Editing can spell the difference between publishing success or failure

[Approximate Reading Time : 4 mins]

Every manuscript needs editing, and no two editors are the same. Having said that, finding an editor who matches their style of work and is adept in all the various styles of editing is one of the biggest challenges for authors and publishers today, given the speed at which they must operate in order to win in the new digital publishing world. Let’s take a look at the types of editorial services and some best practices that should be followed in order to make manuscripts publish-ready.

Types of editorial services

Developmental editing: It addresses structural and plot flow issues, coherence, transitions (from one dialogue/character/scene to the next), character development, point of view, etc. Since it directly shapes the content of a work and may involve total rewriting or reorganization of a work, it should be done—if needed—before manuscript editing begins.

Substantive editing: It is analysis based and focuses on the content, organization, and presentation in both its entirety and also at various sub levels. Judgment is used to suggest improvements and shape the manuscript in the most fitting manner.

Copyediting: It relates to spellings, grammar, punctuations, syntax, identifying repetitive content, overall clarity, cross-checking references, tables, images, etc. and generally checking for adherence to the recommended guidelines.

Proofreading: It involves review of the manuscript after it has been converted to the typeset form and helps identify grammar/spelling/formatting errors and inconsistencies that may have cropped up after the copyediting stage.