Levels of Fiction Manuscript Editing
In the interest of avoiding elitism or gatekeeping of any kind, I’m here to gently remind you that there are several levels of editing your fiction book. Consider this a quick refresher if you already knew that! When I was new to the literary scene, I assumed you wrote a book, an editor edited it, you fixed what they noted, and boom—your book was ready to be sent to agents. Notsomuch.
There are several distinct levels your story will go through, refining and refining until you can’t see straight, and only then should you consider your manuscript “complete.”
As an author, you've poured your heart and soul into crafting a compelling story, memorable characters, and a richly detailed world. But before sharing your work with the world, it's essential to work your manuscript through the editing process. In this post, I'll explore the different levels of editing for fiction books, helping you understand what each stage entails and how they can elevate your writing.
Developmental Editing: The Big-Picture Perspective
Developmental editing is the highest, broadest level of editing, focusing on the overall structure and substance of your manuscript. A developmental editor will examine:
Plot structure and pacing
Character development, motivation, and consistency
Conflict and tension
Theme and tone
Genre expectations (if applicable)
Their goal is to identify areas that need improvement, address plot holes, and strengthen your story's foundation. This stage is crucial for ensuring your manuscript meets its full potential. This is an intensive process and thus this type of editing is typically the most expensive when you are editor shopping.
Line Editing: Crafting Sentences and Scenes
After developmental editing comes line edits. Line editing delves deeper into the manuscript, examining sentence-level crafting, dialogue, pacing, tone, and voice. A line editor will:
Improve sentence structure, syntax, and flow
Enhance dialogue to sound natural and as though it matches the character’s vernacular
Adjust scene length, transitions, and tension to maintain reader engagement
Ensure consistency in tone and voice throughout the narrative
Strengthen emotional connections between characters and readers
This stage refines your writing, making it more engaging, polished, and immersive. (Personally, this is where I thrive: crafting details as needed to paint the picture with imagery to “show, not tell” the reader the moment(s) at hand.
Copy Editing: Attention to Detail
Copy editing focuses on the nitty-gritty details, ensuring accuracy and consistency in:
Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax
Formatting, style, and usage (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style aka CMOS)
Fact-checking and verification (especially for historical or scientific details, even for historical fiction)
World-building, settings, and character descriptions - ensuring continuity is key, especially in fantasy
A copy editor's keen eye catches errors and inconsistencies, guaranteeing a professional finish.
Proofreading: The Final Polish
Proofreading is the final stage of editing, where a fresh set of eyes scrutinizes the manuscript for any remaining errors in:
Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax
Formatting and layout issues (May I suggest my tutorials for this?)
Accuracy of chapter headings, page numbers, and other front/back matter
This stage ensures your manuscript is error-free and ready for publication.
Additional Services: Evaluations, Content Editing, and Beta Reading
Some editors may offer additional services, including:
Manuscript Evaluation: A high-level assessment of your manuscript's strengths, weaknesses, and marketability.
Beta Reading: Feedback on your manuscript from a reader's perspective, focusing on character engagement, plot, and overall enjoyment. This can occur at any stage, really, depending on your comfort level and trust with your chosen beta reader(s).
The editing stage can be scary—offering your book baby up for critique is a big step. but we can be too close to our manuscripts; it’s easy to lose perspective and assume our readers will understand what it is we’re trying to relate because we know it so well. A trusted, talented editor who will suggest changes while respecting your words and story can refine your piece and take it to the next level.
Understanding the different levels of editing for fiction books can help you navigate the often-complex world of publishing, be it self-publishing or otherwise. By recognizing the unique focus of each stage of edits, you can better communicate with editors, agents, and publishers, ensuring your manuscript receives the attention it deserves. Whether you're self-publishing or seeking traditional publication, investing in professional editing can elevate your writing, captivate readers, and leave a (positive) lasting impression.
