Developmental editing improves the big picture of a book, such as structure, plot, argument and pacing. Copy editing corrects grammar, punctuation, consistency and clarity line by line. Proofreading is the last check, which catches typos and layout errors in the finished pages. They are different jobs done in a set order, and skipping the right one is a common and expensive mistake.
This guide explains what each level does, what you should receive, how to tell which one you need and the order in which to use them. If you want advice on your own manuscript, you can ask us for a free quote, and we will recommend the level your book needs. For the cost side, see how much book editing costs.
Key takeaways
- Developmental editing deals with structure and content, not sentence-level polish
- Copy editing and line editing improve language, consistency and flow
- Proofreading checks the final laid-out pages for remaining errors
- The right order is developmental, then line or copy, then proofreading
- Many manuscripts do not need every level, but nearly every book needs a proofread
In this article
- What is developmental editing?
- What is copy editing?
- What is line editing, and how is it different?
- What is proofreading?
- How do these levels compare?
- Which type of editing does my book need?
- What mistakes do authors make with editing?
- What should I do before I send my manuscript to an editor?
- How do beta readers and sample edits fit in?
- Frequently asked questions
- Services that can help
What is developmental editing?
Developmental editing looks at the whole manuscript: whether the story works, whether the argument holds, whether the structure suits the reader and whether the opening and ending do their jobs. In fiction, an editor looks at plot, character arcs, pacing and point of view. In non-fiction, an editor looks at organisation, evidence, completeness and reader needs. The result is usually an editorial letter and notes in the manuscript, and you then revise. See our developmental editing service.
What is copy editing?
Copy editing works at sentence level. A copy editor corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage, and keeps names, dates, facts and spellings consistent. They follow a style guide and make a style sheet, so details stay the same through the book. Copy editing does not rewrite your story or change your argument, though it improves clarity. It comes after the big revisions, because it would be wasted on text you later cut. Our copy editing and line editing covers both.
What is line editing, and how is it different?
Line editing sits between developmental and copy editing. A line editor works on style: rhythm, word choice, tone, voice and flow, paragraph by paragraph. Where a copy editor asks whether a sentence is correct, a line editor asks whether it is the best sentence. Line editing suits books whose prose needs polish and costs more than copy editing because it takes more time. Some editors combine line and copy editing in one pass.
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the final quality check on the typeset pages, before print or upload. A proofreader catches remaining typos, missing words, wrong page breaks, inconsistent headings and layout slips. They do not rewrite or restructure. Because layout can introduce new errors, proofread after formatting and not before. It is the cheapest level per word, and it protects you from the small errors that readers notice and reviewers mention. See our proofreading service.
How do these levels compare?
| Level | What it fixes | When to use it | You receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developmental editing | Structure, plot, argument, pacing | After the first or second draft | An editorial letter and notes |
| Line editing | Style, voice, flow | After revisions, before copy editing | A polished manuscript with tracked changes |
| Copy editing | Grammar, consistency, clarity | After the text is stable | A corrected manuscript and a style sheet |
| Proofreading | Typos and layout errors | After formatting | A marked-up proof |
Which type of editing does my book need?
A first draft usually needs developmental editing. A draft that has been revised and tested with beta readers may need only copy editing and proofreading. A book with a strong structure and a voice you want to sharpen may benefit from line editing. If you are unsure, an editorial assessment or a sample edit gives you an honest view before you commit. Our beta reading service can also show you where readers lose interest.
What mistakes do authors make with editing?
- Paying for proofreading before the text is final
- Skipping developmental editing on a first draft, then paying for copy editing of chapters that later change
- Treating copy editing as if it were a rewrite
- Hiring one editor for every level without checking what they offer
- Ignoring the editorial letter and making only surface fixes
An editor can only improve the book you give them, so the cleanest way to save money is to revise before you hire.
What should I do before I send my manuscript to an editor?
Before you send a manuscript to any editor, do a clean self-edit: read it aloud, cut repetition, fix obvious errors, check names and timelines and run a spell-check. Send the cleanest version you can, in a standard format such as a Word document with consistent styles. Tell the editor your goals, your readers and any concerns, and agree the scope in writing. A prepared manuscript costs less to edit and gives the editor more room to improve what matters. Our editing cost guide shows how time affects the price.
How do beta readers and sample edits fit in?
Beta readers read for the experience and tell you where the story or argument drags, which can save the cost of a larger edit. A sample edit, usually a few pages, shows how an editor works and how much work your draft needs. Use both before you commit to a full edit, and treat them as a way to choose the right level and the right editor, not as a substitute for either.
Frequently asked questions
Can one editor do all three types of editing?
Some can, but they are different skills and are best done as separate passes, often by different people. A fresh pair of eyes helps at the proofreading stage.
Which comes first, copy editing or developmental editing?
Developmental editing comes first, because structural changes would make copy editing wasted effort.
Is proofreading the same as editing?
No. Proofreading checks the final pages for errors, while editing improves the text itself.
Do I need a developmental edit for a memoir or non-fiction book?
Often yes. Structure and focus are the hardest parts of those books, and a developmental edit usually helps.
What is an editorial assessment?
A read of the manuscript with a report on strengths and problems, without a full edit. It helps you decide what to do next.
How long does each type of editing take?
It depends on length and the editor. A developmental edit often takes several weeks, copy editing a few weeks and proofreading about a week or two.
Services that can help
- Book editing services
- Developmental editing
- Copy editing and line editing
- Book proofreading
- Beta reading
This guide is part of our book editing guides and connects to our book editing services.