The Many Faces of Editing: A Writer’s Journey Before Publication. An independent Author's perspective

Writing a book is like baking a cake. You mix the ingredients, - STOP, thats a crap metaphor. It's like anything that needs refining. For me, that would be wood working: measure (yes, twice), cut, cut again, file, sand, throw it away...

So, editing and making things out of wood seems like a decent metaphor. Forget the cake thing. I dont follow recipes very well.

Here's a brief look at editing.

Developmental Editing: The Big Picture Makeover

Imagine your manuscript as a house under construction. Developmental editing is like the architect’s blueprint review. It’s all about structure, plot, pacing, and character development. This stage asks the big questions: Does the story make sense? Are the characters believable? Is the pacing too slow or too frantic?

For example, if your novel is set in a fictional boarding school in 1990s South Africa (ahem!), a developmental editor might suggest fleshing out the school’s culture or the historical context to make the setting more immersive. They might also point out if your protagonist’s bravery feels genuine or if the themes of justice and honour need more depth.

This type of editing can be a bit like a tough but loving friend who tells you, “No, your hero can’t just magically solve everything in the last chapter.” It’s about making sure your story has a solid foundation before you move on to the finer details.

Rasping and filing – in our woodworking analogy.

Copyediting: The Grammar Police Are Here

Once the big picture is sorted, it’s time for copyediting. This is where the grammar police come out in full force, but don’t worry, they’re not as scary as they sound. Copyediting focuses on sentence structure, punctuation, spelling (British English, of course), and consistency.

For writers from the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and North America, this stage is crucial because regional spelling and grammar rules can differ. For instance, “colour” vs. “color” or “organise” vs. “organize.” A good copyeditor ensures your manuscript speaks the right language for your audience. That Z in organise is freaking me out.

Aside: I have included an "Introduction to language" at the start of Footsteps of Heroes as a prophylactic against Karens and Darrens dropping one-stars because they dont konw what a cozzie is or why traffic lights are called robots (ps, no one knows!).

Also, there is a 'glossary' to explain South African-isms and Wessex-isms.

Copyediting also catches those pesky typos and awkward sentences that somehow slipped through your eagle eyes. It’s like having a second pair of glasses to spot the smudges you missed.

80 grit sandpaper.

Line Editing: The Art of Polishing Sentences

If copyediting is the grammar police, line editing is the stylistic coach. It’s about making your sentences better. Line editors look at flow, clarity, tone, and word choice. They help you cut the fluff, tighten your prose, and enhance readability.

For example, instead of “He quickly ran to the door,” – which we can all agree is terrible – a line editor might say, “He sprinted to the door,” which is slightly better and more a little more vivid. They also ensure your voice remains consistent.

My experience of this was the old - – — (hyphen, en-dash, em-dash fix.) And a lot of not being very good at dialogue punctuation.

Line editing is where your writing starts to shine...or at least sound less bad.

120-240grit sandpaper.

Proofreading: The Final Polish

Proofreading is the last line of defence before your book goes to print or digital release. It’s a meticulous check for any lingering typos, formatting errors, or inconsistencies.

Proofreaders catch things like missing commas, repeated words, or inconsistent chapter headings. It’s a detail-oriented job that requires fresh eyes and patience.

Proofreading is the polish and shine. 500-2000 grit sandpaper, And it's the thing which makes the difference between amateur and professional.

Independent Publishing and Editing

Now, let’s talk about the (brave) world of independent publishing.

I don't like the term(s) 'self-publishing'. That implies a somewhat slap-dash approach.

TRUE independent publishing is making sure the product you put out is AS good, AS polished and AS professional as a traditionally published novel.

You’re the author; the (early) editor (although you should REALLY REALLY use a professional here: Reedsy is a good resource). You're also the cover designer (again get a professional), marketer, accountant (again go pro) and agent. It’s a wild ride, but incredibly rewarding.

Remember, no one can be awesome at all of these things, focus on the writing first. Hire/trade for professionals for editing, cover and accounting.

The challenge is balancing the creative part of writing with the nitty-gritty of editing.

My Desk: Editing, notes, coffee.

Tips for Navigating the Editing Maze

Editing can feel overwhelming, but here are some practical tips to keep you sane:

• Take breaks between edits. Fresh eyes catch more mistakes.

• Read your manuscript aloud. It helps spot awkward phrasing.

• Use editing software as a first pass. Tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid can catch basic errors – ignore the bells and whistles of these programmes, just focus on the spelling and grammar stuff.

• Join a critique/writers group. Fellow writers can offer valuable feedback.

• Hire professionals for key stages. Developmental editing and proofreading are worth the investment.

• Keep your target audience in mind. Tailor your language and style accordingly. If it sounds purple, change it. DON'T TRY TOO HARD TO SOUND SMART – TRUST YOUR READER.

  
  

Remember, editing is not punishment – even if it feels that way sometimes.

Embracing the Editing Journey

Editing might not be the glamorous part of writing, but it’s where the magic happens. It’s a journey of discovery, frustration, and ultimately, satisfaction. Whether you’re working with a traditional publisher or flying solo in the indie world, embracing the different types of editing will elevate your work.

So next time you’re staring down a sea of red ink or wrestling with a plot twist, remember: every edit (and sanding) brings you one step closer to sharing your story with the world. That's what writing is about.