“We edit your words, your writing, your sentences and paragraphs… but never your voice.”
― Rogena Mitchell-Jones
Editing is the process in which a manuscript is modified, corrected and polished thoroughly. It is the process of correcting and polishing the manuscript in order to make it stand out.
I have worked as the Editor-In-Chief (English Language) at a local publishing house for more than 5 years and my speciality is Editing of Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction works.
In literature, there are different types of editing depending upon the work that needs to be done on an individual manuscript. It is subjective and depends upon what exactly is lacking or needs improvement regarding the overall quality of the individual manuscript. For example, in some manuscripts, prose needs tightening, whereas in others, the overall plot-structure needs to be fixed, or in some, the scenes are not executed well or the dialogues are lacking in quality, and so on. So the first job of an editor is to determine (based on the sample chapters they are provided by the writer) which kind of editing their work needs.
So, what is editing?
Editing, in the overall sense of the word, involves changes that polish your manuscript by focusing on the sentence structure, punctuations, spelling mistakes, stylistic alterations, voice correction, grammatical errors, characterisation, narrative flow, tension, pacing, plot structuring, plot progression, story dynamics, character dynamics, etc. While editing, the overall story remains the same and improving the manuscript’s structure as well as the overall plot, is the priority.
4 Main Types of Editing:
| Types Of Editing | What they entail | Elements covered | Recommended for | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developmental Editing | In Developmental Editing the entire plot and story is worked upon along with all the main story elements to ensure that the book makes sense, has the perfect flow, is engaging for the readers and that ideas and vision of the author is correctly conveyed in the manuscript. | In Developmental Editing the elements that are covered are: Plot Structure, Character Development, Rewriting of certain portions for better prose, Chapter division and rearrangement, Scene build-up, Scene transitions, Resolution & ending, Rising and Falling Action, Narrative flow, Tension & Pacing, Dialogue clarity and realism, Conflicts and their respective Resolutions, Cause & Effect application and Motivation & Stakes of story, as well as characters. | First-time authors and authors of literary, fantasy & science-fiction genres and/or book series. Writers who have completed a draft but need help with structure, character development, plot, pacing, or thematic elements. Also beneficial for authors who feel their manuscript lacks direction or coherence. | Starts at 0.85 per word |
| Substantial Editing | In Substantive Editing the overall story and structuring is left untouched while the other elements are improved upon as best as could be. This type of editing is for writers who are well-versed in plot structuring and plot progression. | In Substantive Editing the elements that are covered are: Clarity of text, Sentences and Paragraphs, Narrative Tone and Voice consistency, Narrative flow, Chapter and Scene Transitions, Grammar and Syntax, Dialogue clarity and realism, Clarity & coherence of the Descriptions, Exposition and Narration. | Main-stream or Commercial genre writers and authors who have already published at least one book in the past. Writers looking to enhance the clarity, flow, and effectiveness of their manuscript at the paragraph or chapter level, or who need assistance with more detailed aspects of their narrative or argument. | Starts at 0.75 per word |
| Line Editing | Line Editing, often performed alongside or just before copy editing, focuses on the use of language to convey the author’s message in the best way possible. | In Line Editing, the following elements are covered: Grammar and Punctuation, Spelling and Typographical Errors, Consistency in Terms and Formatting, Factual Accuracy, Syntax, Adherence to Style Guides, Consistency in Narrative Perspective and Reference and Citation Check | Writers with a completed manuscript that requires a professional touch to ensure accuracy, coherence, and adherence to style guides before publication. This is crucial for all writers prior to publication. | Starts at 0.70 per word |
| Copy Editing | Copy Editing focuses on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax. It ensures the text adheres to style guides and is free from errors, making the writing clear and professional. | In Copy Editing following elements are included: Sentence Structure Refinement, Word Choice and Vocabulary, Tone and Style Adjustment, Elimination of Clichés and Redundancies, Rhythm and Pacing, Clarity and Coherence, Dialogue Enhancement, Flow and Transition and Enhancement of Descriptive Language | Writers with a completed manuscript that requires a professional touch to ensure accuracy, coherence, and adherence to style guides before publication. This is crucial for all writers prior to publication. | Starts at 0.65 per word |
FAQs
- I’ve finished writing my manuscript, can I send it for editing?
Answer: Yes, but only if you’ve worked on your manuscript for at least 4-5 drafts and have thoroughly revised as well as edited it, to the best of your capability. If you send a half-baked manuscript, then it’ll only end up wasting your money and time. Also, you should first get a beta reading done and then make changes in your manuscript and then proceed with the thought of editing.
If you don’t know what beta reading is, then please read this article: What are Beta Readers And Why Do you need them? and Beta Reading - How can I decide which type of editing my manuscript needs?
Answer: If you are a veteran writer (you’ve written more than 2-3 books), you may already know exactly which type of editing service(s) you need. If you are a new or a first-time writer, then the combination that is generally suggested is – Substantive editing or developmental editing and copyediting. The decision may vary from person to person and even on one’s budget.
If you are not sure, then simply go along with what I suggest based on the sample chapters of your manuscript that you will provide for me.
No matter the case, once I read through the sample chapters, I always suggest what type of editing the manuscript needs, so I will suggest it based on your writing and story. - What are Rounds? How many Rounds will my manuscript need?
Answer: Editing is done in rounds – first I will read through your book, multiple times, and mark all the places that need change and the changes themselves, along with highlighting of all the issues with the story, concept, plot structure, language, voice, writing, pacing, characterisation, exposition, issues with dialogues, plot holes, linearity of plot, believability, readability, etc. The first round is the most intensive round of editing and takes the longest time because the main editing is done in the first round. Once I am done with the editing, I will be sending you the manuscript in two separate files – one will be your manuscript marked with all changes and one in the form of a repot. Then you will have to read them both and make changes accordingly to that manuscript.
Once you are done, you will send the manuscript back to me with the revisions and I will then begin round two. This will again involve multiple readings of your manuscript and then the edits in the revised draft.
This will continue till the manuscript doesn’t need anymore changes.
The number of editing rounds will depend on your manuscript. Generally it takes 3-4 rounds for editing a manuscript (more if need be.) - How long does the process of editing takes?
Answer: Anywhere between 2 to 6 months. It depends on how long your book is and how long you take to revise the manuscript after each round.
“Heena is one of the finest editors we’ve worked with; she is thorough, relentless and highly driven. Her command over English language and wide experience in English literature brings a lot to the table. In spite of her wide knowledge and experience, she respects the vision of every writer, novice or experiences, that she works with. Her communication is fantastic and the results are simply par excellence!“
Director, Citrus Publishers
Previous Employer
“She is a brilliant editor and a wonderful person. I chose her for my book’s developmental & substantive editing. Heena helped me to develop my story and with her guidance, I was able to overcome all the loopholes in my story. She not only edits well but also guides with her whole heart. She is sincere, honest, a good listener and an excellent guide. I strongly recommend her.”
Priyanka Ranadive, PhD in Museology and Archeology
Author of Little Netra’s Vist To Ancient Monument series
You can read more testimonials from my clients here:
Client Testimonials
READY TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Just drop me an email with your manuscripts details (such as Working Title, Genre, Word Count, etc.) along with the first 2 chapters at rathoreheena@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you with a quote and a sample edit within 24-48 hours.
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