural concerns. If you’re unsure about your book’s format or pacing, a structural edit is the preliminary step to take.
Developmental Editors: Shaping the Story
Developmental editing, sometimes called “alpha reading,” focuses on the big picture—characters, plot, pacing, and storytelling. A developmental editor identifies what works and what doesn’t, helping you refine your story into a cohesive and engaging narrative. While an alpha reader gives a reader’s impression of your story, a developmental editor collaborates with you to create a revision plan.
When to hire a developmental editor:
Bring in a developmental editor after your first draft, but not before you’ve self-edited as much as possible. The clearer your vision for your book, the more impactful this editing phase will be.
Sensitivity Readers: Ensuring Authenticity
Sensitivity readers specialize in assessing the authenticity and accuracy of cultural, religious, racial, or other diverse representations in your work. They help avoid stereotypes and misrepresentation, ensuring your portrayal resonates with truth and respect.
When to hire a sensitivity reader:
If your book includes characters or settings outside your lived experience, a sensitivity reader can provide invaluable insights. Use them after your manuscript is mostly complete, but before the polishing stage.
Fact Checkers: Verifying Accuracy
Fact checkers are crucial for nonfiction and fiction alike, ensuring every detail—from dates to cultural references—is accurate. Even small errors can distract readers or undermine your credibility.
When to hire a fact checker:
Engage a fact checker before polishing your manuscript. This step ensures that any inaccuracies are addressed before submitting to agents, publishers, or readers.
Line Editors: Refining Language and Style
Line editing hones the language of your book, ensuring clarity, consistency, and tone. A line editor focuses on sentence structure, word choice, and the flow of ideas, making your manuscript readable and engaging.
When to hire a line editor:
This step comes near the end of the editing process, once your story and structure are finalized. A line editor ensures your book’s language is polished and professional.
Copy Editors: Perfecting Mechanics
Copy editors focus on the nitty-gritty—grammar, punctuation, spelling, and minor inconsistencies in the text. While similar to line editing, copy editing is more technical, addressing errors that could distract or confuse readers.
When to hire a copy editor:
Copy editing is one of the final steps before submitting your manuscript for publication. A clean, error-free draft shows professionalism and attention to detail.
Proofreaders: Polishing to Perfection
Proofreaders are the final safety net, catching any errors that slipped through previous rounds of editing. This step ensures your manuscript is flawless and ready for submission or self-publishing.
When to hire a proofreader:
If you’re self-publishing, a proofreader is essential after all other editing is complete. However, traditional publishers often handle this step for you after acquiring your manuscript.
Beta Readers: Gaining Reader Insight
Beta readers are not professional editors but avid readers who enjoy your genre. They offer a reader’s perspective on your almost-final draft, highlighting what works and what doesn’t in terms of engagement and enjoyment.
When to use beta readers:
Once your manuscript has been thoroughly edited and you’re confident in its structure and storytelling, working with beta readers provides invaluable insights before finalizing the book.
Wrapping Up
Each type of editor brings unique expertise to the table, playing a critical role in creating a polished manuscript. From structural edits that build your story’s foundation to the final proofread that perfects your text, every step ensures your book is the best it can be. Investing in the right editor at the right time is not just about improving your manuscript—it’s about respecting your story and your readers.
Quality matters, and knowing these essential types of editors will empower you to navigate the editing process with confidence.
