Copy Editing, Proofreading, Developmental Editing, Manuscript Evaluations, and Beta Reading

What’s the Difference Between the Different Types of Editing?

A lot of people confuse the terms “proofreading” and “editing” and don’t know the difference or that there are different types of editing. There is a difference, and I want to help you understand what that is. First things first: There is an order to which stages of editing come first. Big-picture editing should come first (developmental editing, manuscript evaluations, or beta reading). After that comes line/copyediting, then proofreading last.

That’s so that you can adjust any of the big-picture issues like plot, pacing, characterization, and so on, before dealing with polishing the mechanics of the piece. If you do them in the wrong order, you could be reintroducing errors into your writing.

Copyediting

• Check out a blog post I wrote on the topic here!
• Checks for grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors. However, copyediting is done earlier in the writing process than proofreading and is more in-depth.
• I can help with word choice and improve the quality and flow of the writing overall by evaluating things like repetitiveness, smothered verbs, active voice, and more.
• You’ll receive a Word document of your manuscript with edits plus questions and suggestions in the comments to help you tighten up the language and grammar and to help make sure there’s a consistent, coherent style.
• When I return the document to you, I will provide an overview of what I’ve done, the recurring issues I found, and how to handle the edits to the manuscript.
• Upon request (for books only), you will also receive a style sheet detailing style decisions and word choices specific to your manuscript (this can be a great help to your proofreader later on or to keep things consistent for future books in the same series).
• I’m available afterward for questions you may have.

Proofreading

• This is the last step in the editing process and the last chance to check for any grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors before publishing.
• There is no altering content at this point. This is just about pointing out any egregious errors so that you can fix them before going to print.
• Usually, it is done after the book has been formatted, designed, and laid out, but not always. Assuming it has been laid out, this is also where other details like stacks, widows and orphans, page numbers, headings, and similar things are checked.
• You will be provided with a marked-up copy of your PDF manuscript that indicates where the issues are when this service is completed.
• I’m available afterward for any question you may have.

What is Beta Reading?

The beta reader reads the book and gives general feedback to the author from a reader’s perspective about the plot, the characters, the pace, etc. This gives the author a chance to adjust any issues with the story before it reaches a general audience. This step should come before copyeditng or proofreading, just like any big-picture editing.

• You will receive a Word document of your manuscript with comments from a reader’s perspective throughout.
• You’ll receive answers to an extensive list of questions about the manuscript, such as if there are plot holes, character development issues, pacing problems, world-building glitches, etc.
• You’re welcome to provide your own list of questions for me to answer about your manuscript from a reader’s perspective.

Manuscript Evaluations

Have you recently written a book, but you’re not sure if it’s any good? Are you not sure it’s ready to be edited yet, and you want someone to go through it, tell you the strengths and weaknesses, and give helpful suggestions? I can help with that. This is for either fiction or nonfiction books. With my manuscript evaluations, you’ll receive:

• A Word document of your manuscript with some comments throughout that provide genuine, detailed feedback from a professional viewpoint.
• A Word document (Editorial Letter) that reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript chapter by chapter, including suggestions for solutions (usually about ten pages).
• A one-hour Debrief Call in which you lead the conversation so that you can ask whatever questions you may have about the feedback you received and discuss possible next steps!

Developmental Editing

Do you need more in-depth help with your book. Do you know that it needs more help when it comes to big-picture issues like plot, pacing, characters, and structure, but you don’t know how to move forward. I can help!

• A Word document of your manuscript with professional comments and queries throughout to help you see the issues and address any big-picture concerns.
• A Word document (Editorial Letter) that reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript in details, going in-depth about what you’re doing well and what could be improved, including how to improve it (15-30 pages).
• A book map of your book that lays out what’s going on with your book so that you can see it clearly.
• A one-hour debrief call lead by you so that you can discuss whatever you want about your manuscript or the editing process.

AI Policy

Just so we’re clear, I’m not a fan of AI. I understand it’s difficult to avoid completely in our modern world, but I do not use AI to edit. I find that unethical. I will never put your manuscript or any part of it into ChatGPT or any other AI system.

I do not want to work on AI-generated material; however, I understand why someone might use it to help brainstorm or research (though I’d be careful about how reliable you think the results of that research are). So, if that’s you, as long as you’re not using AI to write the story, I’m happy to work with you.

If any of my editing services options pique your interest, please click the “Contact Me” button below to fill out a contact form or email me directly at ceylano@ozeditorialservices.com. I’d love to get to know about your project and see if we’re a good fit.