The term editor is a common word thrown around when it comes to writing. Most writers know the value professional editing can bring to their work, but when asked the question of which kind of editor they need, many feel lost. The reality is… editors are not one-size-fits-all; they come in different types.
That fact may seem overwhelming. You may wonder: Which type of editor do I need? And do I need to hire every single kind? This can understandably cause confusion, doubt, and concerns over costs.
But it doesn’t need to feel that overwhelming at all.
So, let’s look at the four stages of editing—in the order they are done—and the editors who complete them. I hope by the end of this article, you will feel confident in knowing which editor(s) you truly need (or which kind you’d like to become!)
Developmental Editors
Developmental editing, also known as structural editing, is often the first stage of editing for larger works, such as novels, short stories, and even nonfiction books. Developmental editors focus on the big picture of a manuscript. They’re not looking to fix typos or even word choice; their aim is to guide the writer through the piece as a whole. We’ll focus on fiction for simplicity here, so in that regard, these editors evaluate a story, critique it, and guide the writer so the story structure is strong.
When it comes to structure, think—plot points, character development, a strong narrative, and flow. These editors can help identify, develop, and strengthen the theme of a story. And unlike other types of editors, who have to wait for the manuscript to be written, developmental editors can work with the writer while they’re writing.
Because this type of editor only works with certain kinds of works, the need for one is more readily seen. For example, if you’re writing an advertisement, developmental editing is not for you. But if you’re writing a novel… a developmental editor can strengthen your story like no other editor can.
Line Editors
Line editing, also known as stylistic or substantive editing, often follows a developmental edit, but because line editing can apply to smaller works, it’s often the first stage of editing one might need. Line editors focus on one paragraph, one sentence—one “line”—at a time.
As its other name—stylistic editing—implies, this form of editing boosts the style, flare, and art of a piece. Line editors work to make sure each paragraph and sentence is strong, flows well, and can be easily read and understood by the readers. They also ensure the intended meaning of the writer’s words is accurately conveyed. (Because even if a sentence makes sense… that doesn’t mean it was meant to be said!)
This form of editing can greatly improve a story, truly making the prose shine; but don’t underestimate what line editors can do for smaller works, such as journal articles and newsletters. They can make a world of difference.
Copy Editors
Copy editing, although often an unfamiliar term, is usually the type of editing people refer to when they say editing. Copy editors are the ones focused on the finer details of text. This type mostly pertains to correcting mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and misused words (think of confusing there and their). But it also improves flow, tone, accuracy, and clarity.
Like line editors, copy editors make sure the text is readily understood and follows the writer’s intended meaning. Because of their similarities, some editors will blur the lines between these two types, in effect, doing both types of edits at the same time. So, communication with your potential editor is vital so that expectations are made clear.
Copy editing can apply to pretty much anything that is written, whether it’s a long piece or a short one. If you want your writing grammatically accurate and clear, a professional copy editor is key.
If you want more information on what copy editing is and the value it can add to your writing, check out my blog article—7 Elements of Copy Editing.
Proofreaders
Proofreading is the last stage of editing, and it simply applies to everything. You got a word? Proofread it. You got an image alongside your text? Proofread it. You got a chart? Graph? Logo? That’s right—proofread it all.
Proofreaders look at the final product before it’s given to its audience. So, once everything is written, edited, and formatted, they look at every detail to make sure no mistakes have slipped through. They pay attention to grammar, word choice, appearance… the whole nine yards. They make sure the piece is as clean as possible.
Can you see my enthusiasm for proofreading? I swear it’s not just because I do it for a living! 😂 If you would like to learn more about what goes into a professional proofread, check out my blog article—6 Elements of Proofreading.
How Editors Work Together
Going down the line of editors, I think the value of each one is obvious, and having a team of editors on your side brings about the best results. These editors are not competing with one another; they’re doing their part to make your writing shine.
Also, because the stages of editing come in a specific order (developmental → line → copy → proofread), each editor can help fill in the cracks missed by the previous one. But note: That does not always mean the previous editor did a poor job. It just shows we’re all human and the more eyes you have on a piece, the better it will become.
This is not to say, for example, that you should rely on your line editor to do your developmental edit. Often, if a line editor sees that you need that form of editing, they’ll advise you to work with that type of editor if they don’t provide that service themselves. This is true for every kind of editor. And surely, if a proofreader agrees to work on a piece when they know it needs a line edit that the client does not want, the words may become grammatically accurate, but the piece as a whole will ultimately suffer. (And that’s if the proofreader will work on it at all!)
You may wonder: If an editor provides two editing services, can they just do both edits at the same time? Or even if not all at once, can I use the same editor for two different types of editing? The answers to those questions are often a topic of debate in the editing world. Some editors will reject the request right away. Why?
Think of when you write. Even if you are a master of language arts, you know your words so well that your eyes can easily pass over a typo. That’s why a pair of fresh eyes is so important. Now, if your proofreader also did the copy edit, are their eyes “fresh” to the material anymore? Could they, too, pass over an error because they’ve become familiar with the text? I think the answers are clear. But it’s still up to you to decide your priorities and budget. Just know that more eyes on a piece gives the greatest overall results.
Do You Need Every Type of Editor?
As you can see, there is a lot of editing to be done on a piece of writing, especially larger works. And if you’re like me, you’re probably thinking: This could get expensive! And when you look at the value that each editor brings—you’re right—it is.
The costs of the different types of editing simply can’t be written in stone, but in general, you can expect developmental editing to be the most expensive. As you go down the line of stages, the pricing usually decreases with each one, proofreading being the cheapest.
Although you can see how getting each type of edit would ultimately make a piece of writing the best it can be, it’s also important to be reasonable in what you can afford. Even as a professional copy editor and proofreader, I would never push a client to go above and beyond the edits they truly need and can afford.
If cost is a large concern, it’s important to evaluate your weak points. If you’re already skilled in writing strong prose, perhaps you can leave out line editing. If grammar and the like are your strong suit, perhaps you can skip a copy edit. But I have to say—if you can only get one editor, I highly advise a proofreader. (I’m not bias; I swear!😜)
Ultimately, you have to count the cost of professional editing while also considering the needs of your readers. And—this might sound unprofessional—if your dream is to publish a book but money is tight… just do it! With self-publishing widely available, many people have fulfilled their dream of publishing, and so can you.
Other Related Professionals
Although we’ve covered the four major editors in the writing world, I don’t want to miss mentioning other professionals and volunteers who can aid you in the editing process. And although I won’t describe what they do here, they’re worth a Google search.
- Manuscript Evaluators
- Fact-Checkers
- Sensitivity Readers
- Alpha Readers
- Beta Readers
- Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) Readers
Conclusion
The variety of editors and choosing which one(s) you need can feel daunting, but the more you know about what they do, the more confident you can be in choosing which one(s) suits your needs. Maybe you’re even considering becoming an editor but aren’t sure which avenue to pursue. I hope these explanations can help guide you into the field that’s right for you. Either way, I wish you all the best in your writing and editing journey!
If you’ve decided to hire a professional copy editor or proofreader, I’d be more than happy to work with you! If you’d like to know more, visit my service page here.
Peony & Prose Editorial 
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