Is your book ready for editing?
So you’ve typed “The End,” done a little happy dance, and maybe even threatened your manuscript with a bonfire.
Now what?
If you’re at the point of considering professional editing, this post will help you navigate!
Why is book editing important?
Editors bring distance, expertise, and structure— three things most writers can’t give their own work. Fresh, professional eyes spot issues you as the author are too close to see, from plot gaps to clunky sentences. While many of these issues can be corrected with the help of beta readers, critique partners, and even ARC readers, you should expect a much higher level of feedback from professional editors. Not only will a well-trained editor be able to able to spot these errors, they should be able to articulate why they are wrong and offer solutions to elevate your writing.
Indie authors may be getting mixed messages, but the general wisdom is clear: editing (at an appropriate level) protects quality, reduces costly missteps, and helps your story land with readers. Beta readers can reduce cost, but skipping professional input entirely often shows on the page.
What is book editing?
Editing isn’t a one-and-done service; it’s a ladder of support. Here’s the quick tour, using the definitions from the 18th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style:
Developmental editing shapes the content and structure of the book—big-picture stuff like argument, plot, organization, pacing, and character arcs. It asks the question, “Does this book work?" (Think story logic for fiction; clarity and coverage for nonfiction.)
Line editing focuses on style at the sentence and paragraph level—word choice, rhythm, voice, transitions, and clarity. It asks, “Is the language smooth, vivid, and precise?”
Copyediting focuses on correctness and consistency—grammar, spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, numbers, and adherence to a style sheet. It asks, “Is this mechanically sound and consistent?”
Proofreading is the last checkpoint after layout or formatting. It hunts for lingering typos, formatting slips, and tiny errors just before publication.
These phases build on each other—typically developmental first, then line, then copy, with proofreading at the very end. Some editors combine line and copy when appropriate, but no first draft is ready for a final polish.
If you’re pursuing traditional publishing, you will likely receive some developmental feedback from your agent or managing editor, and prose edits will be done in-house. If that’s the case, be sure to check out our post on self-editing so that your manuscript is in tip-top shape for submission.
Some small presses may request that the book has been edited prior to submission, and in that case, it’s best to work with your publisher on determining the best level for paid edits.
When to hire an editor
Pros across the industry agree you’ll get the best results (and save money) when you hand over the cleanest manuscript you can; that way the edit tackles advanced problems, not the ones you could fix yourself with another pass.
Many editors can help earlier—especially with nonfiction outlines or midway “I’m stuck” moments—but you’ll benefit most once you’ve revised to the best of your ability. Let the draft rest, revise at least once, and then bring in help.
A simple readiness check
You’ve revised at least once (preferably more).
Trusted readers have given feedback—and you’ve applied changes you feel good about.
You can summarize the edit you want (developmental/line/copy/proof).
Your word count fits your genre. Remember you’re likely paying per word, so make sure you’ve trimmed as much fat as you can before the edit!
You’re prepared for the time, cost, and collaboration.
If you’re nodding yes, you’re editor-ready. If not, keep refining—your future self (and editor) will thank you.
Questions to consider when choosing an editor
Before you email your dream editor, grab a cup of something strong and interrogate your manuscript (and yourself):
Have I taken this draft as far as I can—honestly? If you haven’t rested it, revised, and addressed obvious issues (word bloat, saggy middle, inconsistent POV), you may not be ready for an edit.
Do I know which edit I need? Big-picture confusion? You want developmental help. Sentences feel wooden but the structure’s solid? Line edit. Confident in content and voice? Copyedit, then proof.
Have outside eyes weighed in? Aiming for at least two or three beta readers or critique partners can help to catch obvious problems so your editor can work at a higher level.
Is my word count in range for the genre? If you’re wildly long, you’ll pay to be told to cut—and then pay again to re-edit. Trim down that word count now and you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Have I done a self-edit? Read your book aloud, search for repeats and clichés, tighten up (at the scene and sentence level), check continuity, and run a spelling/grammar pass. These cleanups lower costs and make every later edit more effective.
What’s my goal and budget? Understand time and money commitments, and match the service to your stage. Many editors (including us!) offer early coaching or outline reviews if you truly need guidance before a full draft.
Am I expecting an editor to write the book for me? Editors improve manuscripts; they don’t ghostwrite them. If you want a collaborator, say so and hire accordingly.
Ready for expert eyes?
The editors at New Life Editing Solutions would love to help you level up your manuscript—whether you need big-picture story surgery, silky-smooth prose, or a final polish before launch. Reach out and let us help you make your book shine. ✨