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When you hear the word “editing,” you—like most people—probably think of someone who fixes grammar and punctuation, right? Well, that’s definitely one type, but there are actually a few different types of editing, and each one is vital to your book’s success.
Let’s start with the granddaddy of editing, which we call “developmental” or “content” editing. These terms are used interchangeably, and you can remember it’s the big one because it deals with every detail of the overall development and content of your non-fiction book or novel.
- the overall flow, clarity, and consistency
- the voice of your book and how your reader will connect with you
- where it might be lacking anywhere in content and what it needs to be complete
- if the reader will learn/be inspired/get motivated/feel better from the content
- if your book’s overarching goal—AKA benefit to your readers—is met with the content of every chapter
- story arc
- character development and integrity (would this character do this?) and their actions and reactions
- the believability and flow of dialogue
- plot—including twists, pace, suspense, plausibility, etc.
- the essence of the story itself
- the use of “showing vs. telling”
- grammar
- punctuation
- spelling
- style
- sentence and paragraph structure
- vocabulary usage
- fact-checking, if necessary
Make sure your book goes through each crucial phase of editing: developmental or content editing, then copy editing, then proofreading before you consider it ready for publication. There’s no greater investment you’ll make in your book than hiring a professional who specializes in each type of editing to ensure your words, structure, and message are polished to gleaming for your eager readers!
Stay tuned for my next video where I explain how to obtain an ISBN—and why you should never use a CreateSpace freebie. In the meantime, if you liked this video/post, I'd love it if you gave it a thumbs up and shared it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or your favorite social media site so that other writers can benefit too!
Write from the heart ...
Stacey Aaronson is a professional Book Doctor who takes self-publishing authors by the hand and transforms their manuscripts into the books they've dreamed of—from impeccable editing and proofreading to engaging, audience-targeted cover and interior design—rivaling or exceeding a traditional house publication.
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