Not All Editing Is Created Equal

Not All Editing Is Created Equal

Few things are more frustrating to a writer than receiving content back from an editor with almost no discernable changes or suggestions—few things, that is, except for seeing a wall of red curlicues and slashes on a page you thought was close to finished. As a writer, it’s important to come to an agreement with your editor regarding the level of revisions you’re looking for. The term “editing” has become a catchall for all manner of improvements to the written word; however, there are in fact distinct types of editing.

Are you just looking for someone to check your spelling and punctuation? Well, firstly, if that’s the case, hopefully you’ve already worked with another party on the content and flow of your material. Getting a different set of eyes, so to speak, on your work is critical to clear and effective writing. If another reader stumbles over something in your work or is unclear about something, that’s the best indication of the need for revision. Secondly, if you are really only interested in having someone correct objective errors, then what you’re looking for is a proofreader. One step up from proofreading is copyediting, in which the editor will also give minimal feedback on word choice and will identify and may even rephrase awkward sentences and clauses.

But let’s say you’re looking for someone to give you critical feedback on the tone and flow of your content, and do heavy edits to your writing. In that case, you’re looking for a line editor.  This is the standard level of editing that most writers and editors agree to. In the event that you want to partner even more actively with your editor and get their input on the development or structure of your work, you’re looking for a developmental editor. Beyond developmental editing, there’s ghostwriting, which opens entirely new doors for collaboration with a skilled writer or editor.
Interested in finding out what writing services would be best for you and your project? Give us a call at 1-844-9-WRITER to talk about how our ghostwriting and editing services can help you!

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