What you should know about the 4 different types of edits
Hi and welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.
As a print editor, I get many queries about planning, writing, polishing and publishing life stories for family and friends.
And in this series I aim to give you a peek into how I help fellow writers.
Today’s Ask Nicola answers the following question:
I have finished the first draft of my book. What are the different types of editors? And which one is most important?
This is a super and important question!
While we can edit ourselves there comes a point where we must get another set of eyes to read our autobiography, memoir, biography or other life-story project.
As writers we become too close to our writing and we can’t ‘see’ the errors anymore.
This is like the classic saying: “Can’t see the forest for the trees.”
By all means get a loved one, friend or acquaintance to give your work the once over.
But if you want to really give a good polish you can hire an editor.
Let’s talk about the different types of editors …
Types of editors: Manuscript editor
A manuscript editor looks at your whole book.
They will give you a report on your book’s big picture or the 100ft view.
Hence this type of editor is looking at things like: chapter structure, tone, character descriptions, theme, story opportunities and holes.
They are all about how a story fits together.
Therefore use this edit after you have a detailed outline or have written a first draft.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: Revising and editing autobiography stories
Comprehensive editor
A comprehensive editor takes a much closer look at your writing.
They are zooming in to look at a book’s sentences and words.
So this editor will be focusing on: rewriting to tighten and polish your writing plus making it easy to read.
Of all the types of editors, they aim to make your writing sing.
Use this edit when you have a solid second or subsequent draft.
Related article – Writing and editing: 3 things your writing teacher is looking for during a coaching call
Related article – What a professional print sub-editor knows about editing autobiographies
Copy editor
A copy editor wants your book to be perfect.
Of all the types of editors, they roll up their sleeves and get dirty with the red pen.
Hence this editor is looking to fix: spelling, grammar, punctuation, style, tenses, accuracy, inconsistencies, and more.
They have the eagle eye for clarity and detail.
Use this edit when you have a final draft.
Related article – Proofreading tips for revising and editing your writing
Proofreader
A proofreader is the backstop of all the types of editors.
They read your work at the typesetting stage.
So this editor is looking for: glaring layout errors like bad page breaks, wrong section order, design faults, plus a final sweep for missed spelling, grammar, style etc.
They are your final quality checker.
Use this edit when you are set to go to the printers or have an advanced copy printed.
Related article – Writing tools to help you beat bad spelling and grammar woes
Related article – How to get your own book printed without going crazy!
Where to find types of editors
What types of editors will you need for your book?
You can use all four types above or just select the editor you think you need.
This will depend on: your writing experience, network, time and budget.
However, I would stress that you don’t do all the editing on your own.
Therefore here are some places you can look to connect with types of editors:
- Upwork: Connects you to freelancers, independent professionals, and agencies.
- Fiverr: Links you to freelancers offering digital services in 250+ categories.
- IPEd: Institute of Professional Editors Limited in Australia and New Zealand.
- NY Book Editors: Team of highly vetted editors. An IngramSpark recommended expert.
- Also do an internet search for editors in your region, state and country.
Final say: Types of editors
Editors are there to help you at each step of your writing journey.
There are four types of editors: manuscript editor, comprehensive editor, copy editor and proofreader.
Even the greatest writers in the world need and want an editor.
This is because edits make your book a joy to read and treasure.
Happy writing and editing!
Free gift!
If you want to get your book structure in good shape before you start writing you need to watch the free structure success video training. This will help you figure out a basic chapter outline and get your writing off to a strong start. Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
Are you planning to use an editor? Or how did an editor help you? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.