Services

Types of Editing

Most people who don’t know an editor or don’t have much to do with editing are quite surprised to learn there are different types of editing. Often they’re all collapsed into ‘proofreading’, which technically is the final stage of preparing a text for publication after copy editing and after the typesetter delivers the proofs.

To make things more confusing, there is some disagreement among editors themselves about what to call the different types of editing. Bearing this in mind, here is a brief outline of the various services I can provide, including developmental editing, line editing and copy editing. This doesn’t include proofreading, which isn’t my focus.

Developmental Editing

My developmental editing service focuses on the structure, content and overall organisation of a manuscript or written piece.

Unlike copy editing or proofreading, which concentrate on grammar, punctuation, and style, developmental editing helps you refine your ideas, improve flow and strengthen the overall coherence of your work.

  • This process may involve reorganizing chapters, expanding sections, clarifying concepts, or ensuring logical progression in arguments. I can provide in-depth feedback on your manuscript’s big picture, such as pacing, tone and clarity of ideas, helping you to better communicate your vision to your readers.

    My developmental editing service is mainly used for larger projects like books, reports or complex articles. It is a highly collaborative process aimed at making the work more engaging, effective and marketable.

Line Editing

My line editing service is a thorough and detailed approach that focuses on the style, flow and clarity of your written piece at the paragraph and sentence level.

Unlike developmental editing, which looks at the overall structure, or copy editing, which checks for grammatical errors, line editing hones in on how the writing communicates ideas.

  • I will check your work for issues like awkward phrasing, wordiness, repetition, or inconsistent tone. I’ll help you improve sentence structure, enhance readability and refine your voice to ensure that the writing is clear, engaging and polished. I may also suggest stronger word choices and eliminating unnecessary words or phrases to tighten the prose.

    Line editing is essential for making the writing smooth and compelling, ensuring that every sentence serves the overall argument effectively. This kind of editing is often useful for non-native English-speaking authors engaged in writing a report, extended presentation, thesis or journal article. It is also essential for other projects like chapters and books where the quality of writing significantly impacts the reader’s experience.

Copy Editing

My copy editing service entails a thorough review of written content to ensure clarity, accuracy and consistency.

This type of editing focuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax errors, as well as ensuring that your writing adheres to a chosen style guide; for example, the New Oxford Style Manual or The Chicago Manual of Style.

  • I will also check for consistency in terminology, formatting and tone throughout the text.

    Beyond just fixing technical errors, my copy editing service ensures that your writing flows logically and is easy to read, while maintaining your voice and intent. I will also fact-check content and suggest minor revisions to improve clarity without altering the overall structure of the work.

    Copy editing is a critical stage in the preparation of any text for publication, ensuring it is professional and polished, whether it is destined to become an article, a book, a website or any other form of written media.