When it comes to polishing your manuscript, the editing process is a journey that requires multiple steps, each with its own unique focus and expertise. Unfortunately, many authors are unaware of the distinct roles in the editorial process and may fall into the trap of hiring one person to handle everything. Let’s break down the differences between developmental editors, line editors, copyeditors, and proofreaders, and why dividing these tasks among specialists is essential for producing the best version of your work.

The Roles Defined

Developmental Editors
A developmental editor focuses on the big picture: the structure, content, and overall flow of your manuscript. They analyze the work for plot holes, character development, pacing, and theme consistency. Their goal is to ensure the story or argument is coherent and engaging. This stage often involves significant rewriting or reorganization and is the first step in the editing process.

Line Editors
Line editing zooms in to examine how you tell your story on a sentence-by-sentence level. This involves improving sentence structure, word choice, tone, and style to enhance readability and impact. While developmental editing asks “Is this story working?” line editing asks, “Are these sentences working?” A line editor ensures your voice is consistent and your writing flows smoothly, often making artistic adjustments to bring out the best in your prose.

Copyeditors
Copyediting focuses on technical correctness. A copyeditor ensures that grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax are correct while checking for consistency in style, such as adherence to a specific style guide (e.g., Chicago, AP). They may also fact-check basic information and flag any discrepancies in the text. Copyediting bridges the gap between creative polish and technical precision.

Proofreaders
The proofreader is the final gatekeeper before publication. Their job is to catch any typos, formatting errors, or overlooked issues that remain after copyediting. Proofreading ensures your manuscript is clean, polished, and error-free. Unlike other stages, proofreading happens at the very end, often using the final layout or design of the manuscript.

Why It’s a Bad Idea to Hire One Person to Do Everything

Many authors assume hiring one editor for all stages is cost-effective or efficient. However, combining these roles is not only overwhelming for the editor but also detrimental to your manuscript. Here’s why:

  1. Conflict of Focus Each type of editing requires a specific mindset. A developmental editor thinks about structure and storytelling, while a copyeditor focuses on rules and details. Switching between these modes of thinking can result in critical elements being overlooked.
  2. Compromised Quality No matter how skilled an editor is, their expertise is typically strongest in one area. A developmental editor may not have the sharp eye for grammar and style consistency that a copyeditor possesses, and a proofreader may not excel at big-picture storytelling.
  3. Burnout and Fatigue Editing an entire manuscript—from development to proofreading—is an enormous undertaking. By the time an editor reaches the final stages, fatigue can set in, increasing the likelihood of missed errors and diminishing the overall quality of their work.
  4. Fresh Perspectives Matter Editing benefits from multiple viewpoints. A fresh set of eyes at each stage ensures that issues missed in one phase are caught in the next. One editor working alone cannot replicate this advantage.
  5. Risk of Bias An editor who has been deeply involved in developmental edits may inadvertently gloss over their own suggestions during line editing or copyediting. A new editor at each phase provides an objective review, strengthening the manuscript.

The Ideal Editing Workflow

To get the most out of the editing process, follow these steps:

  1. Start with a Developmental Editor to refine the structure, plot, and overall content. Incorporate their feedback into revisions.
  2. Move to a Line Editor to polish the language, tone, and style once the big-picture issues are resolved.
  3. Engage a Copyeditor to ensure technical accuracy and consistency in grammar, punctuation, and style.
  4. Finish with a Proofreader who will meticulously check the final version for any lingering errors before publication.

Budget Constraint Considerations

Not all manuscripts require a developmental editor or line editor. So don’t feel like you need one if your work is ready for copyediting. If your budget won’t allow you to utilize all four and your work does require developmental editing, consider working with an editor skilled in both line+copy editing after dev editing is completed.

Investing in Your Manuscript’s Success

Your manuscript deserves the attention of specialists at each stage of editing. While it might seem easier to rely on one person to handle everything, this approach compromises the quality and clarity of your work. By hiring professionals who excel in their respective areas, you’ll ensure your manuscript reaches its full potential and stands out in today’s competitive publishing landscape.