The Editing Process

Professional editing happens in three distinct passes. Developmental editing addresses structure: Is the plot coherent? Are characters motivated? Does the pacing work? Line editing refines prose at the sentence level: word choice, rhythm, clarity, voice consistency. Copy editing catches grammar, punctuation, spelling, and factual errors. Attempting all three simultaneously is like trying to renovate a house's floor plan while also choosing paint colors and checking the plumbing—each layer requires focused attention.