Let’s face it… Figuring out which type of editing a project needs can be confusing — but it doesn’t have to be!

I find it helpful to envision editing as a step-by-step process (one that allows you to skip or combine certain steps as needed). If a step doesn’t feel helpful for you and your project, great! Don’t pay me to do it.

Here, I’ll lay out this step-by-step process to help you get a sense of where your needs and goals fit in.

Step 1: Manuscript Assessment

(inspecting the framework — checking in with your goals)

Whether you’ve finished writing or not, a manuscript assessment can help you establish where you are in the development process and what your next steps should be to finish your project. When you hire me to assess your manuscript (or any written project), we’ll start out by having a conversation about your work, your goals, and your questions.

What are you needing help with? What are your project goals? Who’s your ideal audience?

With these insights in mind, I’ll read through your work thoroughly and thoughtfully. Once I’m finished, I will provide with you a detailed, comprehensive write-up conveying what I see as your project’s strong suits and weak points based on your goals. Using your needs and visions as my compass, I’ll provide you with extensive, rich feedback to help you move past the sticking points in your creative process and illuminate your best next steps.

Feeling like you’d rather skip this step? No problem!

Step 2: Developmental Editing

(diving into the big picture — ideas, content, and structure)

Developmental editing is the most in-depth level of intervention an editor can offer, addressing big-picture elements like narrative and logical development and the overall structure and content of your work.

In fiction works, developmental editing can address things like plot direction, character development, and narrative consistency, while developmental editing in non-fiction is largely concerned with ideas, logic, and relevance. Put simply, a developmental edit helps you ensure your piece has a solid blueprint.

(Please note that while some editors divide developmental editing and structural editing into separate services, my approach to developmental editing also addresses the structural elements of your text.)

When you hire me as a developmental editor, we’ll start by discussing your project, goals, and needs. (Regardless of how or when you work with me, you’ll notice that I’m big on communication!) Once I have a holistic understanding of who you are as a writer and what you’re trying to accomplish with your project, I’ll begin reading your work. After reading through once, I will return for a second pass to provide detailed, tailored feedback about the big-picture elements of your text based on your goals and needs

As your developmental editor, my main goal is to provide you with useable, concrete feedback to help you sharpen and define your narrative and ensure your audience can connect and identify with your work.

If you already feel confident about the overall structure, narrative, and content of your text, feel free to skip this step! Especially if you’ve done some self-editing or received help from beta readers or generous friends, starting with a later step might be a smart move.

Step 3: Substantive Editing

(looking at language — your words on the page)

Once the bigger issues have been addressed, substantive editing (also known as content editing, line editing, or full editing) addresses the function and effectiveness of the actual language of a text. While the previous steps in this process address overarching elements and issues, substantive editing dives into the words on the page.

When I substantively edit your work, I engage with the text holistically, providing line-by-line edits and feedback to improve logical and creative flow, transitions, sentence structure, word choice, and more. I do this using the “tracked changes” tool in Microsoft Word, though I often work within Google Docs as well for clients who prefer it.

Substantive editing is best suited for work that no longer requires major changes to narrative development, structure, or plot but still requires significant support in other areas.

If you’re looking for an in-depth, hands-in-the-dirt editing approach that highlights your authentic voice and brings your ideas into the spotlight, look no further than my comprehensive substantive editing service.

Is this all sounding like a bit much? I hear you! Sometimes all you really need is a copy editor, and I’ve got you covered when that’s the case.

Step 4: Copy Editing

(refine and shine)

Copy editing is a basic yet thorough editing service that addresses creative flow, sentence structure, word choice, grammar, and other basic elements of a text. This level of intervention best serves work that has already gone through several other editing passes (which can include self-editing!) and no longer requires major structural, narrative, or linguistic changes. In other words, if your project is in a pretty good place but could use some creative polishing to bring it to that next level of professionalism or persuasion, copy editing is what you need.

Put simply, copy editing applies simple yet strategic changes to optimize the power of your words and intentions.

It’s rare that I read a piece of writing that couldn’t benefit from a little copy editing. So even if none of the previous steps spoke to you, I highly recommend starting here!

Step 5: PROOFREADING

(ready for your close-up?)

The final step in the editing process, proofreading is an extremely important service that addresses the mechanics and accuracy of your language — things like punctuation, grammar, correctness of terminology, and more. Because this step is so detailed and specific, it should be reserved for texts that no longer need editing help in other areas.

Whether you’ve written an email or a novel, proofreading is the final touch all writing deserves before being released into the world.

A few typos can truly be the difference between your work being perceived as authoritative and professional versus messy and unfinished. Let’s make sure your work gets the care it deserves!

Step 6: Sensitivity Reading

(weaving care into your work)

Although this step is entirely optional, investing in a sensitivity reading for your work is a great way to ensure that a diversity of readers and audiences can access and relate to your writing.

As a queer, gender nonconforming human with a background in gender studies, sociology, and anti-oppression studies, I’m invested in helping you expand the connective and liberatory power of your work. I do this by combining genuine compassion and care with a keen awareness of the way contemporary language trends and usage impact people with marginalized identities and complex mental health.

Of course, your goal isn’t to appeal to everyone — but that’s not what sensitivity reading is about anyway. My sensitivity reading service can be customized to your unique goals to tailor your work to your ideal audience. This isn’t about removing all potentially triggering terms or content from your work — it’s about carefully considering how your work will be received by your intended audience, and how your audience could potentially be expanded by applying thoughtful, authentic adjustments that align with you and your goals.

If you’re interested in optimizing the liberatory power of language in your work, reducing the use of exclusionary or harmful language, and producing written content that feels connective and affirming for as many people as possible, let’s talk!

Still have questions?
I’m here to help!

The best way to figure out what type of editing you need is to start a conversation with me. To make things as easy for you as possible, I offer one-page sample edits for clients who aren’t sure where to start. By going that route, you’ll get a feel for my editing style and approach, plus I’ll give you my honest opinion about which of my services can best suit your project’s needs.

You can also check out my FAQs to learn more or schedule a free consultation call any time.