If you’re an indie author, chances are you relish in the creative freedom you have in writing your story. But, you’re also solely responsible for making sure your book is in the best shape prior to publishing. Writing your book is the first major step, and that’s all on you. Editing is the next hurdle, and that’s where help comes in!

Today I’m talking about the different book editing services available for authors. You’ll learn what they are, how they help your story, and which type your novel may need.

The Big Four Editing Types

The main types of editing are developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Each type looks at your novel in a different way and should be done by professionals. Let’s dive in.

Developmental Editing

This is your big picture editing. A developmental editor is looking at your story with a wide lens, paying attention to any structural issues before your book gets to the nitty-gritty editing. Expect your developmental editor to look at:

• Plot structure
• Character development
• Pacing
• Worldbuilding
• Themes
• Overall storytelling clarity

Line Editing

Line editing is the next step, and it focuses on making your writing clear. A line editor looks at your sentences with a close lens, making sure your voice stays intact and that your story flows as you intended. Your line editor is going to work on:

• Awkward or clunky phrasing
• Repetitive sentence patterns
• Word choice
• Emotional impact
• Tone and rhythm
• Clarity and readability

Copyediting

Zooming in even closer to your story, copyediting deals with all the technical stuff. A copyeditor cleans up your prose without affecting your voice or style. When I copyedit, I look at:

• Grammar
• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Consistency
• Accuracy
• Readability

A copyeditor will also provide a style sheet when editing is complete. But more on those in another blog.

Proofreading

Finally, the last stage: proofreading. A proofreader catches all the minor mistakes that may have fallen through all previous stages of editing. I recommend that proofreading be done after formatting, as formatting can introduce new errors like:

• Typos
• Formatting errors
• Misaligned paragraphs
• Incorrect punctuation

Reader Feedback

In between getting professional edits, indie authors can also benefit from feedback. These types of services are typically free and are usually done by friends, reader fanbases, family members, or fellow authors. They should not be done in place of a professional edit.

Alpha Readers

Alpha readers are generally the group of people who see your first, or early, draft of your book before you get any professional editing done. I recommend seeking out people you trust (close friends, writer friends, etc.), as alpha readers tend to focus on general story issues and give feedback on what may be working and what isn’t.

Beta Readers

Beta readers come in later, usually reading your manuscript after you’ve gone a few rounds of self-edits and professional edits. I recommend getting beta readers before a copyedit. They provide a more casual feedback approach. Most indie authors reach out to their reader base and provide their manuscript for free in exchange for honest and constructive feedback from a reader’s point of view.

Your alpha and beta readers should be constructive and honest in their feedback but not harsh or rude. They should provide substantial feedback that helps you with your story. That’s not to say that you should take their word as bond. Your story is still your story, and you will always hold creative control. Their feedback gives you something to think about, and it’ll always be your choice whether you want to make changes or not.

A Word on Self-Edits

Self-edits are a very important part of your publishing journey. I highly suggest self-editing before you give your book out to anyone and self-editing after every stage of professional editing. Make sure you are giving your editor the cleanest, most up-to-date version of your manuscript.

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Being a self-published author is empowering, but it also means you’re the writer, the publisher, the marketer, and the quality-control expert wrapped in one. Getting your book professionally edited:

• Makes a strong impression on readers
• Improves your story’s clarity, pacing, and flow
• Reduces errors
• Helps you avoid negative reviews
• Shows professionalism
• Makes your book the best that it can be

An editor gives you an experienced and objective eye. They can see what you may have been blind to after living in your story for months (or years). Hiring an editor is an investment in your book’s success. So, if you’re looking for an editor, check out my book editing services or contact me to get started.

Happy writing!