When it comes to book publishing, editing is not just one step in the process—it is three separate battles in a long campaign. I have been in this game for 40 years, and let me tell you: even the best manuscripts are not born fully formed. They are shaped. Sculpted. Refined.

And editing? Editing is the chisel.

Recently, I asked aspiring first-time authors to take a survey. I wanted to know: what is keeping them up at night? What has them feeling stuck or lost in the weeds? Over and over, the responses rolled in: “I don’t understand the different types of editing,” they said. “Do I need all of them? How do I find the right editor?”

Let us tackle this head-on. In this post, I am going to break down the three main types of book editing: Developmental Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading. I will walk you through what each one is, why it matters, and how to use it to bring your manuscript up to a professional level.

Whether you are self-publishing, going hybrid, or gunning for that Big Five deal—this is knowledge you need.

1. Developmental Editing: The Architect of Your Manuscript

Developmental editing (also known as structural or substantive editing) is the big-picture edit. This is where your editor steps back, surveys the landscape of your manuscript, and asks the tough questions:

  • Does the structure make sense?
  • Are the characters fully developed (for fiction) or is the argument sound (for nonfiction)?
  • Is there a logical progression of ideas?
  • Are there plot holes, pacing issues, or tonal inconsistencies?

Think of It Like This…

Imagine you are building a house. Developmental editing is like hiring an architect before the construction begins. You can have the finest bricks and the best paint, but if the foundation is shaky or the rooms are laid out illogically, you have problems.

A developmental editor might say: “Chapter 3 feels like it should come after Chapter 7,” or “Your protagonist’s motivation isn’t clear until page 100—can we bring that forward?”

And that is okay. This phase is where major rewrites happen. Characters may be cut. Entire chapters rewritten. Themes strengthened.

Who Needs It?

First-time authors? Definitely. Experienced authors? Still yes. Unless your book’s structure is airtight, a developmental editor will catch the cracks you do not even see.

I have seen publishing professionals take a pass on manuscripts not because the writing wasn’t good—but because the overall structure didn’t work. Do not let that be you.

2. Copy Editing: The Surgeon in the Room

Once the structural work is done, it is time to go under the microscope.

Copy editing focuses on the nuts and bolts of your writing:

  • Grammar
  • Syntax
  • Sentence structure
  • Word choice
  • Consistency in spelling, punctuation, and style
  • Factual accuracy (light fact-checking)

If developmental editing is the architect, copy editing is the interior designer and the contractor—fixing everything that makes the house livable and polished.

Why It Matters

Let me give it to you straight: Poor copy editing will sink your credibility.

I do not care how brilliant your ideas are—if your manuscript is riddled with homophone errors, inconsistent capitalization, or whiplash-inducing tense shifts, it will not sell. Not to publishers. Not to readers. Not to reviewers.

You have seen those one-star reviews: “Couldn’t get through the grammar mistakes!” That is what happens when authors skip this step or try to DIY it. Do not.

The Style Sheet: Your Secret Weapon

A good copy editor will create a style sheet for your manuscript. This is a document that records the choices you have made—how you spell certain words, how you punctuate dialogue, which version of Chicago or AP you are using.

This is not just for consistency. It is also for your future projects. If you build a series, this style sheet becomes your series bible. It is worth its weight in gold.

3. Proofreading: The Final Polish

Proofreading is the last stop before publication. This is not about rewriting sentences or moving scenes around. This is about catching the last-minute errors:

  • Typos
  • Missing words
  • Punctuation mistakes
  • Formatting inconsistencies

If developmental editing is the architect, and copy editing is the contractor, then proofreading is your home inspector before you hand over the keys.

It is the quiet but vital final check that says, “Yep, this book is ready to go out into the world.”

When Should You Proof?

Only after your book has gone through copy editing and layout. That is right—proofreading should happen after your book has been typeset or formatted. Why? Because the layout can introduce new errors: dropped lines, widows/orphans, spacing issues.

This is why traditional publishers always do a proofread on the galley stage. Self-publishers should do the same. You will thank yourself later.

The Editing Ladder: How to Climb It

Here is how the three types of editing stack up in a logical progression:

  1. Developmental Editing – Fix the structure and story flow.
  2. Copy Editing – Fix the language, grammar, and consistency.
  3. Proofreading – Fix the typos and layout mistakes.

Skipping steps in this ladder can lead to disaster. Think of it like making lasagna: you cannot just slap on the cheese and call it dinner. You have to layer the pasta, the sauce, the meat—in the right order.

Common Misconceptions

Let us bust a few myths right now:

Myth 1: I Only Need Proofreading
Nope. Proofreading is for clean, final drafts. If your book has not been through structural and language edits, a proofread will not save it.

Myth 2: My Friend is an English Teacher—She Can Edit It
She can read it, sure. She might catch some things. But editing a book is a specialized skill. You need someone who understands narrative flow, publishing standards, and stylistic nuance.

Myth 3: Editing is Too Expensive
Publishing a bad book is more expensive. It costs you credibility, momentum, and future sales. Think of editing as an investment, not an expense.

How to Hire the Right Editor

You would not hand your manuscript to just anyone. So how do you find an editor who gets your voice, your goals, and your genre?

Here is my checklist:

  • Ask for samples: Any legit editor should be able to show you past work or do a sample edit of your manuscript.
  • Check references: Talk to previous clients.
  • Discuss your vision: Make sure they are not just correcting grammar—they are helping you elevate your message.
  • Clarify what you are getting: Is it developmental? Copy? Proof? Some editors blur the lines—know what is included.

And always sign a simple agreement outlining scope, timeline, payment, and deliverables. It keeps both sides protected.

What If You are Self-Publishing?

Then editing is even more critical.

In traditional publishing, your editor is part of the package. But when you self-publish, you are the publisher. That means hiring, budgeting, and project managing.

It also means you have full control—and responsibility.

Do not shortchange the editing process. Readers can tell. One bad experience can lead to lost trust. And once your book is out there, it is hard to walk it back.

Invest in editing. Your future reviews—and sales—will thank you.

Final Thoughts: Editing Is Not an Option—It is a Necessity

Here is the real talk: No book, no matter how brilliant, gets published without editing.

It is not a judgment on your ability. It is a professional process that makes your ideas shine.

I have been in this business long enough to know that authors who embrace editing tend to have staying power. They grow. They publish more books. They build fan bases.

So if you are just starting out and wondering which editing you need—the answer is: all of it, in stages. Each type of editing plays a different role in shaping your book into a finished product that you can be proud of.

Writing is the art. Editing is the craft. And together, they create something extraordinary.

Until next time—keep writing, keep building, and keep believing.

—Don Schmidt, The Book Kahuna

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