What Is Proofreading?

You’ve got your book draft done. Now you need editing.

But did you know there are three different types of editing? And yes, you probably need them all.

Editing usually starts with developmental work. Your editor will look for holes in logic or plot and try to make the manuscript idea stronger overall. The second phase of editing is style editing, where the editor goes line by line to make sure your work is clear and maintains your voice.

This video highlights proofreading, the final phase of editing that happens just prior to publication.

Why is seeing the difference in editing phases important? For starters, seeing the sequence helps you be realistic in planning and see producing your book as a true process.

But editors also often specialize. If an editor is a big-picture thinker, for instance, they’ll likely be awesome at developmental work. But style and proofreading require more detail-orientation. So, it’s not usual at all to have to hire or be assigned to more than one editor before your book hits the market.

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