Lesley’s Editing stages explained

Here's a basic rundown on the different editing stages you might choose for your manuscript. I can be flexible depending on your preferences or what your manuscript needs — each manuscript is unique, and the best approach to editing necessarily differs from one piece of writing to the next.

Let me know if you have any questions about the editing stages outlined here or if you would like to discuss possible options for editing for your manuscript. I look forward to working on your manuscript with you!

Manuscript assessment Sometimes also called a manuscript appraisal or book evaluation, this is a summarised report for full or partial manuscripts. With a manuscript assessment, you will receive a 3+ page report designed to give the author the idea of the audience and market potential for their book, suggest correlatives, and address the strengths and weaknesses of the book — what worked and what didn’t — as well as provide an overall impression of the book and point out any pervading technical issues.

As well as the above, some typical aspects of a manuscript that might be discussed within a manuscript assessment are: the pacing, plot, structure, narrative voice, characterisation, length, consistency, readability and flow of the language, as well as character and story arcs.

If there are any specific things you'd like to have addressed or answered in your manuscript evaluation, I’m always happy to discuss — just let me know beforehand!

* If you are unsure of which type of edit your manuscript needs — or you are looking for a quick fix — an assessment is often the best and most cost-effective jumping-off point. *

Structural editing A more in-depth and thorough editing stage, structural editing deals with the 'bigger picture' elements of a manuscript. The process usually starts with a first read-through; then, after a period of deliberation, I will read back through to annotate any issues within the manuscript (usually in Word and using margin comments). I will typically also compile a report outlining what structural work I suggest needs to be done (looking at such elements as flow, character development, overall plot, pacing, narrative voice, systemic technical issues, and any other large-picture issues that occur).

Line editing / copy editing After the structural stages – or once the author is happy with the manuscript overall – the attention can then focus in on the language itself. This can be done either through a line or copy edit, both of which are a line-by-line edit. This stage of editing is highly recommended as it is all about readability and narrative flow, about polishing the language and impact of your words, while taking care to maintain the authorial voice. In this editing stage, the language itself will be checked for such things as flow, ease of reading, grammar, punctuation, pacing, tense, repetition and consistency.

Line editing is a more intensive editing process than copy editing, where the sentences need a lot of work to increase readability and flow. In a line edit, the client can expect suggestions for where whole words, sentences (or even whole paragraphs) could be changed, cut, or moved, as well as suggestions for where new text could be added to increase the flow and impact of the text.

As well as the copy- or line-edited manuscript (usually within Word and using Tracked Changes and margin comments), the author will also receive a style sheet — which is of great use in future edits or rewrites — as well as, if the editor deems it necessary, copy edit notes.

Proofreading This is the final, 'polishing' stage of a manuscript's development, which ensures that any typos and grammatical mistakes are cleaned up. When proofreading a manuscript, I will read through the manuscript once, with an eagle eye hunting for errors, which I will then mark up within the manuscript, typically in Word and using Tracked Changes and margin comments (for typeset files, this can also include checking for design and layout issues: checking contents, headers and footers, folios and/or references, if required. Just let me know so I can adjust the quote for this).

While this editing stage is focused on the correctness of the language, I will also, typically, pull up any larger issues such as plot problems that jump out at me as I go through the manuscript, as well as problems with repetition or logic within the text, and so on.

If I consider it appropriate, I will also compile a style sheet, which can be very helpful for maintaining consistency and style in any further edits or books in a series.

Blurb and copywriting This stage involves the preparation of various forms of marketing material, such as back-cover blurbs, sales points, synopses, or AI (advance information) sheets, for submission to agents or publishing houses; to prizes, fellowships, or residencies; or for self-publication or similar — just let me know what you need!

In this stage, I will write the requested copy after researching market positioning and correlative titles, in order to best create attractive and on-point marketing material.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about these editing stages, to request a quote or check availability, or if you would like to discuss a bespoke editing experience for your manuscript.

email us at praxisbookscontact(at)gmail(dot)com

Happy writing!