The process of book editing is carried forward when a book is about to be published because some changes may be needed before any of the writeups reaches your target reader. Editing involves more than just fixing grammar mistakes. The editor’s goal is to make a book more concise and clear. The editor also aims to improve the way a writer presents their ideas. They check prose and make suggestions on character development. They also check for gaps in the storyline and plot arcs.

The editing process involves a lot of communication between the writer and the editor. It builds a relationship between the two people, and the editing process becomes intimate. The editors will have much information about the manuscript during the editing process before they start working on it.

These days, due to the easy access to technology, writers are delivering books within less timespan, but to deliver high quality books it takes a little longer to bring life to books. Before sending the manuscript of a book, you need to step in the shoes of a reader and try reading your own writeup, so you get to know how your writeup is conceived by a reader.

These are a few basic steps followed while editing a book. 

1. Reviewing Manuscript : 

It is also known as an editorial review in this publisher or editor briefly goes through your manuscript; this will have levels of editing book. Usually, it’s essential to do at least four to five edits to save time. Professional editing is crucial if you want your books to become a commercial source of income. 

2. Editing Content 

In another step, also known as a developmental edit, the editor amends the story to improve it from a reader’s perspective in this phase. While editing a non-fiction book, content editor makes sure that the information flows in a logical order and suits the level of your target audience. While working on something fictional, the editors check the plot, theme, and character; if the information given is too much, the editor cuts it short as per the readers’ perspective and checks the back story. 

3. Line Editing 

This is a step where the editor beautifies the writeup. The editor reviews the overall writeup and ensures the writing style is consistent throughout the book. Sentence structure is improved by marking up the manuscript and recommending required changes. 

4. Copy-Editing

Although in line editing process small things such as spelling correction, grammar errors and punctuations are taken care of, this is a different phase of editing as it highlights technical issues with language. Also, if any chances are needed, the copy editor will mark up the manuscript. 

5. Proof-Reading 

Usually small-scale publishers ask their friends and family to go through their write up, it’s better to always ask for recommendations from professional proofreaders to make your work look impactful. Proofreading is not part of book editing and is considered a separate stage in the publishing process and is taken care of before typesetting the final manuscript. It’s better to get it done before typesetting to avoid publication delays. 

Let’s answer some basic questions: 

1) What will an editor look for?

It depends on the editor’s experience and also the stage of editing. And editors with experience in a similar genre can add huge value to the quality of content and the editing process. An editor will check the flow of a sentence, grammar works, and beautifies the content! 

2) How long it takes to edit a book?

It depends on how long the manuscript is and the number of edits. Each stage can take up to 14 days; you can also give a timespan for the launch date accordingly. It can sometimes take a year or more before the book launches. 

3) Do we need to accept all the changes made by the publisher?

When the editor sends the changes, you have a choice to either accept the change or you want to keep the original text. You need not accept minor changes. Although it’s always advisable to accept the opinion of editors. 

4) Cost of editing a book?

Editorial Services range from a cost per word, and also some publishing houses may have some packages. 

Editing processes are a lengthy yet best way to beautify your book and reach commercial success. If this blog helped you in any way, just let us know in the comment below. 

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