What makes this more confusing is that some of the types of editing have different names, but they are synonymous. I want to help demystify these terms and share with you the types of editing I offer and how they differ from one another. 

As an author, one of the first types of editing you may need is called developmental editing. This is also sometimes known as content editing, substantive editing, or even story editing. Developmental editing focuses on the “big picture” of the story. This type of editing is a best fit for a manuscript that has just been completed, you might still be working on your own edits, but you need help making sure that the story is ready for readers. A developmental edit will focus on the story structure, form, plot, and characters. Maybe you are stuck on a part of your story, you need help getting the story from point A to point B and would like some advice. Or maybe your story is complete but you want to ensure the “big picture” is ready for an audience. If your piece is nonfiction a developmental edit would help you to define your argument and ensure it is consistent throughout your manuscript. A nonfiction developmental edit would also help to ensure that your evidence supports your thesis, is strong, and appropriate.  

Next, we can dive into copyediting. Some editors use copyediting and line editing interchangeably. Others view line editing as the next step for authors, in which the story is looked at line by line to ensure the style and language used is consistent and engaging for readers. Whereas copyediting is also known as a mechanical edit. Copyediting is focused on grammatical details, formatting of items within the text, and ensuring the text is error free. 

I offer three different levels of copyediting depending on your manuscript’s needs; light, medium, and heavy. At all levels of copyediting I will work to ensure consistency in mechanical matters such as: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviations, and format. Each level also includes a check for consistency in correlating parts such as the contents page, footnotes or endnotes, tables, and figures. Copyediting at all levels will include a markup of all elements using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature and Comments feature. Meaning that you will be able to see all of my changes and suggestions as well as approve or reject them. (See my blog post How to Use Track Changes).

Where the levels of copyediting differ is in the extent of work to be done on the manuscript. A light copyedit will include correction of indisputable errors, pointing out wordy or convoluted areas, and querying inconsistencies. A medium copyedit will correct all errors, point out wordy or convoluted areas but also supply suggested edits, query inconsistencies as well as faulty organization or gaps in logic. While a heavy copyedit takes it further to include correcting all errors and infelicities, rewriting wordy or convoluted patches, verifying and revising inconsistencies or faulty organization.     

Finally, I also offer a proofreading service. This service is best for projects that have already been through the copyediting process and are in their final copy before publishing. Proofreading is one more check of the piece. This includes adjusting formatting for consistency, checking for and fixing minor mechanical errors, and commenting on any areas that seem unclear. This service also includes a markup of all elements using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and Comments features. If I have done the copyedit on your manuscript I will suggest finding someone else who can do your proofread. I will have done my best to find any errors and offer suggestions, but we are all human, and it is always good to have a fresh set of eyes take a look!