What is a Development/Content Editor?
The Development Editor (also commonly referred to as the Content Editor) is all about the creative aspects and is the first stop in editing the manuscript. It is one of the most important edits as it focuses on overall storyline/story arch, timeline and consistencies, plot holes, pacing, characters relatability and their POV, setting, and whether or not the manuscript itself meets general industry standards (e.g. word count, genre requirements).
The Development Editor works closely with the writer to make important changes to the structure of the manuscript before moving on to the other phases of editing.
What is a Line Editor?
The second phase of editing is line editing. The Line Editor focuses on syntax to make sure that the narrative flows smoothly and that the writing itself is clear and concise, that the sentence says what the writer needs it to say.
What is a Copy Editor?
The third phase of editing doesn’t happen until the very end, after all the major changes have been made to the manuscript. The Copy Editor reviews the manuscript for typos, grammar, word usage, and punctuation, usually following the Chicago Manual of Style for fiction.
This is the final editing stage, which is the polish of the manuscript and should not need to include any major structural changes to the manuscript. Frequently, the line and the copy edits are provided at the same time by the same editor.
Editing Services:
Sample Edit: Free (up to 1,500 words) for first-time
Manuscript Appraisal: $0.025 per word
Developmental/Content editing: $0.03 -0.04 per word
Copy/Line: $0.02 – $0.03 per word
Proofread: $0.02 – $0.025 per word
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