Not all editing is created equal. Many famed authors have said that the first draft is for the writer, and everything else comes later. But how do we know what to keep and what to leave on the cutting room floor? How do we know when the piece is failing to reach the intended audience versus when we have given it to the wrong readers for feedback? Editing comprises many steps, and I want to present seven of them for discussion.
1. Developmental Editing (Large-Scale Structural Editing)
This step is usually done before anyone else sees the book, though not always. It focuses on big-picture items like plot, structure, pacing, and character development. Is the story's structure coherent (beginning, middle, and end)? Do characters have clear motivations and growth arcs? Are themes and subplots integrated? Did you accidentally lose any along the way?
Think: You might lose or gain entire chapters here. Whole characters, arcs, or themes may be added or removed.
2. Content Editing
This stage begins once the story's bones are in place. Content editing addresses mid-level issues. Is the voice consistent throughout the narrative and across all characters? Does the tone fit the audience and genre? For example, "Blood dripped from his open wound like rose petals from a bush" is likely too poetic for a thriller or horror novel. Are ideas presented clearly?
Think: Entire paragraphs may need reworking. At this stage, consider asking readers for feedback on sections or the whole piece.
3. Line Editing
Once the content is solid, line editing focuses on sentence-level delivery. Are sentence structures varied? Repetitive patterns like "I went and XYZ, I went and ABC, he went and EFG" quickly become monotonous. Are transitions between paragraphs smooth? Do paragraph lengths vary?
Think: Rework awkward phrasing and break up long, dense sentences.
4. Copyediting
This step ensures grammatical accuracy and adherence to a specific style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction.
Think: Address grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure consistency in tense and point of view. Verify proper formatting for dialogue and citations. Correct comma splices and ensure consistent capitalization of specialized terms in your world-building.
5. Fact-Checking
If you have not already created a world bible, now is the time. This step ensures consistency and factual accuracy.
Think: Are historical or scientific facts accurate? Is terminology used correctly? Do character ages and timelines align consistently? Ensure continuity in physical descriptions, names, and other key details. Confirm that time-sensitive elements, like moon phases, align with the story's timeline.
6.5. Proofreading
By this stage, everything should be finalized. Proofreading is the final review before sending your work into the world.
Think: Catch typos, missed punctuation, and formatting errors. Ensure consistent use of italics, boldface, and headings. Identify and fix misspelled names or extra spaces between words.
7.-5. Beta Reading and Final Review
Should you send your work to beta readers before or after final revisions? There is no universal answer. Finding a reliable beta reader is a challenge, and a good one is a treasure. Consider expressing your gratitude accordingly.
Think: This stage evaluates whether the book resonates with readers emotionally. Are there sections that are confusing? Does the world make sense? Are the themes impactful?
In the coming weeks, we will discuss each stage in detail, starting with the last. I recently finished what I believed was my best book yet—my beta readers had some very different opinions.
Next up:
Step 7.-5: Beta Reading and When to Take or Leave Advice.
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