One of my favorite things about being an editor is helping writers shape their stories into something truly resonant. As a lifelong student of language and storytelling, I’ve come to love the transformative journey each manuscript takes.
At this point in my editing career, I’d like to think I’ve seen it all—but every manuscript proves there’s always something new to learn. I’m not just talking about the quirks of style guides or grammar rules. I’m talking about working with stories that test every ounce of patience and creativity I have. These manuscripts can come from first-time authors, but even seasoned writers present unique challenges. Today, I’d like to share five essential things every writer should know before sending their work to an editor.
Editing is Not a Magic Fix
Writers sometimes imagine the editor as a kind of wizard who will wave a wand and transform a rough manuscript into a masterpiece. But editing isn’t sorcery—it’s a partnership built on effort, craft, and mutual respect. No matter how skilled your editor is, they cannot make a poorly constructed draft “good” overnight. Editing is a collaborative process, and your commitment to your own work matters.
Before sending your manuscript to an editor, it’s crucial that you’ve revised it yourself. This means reading it over and over, cutting where necessary, clarifying your ideas, and refining your sentences. If you hand over a first draft, expecting an editor to do all the heavy lifting, you’ll likely end up disappointed—and paying for a service you’re not fully ready to benefit from.
Keep in mind that while editors are meticulous, perfection is not always possible. No editor can catch every single error in a long manuscript. The human eye is, well, human. Expect improvement, not perfection, and remember that every editorial pass moves your book closer to excellence.
Self-Editing is Vital—Up to a Point
Self-editing is invaluable. When you revise your own work, you become intimately familiar with its strengths and weaknesses. You’ll find inconsistencies in character behavior, plot holes, clunky dialogue, and sentences that simply don’t work. When you’ve taken the manuscript as far as you can, that’s when an editor can help you push it even further.
Does this mean you don’t need an editor if you’ve already self-edited? Absolutely not. Every writer needs a fresh, objective eye to catch what they might miss. Editors are like architects reviewing blueprints—making sure your story’s structure is sound and that all its elements come together harmoniously.
Lay a Solid Foundation First
What does a solid manuscript foundation look like? It means you’ve done the work to make your story as coherent, compelling, and polished as possible. Whether it’s character arcs, narrative pacing, or thematic depth, you should aim to build something your editor can work with—not around. If you present a shaky draft, you may end up with a shaky edit.
Editors want to see a manuscript with potential—something they can elevate, not something that needs to be rescued from the brink. If your work is still rough around the edges, consider seeking beta readers, critique partners, or workshops before hiring a professional editor.
Your Editor is on Your Team
Remember that your editor is your ally. Whether they’re providing structural feedback, refining your prose, or correcting typos, your editor wants to see you succeed. Trust and communication are key. If they offer advice that challenges your vision, take the time to consider their perspective. Ultimately, the work is yours, but a good editor will push you to make it the best it can be.
Editing is Hard Work
Be prepared, be persistent, and approach the process with an open mind. Then, when you’re ready, find an editor who can guide you the rest of the way. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, start with a consultation. The journey to a great book begins with collaboration.
Understand the Editing Process
The editing process is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Some manuscripts need big-picture help with structure, while others just need a polish. Familiarize yourself with what kind of editing your work requires.
TYPES OF EDITING
Content Editing: This in-depth editing stage focuses on the big picture of your manuscript, addressing the structure, flow, and overall impact. Content editing examines plot development, character arcs, theme consistency, and pacing for fiction, while ensuring clarity, logic, and coherence in nonfiction. The goal is to enhance your work's narrative and messaging, keeping your audience captivated and engaged.
Line Editing: This intermediate level hones in on your prose, enhancing the style, tone, and readability of your writing. Line editing polishes sentence structure, clarifies meaning, and eliminates redundancies while maintaining your unique voice. It improves the flow of paragraphs, tightens dialogue, and refines the language to deliver a more compelling and immersive reading experience.
Proofreading: The final quality check before publication, proofreading ensures a flawless finish. This stage corrects grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors. It is your last line of defense against typos and inconsistencies, guaranteeing your manuscript appears professional and polished.
Comprehensive Editing: For authors who want it all, comprehensive editing combines all three levels of editing—content, line, and proofreading—to transform your manuscript into its best version. We meticulously refine your work, from overarching structure to precise language, for a publication-ready masterpiece.
If you're ready, reach out. We will determine together which type(s) of editing your project requires.
