What Kind of Edit Do You Actually Need? A Simple Guide for Writers
One of the most common questions I hear from authors — whether they’re writing their very first manuscript or polishing their fourth series — is:
“What kind of edit do I actually need?”
It’s a fair question.
The editing world is full of overlapping terms, contradictory definitions, and the occasional terrifying price range. Many writers end up guessing and hoping they’ve chosen the right level of support.
So let’s demystify the process.
Below is a clear, practical breakdown of the four main types of editing, what each one does, and — most importantly — how to know which one you need right now.
Think of this as a map through the foggy editing forest. (Torches optional. Goblins, regrettably possible.)
1. Developmental Editing
Big-picture story shaping.
This is the stage where we look at your story’s structure, pacing, character arcs, worldbuilding, motivations, themes, and emotional beats.
A developmental edit is for you if:
You’re unsure whether the plot works
Something feels “off,” but you can’t pinpoint what
Characters aren’t landing the way you want
Pacing is dragging or sprinting in the wrong places
You have cool worldbuilding but aren’t sure where it fits
You’re writing book one of a series and want a solid foundation
Think of it as:
An architect inspecting your story’s foundation before the walls and windows go up.
If you’re not ready for a full developmental deep-dive, my Story Direction Review (Starter Package) can give you targeted feedback without committing to the full process.
2. Line Editing
The art of the sentence.
Line editing focuses on how you tell the story — your voice, clarity, rhythm, emotional resonance, and the way the words flow.
A good line edit can make your writing feel more alive, more intentional, and more immersive without changing your voice.
You might need a line edit if:
Sentences feel clunky or uneven
Emotional beats aren’t hitting
Descriptions feel flat or overwritten
Dialogue feels stiff
You want your prose to sound more polished
You’ve revised many times but still feel something’s missing
Think of it as:
A gentle sculpting of your prose so the reader forgets they’re reading at all.
3. Copy Editing
Correctness, consistency, clarity.
Copy editing is the stage where an editor zooms in on mechanical details. Grammar, punctuation, word choice consistency, continuity issues, timeline checks — all the little things that can distract readers.
Choose this if:
The story structure and prose feel solid
You’re preparing for publication
You need your manuscript to be clean and professional
You want a final set of eyes before proofreading
Think of it as:
Sweeping the stage, adjusting the lighting, and making sure all your props are where they belong.
4. Proofreading
The final polish.
Proofreading comes after layout or after the last revision — never before. It catches:
stray typos
missing words
spacing issues
punctuation errors
repeated words
formatting glitches
This is the final quality check before you send your book out into the world.
Think of it as:
Wiping off fingerprints, checking for smudges, and straightening the metaphorical crown before the spotlight hits.
How to Choose the Right Edit (TL:DR Guide)
✔ “I don’t know what’s wrong, but something’s wrong.”
→ Developmental Edit (or a Story Direction Review)
✔ “I know the story works, but the writing doesn’t feel right yet.”
→ Line Edit
✔ “The writing feels good — I just need it clean and correct.”
→ Copy Edit
✔ “The book is done and formatted; I need it spotless.”
→ Proofread
If you’re still not sure, reach out — I’m always happy to point you toward the level of edit that fits your manuscript and your goals.
Every story needs something a little different, and choosing the right kind of support can make the writing (and revising!) process far smoother.
Signed, from between the margins:
S.G., Keeper of the Wondrous Ledger
