Every Type of Manuscript Editing Explained

Writing a book is an enormous achievement, but before you hit the publish button, it’s essential to ensure your manuscript is thoroughly edited. Great editing can make the difference between a manuscript that simply gets published and one that readers recommend to everyone they meet.

My name is Michael Pietrobon, and as the founder of Foglio Custom Book Specialists, Toronto’s premier self-publishing service, I’ve spent more than a decade working closely with authors and creators in all genres. I’m also a professional editor and have been editing manuscripts for close to a decade. I've seen firsthand the incredible difference professional editing can make. Today, let’s take a look at the various types of manuscript editing and discuss the important role of each. My goal is to demystify the publishing process and ensure you’re not bogged down by difficult jargon. I hope this little guide helps you!

Why Editing is Essential in Self-Publishing

Professional editing is often viewed as a single, quick step. However, the editing process is multifaceted, involving several distinct stages designed to transform your manuscript into a polished and compelling book. As a self-publishing author, you assume both the roles of writer and publisher, making you responsible for the quality of your final product.

59% of successful self-published authors hire a professional editor. This means that investing in professional editing isn’t merely optional—it’s necessary if you aim to compete effectively in a crowded market.

What is a Manuscript Evaluation?

A manuscript evaluation is often the first type of editing your manuscript encounters. It's a comprehensive assessment that addresses significant elements such as plot structure, character development, pacing, and thematic coherence. Unlike proofreading or copyediting, this stage doesn't focus on grammatical details but rather provides an overview and detailed feedback on the overall effectiveness of your manuscript. A manuscript evaluation can offer you clarity on your book’s strengths and identify areas needing improvement.

Structural Editing

Once you've received a manuscript evaluation, the next step is structural editing, also known as substantive editing. Structural editing involves significant revisions and reshaping of your manuscript. This stage is about ensuring your narrative flows logically and engagingly from start to finish. An editor might suggest reordering chapters, enhancing character arcs, tightening plotlines, or clarifying themes. While it may initially feel daunting, structural editing can transform a good story into a great one by strengthening your manuscript's overall impact.

Line Editing

Following structural editing, line editing focuses on refining the manuscript at the sentence level. It enhances readability, clarifies expression, and enriches your authorial voice. This type of editing addresses style, tone, and the rhythm of your prose. Line editors help smooth awkward phrasing, eliminate redundant language, and ensure your writing maintains a consistent and engaging tone throughout the manuscript.

Copyediting

Copyediting comes next and is frequently confused with proofreading, but they serve distinct purposes. Copyediting focuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, syntax, and ensuring consistency in your manuscript’s style and details. The copyeditor ensures internal consistency—such as character names and timeline coherence—and helps your manuscript meet professional publishing standards. This stage ensures your writing is clear, precise, and free of distracting errors.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final step before your book goes to print or digital publication. It involves checking for surface-level issues, such as spelling mistakes, formatting inconsistencies, and any errors overlooked during previous editing stages. The proofreader’s role is crucial as they are the last set of eyes before your book reaches your audience. Ensuring your manuscript is thoroughly proofread can save you from costly and embarrassing errors in the final published product.

Additional Specialized Editing

Depending on your book’s content and genre, you might consider additional specialized editing services. For example, sensitivity reading helps identify cultural inaccuracies or potential biases. Indexing is important for nonfiction or academic publications, making it easier for readers to navigate complex content. At Foglio, we also provide custom book design and layout editing to ensure your book looks professionally published, enhancing its appeal and readability.

Why Beta Readers Matter

While professional editing is crucial, engaging beta readers is another valuable component of the editing process that authors should consider. As I mentioned earlier, 59% of self-published books are professionally edited. That means you need something to set your work apart, and having a good handle on how people perceive your work in progress is a tremendous step in the right direction.

Beta readers are everyday readers who provide feedback from a reader's perspective. They highlight aspects of your book that resonate or might confuse your audience. Even individuals who do not typically read books in your particular genre can offer invaluable feedback. I’d even go so far as to say that readers who rarely read anything at all can provide some valuable insights for your work. This broad spectrum of insights can help you connect deeply with your audience and help you figure out if your book is really saying and accomplishing what you intend.

To streamline this process, we’ve developed genre-specific beta reader questionnaires tailored for fiction, memoirs, essays, poetry, and short stories. These questionnaires guide beta readers, ensuring they provide structured and actionable feedback to help elevate your manuscript.

Download your free Beta Reader Questionnaire and begin receiving reader-centred feedback today. (And if you don’t see a Beta Reader Questionnaire for your particular genre, let me know and I’ll be happy to make one for you.)

Editing is an Iterative Process

Editing is very rarely a simple and linear process. Often, you'll cycle back through various editing stages as you refine your manuscript based on feedback from beta readers and editors. Each version of your manuscript brings you closer to publishing a fine-tuned, compelling book that’s ready for publication.

Navigating the Editing Journey

I understand that navigating the complexities of editing and self-publishing can feel overwhelming. That's why I created the Foglio Self-Publishing Checklist, a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to support your publishing journey from manuscript to market.

If you’re looking for expert assistance to handle editing and other publishing steps, Foglio’s professional team can help. We offer personalized editing and publishing packages designed to meet your specific needs, ensuring your book stands out in today's competitive market.

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule your free consultation with Foglio today, and let’s transform your manuscript into a book you're proud to publish.