As your book moves through the various stages of the editorial process, it will become a stronger, better, and more effective version of itself, the version you know it can be.
After all, you’re an expert when it comes to your specific story, while editors are experts in things you’re not: what kind of language works well for a certain genre, what the most up-to-date grammar rules are, what kind of structure hooks a reader. With their combined skillsets, an author and editor make a powerful team. I’d be honored to be on yours.
GENRE SPECIALTIES:
Motivational Nonfiction/Self-Help
Science/Health
Science/Health for a General Audience
Fiction
Business Materials
Young Adult
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Motivational Nonfiction/Self-Help Science/Health Science/Health for a General Audience Fiction Business Materials Young Adult Middle Grade Picture Books
Editorial Services
Line Editing
(revision)
Once you’ve got your book’s paragraphs and chapters in the right place, line editing assesses the flow of each sentence. It encompasses word and punctuation choices—and the subtle yet silent rhythm created by those elements. In other words, line editing ensures you are using language in the most impactful and succinct way. A skilled line editor will make your words sing—while leaving your authorial voice intact.
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Copyediting
(correction)
While line editing focuses on the techniques of language that heighten the story, copyediting narrows in on the mechanics, which include syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The copyedit is a fine-tooth comb that enhances your story’s professionalism and image.
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Where Toni Weeks Editorial services fall in the grand scheme of publishing a book
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Depending on your manuscript, a book editor performs up to seven different editorial tasks! Typically, several editing professionals will share those roles. Note that editing tasks can be named or defined differently than in the graphic above, combined with each other, or even skipped, but it’s unlikely that one editor will handle all roles. That’s a good thing! Multiple pairs of eyes on your manuscript is a plus for you and actually makes your book that much better!
BOOK COACH
01
BETA READER
02
MANUSCRIPT EVALUATOR
03
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR
04
LINE EDITOR
05
COPYEDITOR
06
07
PROOFREADER
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN
A Short Primer on Book Editor Roles
ROLES 1–3:
A book coach, beta reader, and/or manuscript evaluator assesses the early draft(s) and helps the author determine the story and structure of the book.
ROLE 4:
A developmental editor continues shaping chapters and organizing paragraphs to produce a solid working draft. (A manuscript evaluator and/or line editor may participate too.)
ROLES 5–6:
Up to this point, the focus has been on the content. That focus now changes to the language.
A line editor addresses paragraph and sentence strength, word choice, meaning, and flow, while a copyeditor corrects indisputable errors and ensures consistency in grammar, syntax, usage, and mechanics; checks that all parts of the manuscript work together properly; and queries facts that seem incorrect. (There is sometimes a blur between these two roles, and it’s possible for one editor to handle all these tasks.)
ROLE 7:
After the manuscript is formatted and typeset, a proofreader looks for any stray errors.
*Keep in mind that the author reviews the editor’s work at most steps, so progression through these seven steps is not necessarily linear!
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“Truly: you knocked this project out of the park. I could practically hear angels singing as I reviewed your work because it was so, so good and so phenomenally on point for what we need in a copy editor. [….] It's like you were air-dropped in from editor-heaven.”
Katherine MacKenett
Managing Editor and Lead Ghostwriter
Author Bridge Media
FAQs
Why should I hire an editor?
Developmental editing is critical to keep your reader “in the book.” Proper story structure keeps your reader turning the pages, anxious for more. Professional line editing and copyediting are crucial to a book’s professionalism and performance. A book that’s undergone a professional line edit masterfully wields language to communicate a story to the reader, while a copyedited book enhances that book’s readability and credibility.
What kind of editing do I need?
Most books require developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting for maximum impact. But if you’ve written your first draft and are wondering how to make it better, choose a developmental edit. if you’re primarily wanting extra help with the way you’re communicating your story to the reader—things like language, style, and flow—opt for a line edit. And if grammar, spelling, and punctuation is your key concern, opt for the classic copyedit.
Should I finish writing my book before hiring an editor?
Yes and no. You do need to have a finished manuscript for line editing and copyediting. But other types of editors (like developmental editors and manuscript evaluators) are often able to take on projects that are still in the works.
How long does editing take?
The process largely depends on the length of your manuscript, but you can generally expect a turnaround time of between two and four weeks.
Have another question?
Get in touch here.
GENRE SPECIALTIES
Motivational Nonfiction/Self-Help
Science/Health
Fiction
Business Materials*
Young Adult
Middle Grade
Picture Books
*Editing for Businesses, Startups, and Nonprofits
Entrepreneurs, I speak your language! Each one of us in my family has started at least one successful business, and I’m familiar with the processes. An edit focused on clarity and concision will elevate your company’s professionalism in a big way. Your investors and customers will take note.
Capabilities include: business plans, white papers, brochures, and blog posts
