Types Of Editing

Basic Copyediting/Light Editing

Experienced writers use this type of editing to protect themselves from overlooked errors.

The editor
• corrects grammar and punctuation.
• corrects inconsistencies in the text.
• brings the attention of the author to confusing passages and basic writing errors such as overuse of adverbs, sentence construction, etc.

Line Editing/Heavy Editing

This type of editing is often selected by beginning writers, writers who need a little extra help, and second language writers.

The editor
• corrects grammar and punctuation.
• corrects inconsistencies in the text.
• looks at the text line by line and paragraph by paragraph to ensure smoothness, clarity, and flow.
• Assist with rewriting or rewording sections while maintaining the voice of the author.
• makes suggestions for improving content.
• checks references.
• checks style format required by the publisher. I do APA format only.
• in the case of second language authors, revises unusual wording and sentence structure to follow Standard English conventions.

Developmental or Substantive Editing

For authors who need considerable assistance. Perhaps your teacher has made an assignment and you don’t know where to begin or your boss needs a set of instructions for a new procedure and gave the job to you. Maybe you would like to write your memoirs and have never written anything before. Beginning writers or writers having trouble with a project would benefit from this type of editing.

The editor
• works with the author from the beginning of the project.
• examines whether the flow of the work makes sense.
• determines where is more explanation or content needed.
• offers specific, in-depth suggestions for improving the work.

Proofreading

While very similar to copyediting, this is the last step to publication. It’s your last chance to get it right. Major editing issues must be taken care of prior to this final step. Substantive changes in proofs can cost the publisher money—which may be passed on to the author! Ideally, the editor will find no errors.

The editor
• checks page proofs (exact copies of pages as they will appear in your book).
• corrects any remaining errors in the text.
• checks the visual flow of the document.

Indexing

Many books require an index, including: autobiographies, biographies, cookbooks, and nearly every academic book or self-help book. The quality of an index can make or break the success of a book.

The Indexer

• Carefully reads your book after it has been designed and pages have numbered.
• Identifies words and concepts that should be included in the index.
• Adds page numbers to all entries.