Learn the rules like a pro. So you can break them like an artist.
—Pablo Picasso
At Henley Ink, we provide services for every stage in the writing process. But what is a book coach? And what is the difference between a copy editor and a proofreader? Here we answer your frequently asked questions for each editorial service.
Book Coaching FAQs
What is a book coach?
A book coach helps a writer in the beginning stages of the writing process. A book coach can specialize in a variety of areas, from helping with writer’s block and organizing ideas to being a personal cheerleader.
Do I need a book coach?
Not necessarily. If you have an idea for your book and don’t need help writing the rough draft, you’re probably good to go. If on the other hand you have an idea for a book but are not sure how to get started putting pen to paper, a book coach can help organize your ideas and break down the rough draft writing process into manageable pieces.
When should I hire a book coach?
Whenever you are feeling stuck in the writing process. Our personal recommendation is to bring a coach in sooner than later, even when your story is still in the idea phase, so you can get support as early as possible.
Developmental Editing FAQs
What is developmental editing?
Developmental editing looks at your rough draft and evaluates big-picture elements to ascertain if your book works on a structural level. Developmental edits for fiction look at aspects like character development, POV, plot arc, pacing, and style. For works of nonfiction, developmental edits look at elements like voice, organization of ideas, cohesion, and overall structure.
When should I have my book developmentally edited?
It is best to contact a developmental editor when you have completed the rough draft of your book before moving on to copy edits. You want to make sure the structure of your story is sound before cleaning up spelling and grammar, in case your developmental editor suggests you rewrite certain sections or omit others.
Does my book have to be developmentally edited?
This depends on your goals for your manuscript. You certainly do not have to have your book developmentally edited if you are pursuing self-publication or just writing as a hobby; however, one of the benefits of running it by a developmental editor early in the writing process is that you can make structural changes that will improve your story—changes that will be much more difficult to go back and add after it has been copy edited.
Does the developmental editor make the changes?
Usually not. The developmental editor will give suggestions on how to improve your story, but ultimately it is up to you to incorporate these suggestions. A developmental editor can provide feedback on your changes and make additional suggestions if necessary.
Will a developmental editor check for spelling and grammar errors?
While a developmental editor may pick up on spelling and grammar errors and fix them, their primary focus is to look at the big picture of your manuscript. Line and copy editors will look at more technical elements like spelling, grammar, syntax, etc.
Line Editing FAQs
What is line editing?
Line editing evaluates your manuscript, you guessed it, line by line. A line editor not only ensures that your writing is error-free, but will also provide suggestions on how to improve your manuscript while maintaining your voice and style. This may involve eliminating purple prose, keeping an eye out for the passive voice, looking for redundant diction or awkward sentences, and overall making sure your writing is the best it can be.
How is line editing different from copyediting?
Line editing goes a step beyond copyediting in that it not only checks for errors, but also provides suggestions on how to make your writing better. The goal of line editing is to make each sentence the best it can be, whereas copyediting is the last set of eyes on the manuscript before it is typeset to make sure it is error-free.
When should I hire a line editor?
The best time to have your manuscript line edited is after developmental edits. While there may be some overlap between developmental editing and line editing, and even line editing and copyediting, generally line editing occurs when you are satisfied with the structure of your book and do not plan to change any big-picture elements.
Copyediting FAQs
What is copyediting?
Copyediting focuses on the nitty gritty edits of a manuscript like proper spelling, punctuation, and syntax before a manuscript is typeset. A copy editor does not evaluate the overall structure of the book, just ensures the manuscript is error-free.
I already ran my book through spell check and my friend/relative who is good at English caught all my errors. Do I still need to have my manuscript copyedited?
Ideally, yes, especially if you are planning to publish. A copy editor not only looks at spelling and grammar, but will make sure you are following proper stylistic guidelines (whether you’re using MLA, Chicago Manual of Style, APA, etc.). This may involve spelling numbers or leaving them in numerical form, ensuring references are formatted correctly for works of nonfiction, and proper usage of the oxford comma. A copy editor will also check for consistency throughout the whole manuscript.
When should my manuscript be copyedited?
After developmental and line edits are complete. If you are choosing not to have your manuscript developmentally edited, then copy edits are best done when you feel good about the structure of your story and won’t be making any changes to the storyline.
Why can’t my book be developmentally edited and copy edited at the same time?
It is best to separate these services, as one requires a zoomed out, big-picture approach, while the other requires the opposite. This can be difficult for an editor to do simultaneously, and as a result, errors are likely to be missed.
Proofreading FAQs
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the last set of eyes to look at the typeset (formatted) manuscript. It ensures not only that the copy is error-free, but that the formatting adheres to proper guidelines as well.
Is proofreading the same thing as copy editing?
No, though they are similar. Copyediting only looks at the copy of a manuscript, while proofreading looks at both formatting and copy. A proofreader is the final set of eyes that ensures all errors have been amended after the book has been typeset.
Can my copy editor also proofread my manuscript?
It is not recommended the same editor who copyedits your manuscript also be the one to proofread it. While a copy editor may also be a proofreader, if they have already provided copy edits, it is best to get a separate pair of eyes for the proofread.
Can I skip copyediting and just get a proofreader?
No. Because the proofreader usually reads a typeset manuscript, it can be costly and time consuming to amend errors after the manuscript has already been typeset.
When should I have my book proofread?
After your book has been typeset, it undergoes a final proofread to make sure there are no editorial or formatting errors.
Have additional questions? Schedule a free consultation and we’ll discuss your project further and help identify what service is right for you!