Types of editing

Not sure what kind of edit your need? This brief glossary may help you decide.

Copyediting

Editing the copy (content) to match the client’s brief, the needs of the typesetter or designer and the expectations of the target audience. The copyeditor follows a house style or custom style sheet to make the content (text, references, illustrations etc) clear and consistent throughout, correcting errors in grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation while using templates, codes or formatting to make the document ready for typesetting or uploading. Depending on the quality and completeness of the original, copyediting may include some queries, rewording, rewriting, restructuring or research (eg fact checking).^†

Developmental editing

The stage after a text has been written and before copyediting. In non-fiction, it aims to help an author clarify their message effectively for the intended audience; in fiction, it helps the author develop and refine a story to achieve their creative and publishing goals.^†

Line editing

A term that some editors use to describe sentence-level stylistic work that considers sense, voice, mood, viewpoint, pace and flow. While line editing, editors may seek clarification from the author and suggest revisions.^†

Proof-editing

The type of editorial work that is done on unedited material that has already been typeset (usually on a PDF) or that will not be separately typeset (eg it has been prepared in and will remain as a Microsoft Word document). Usually a more in-depth approach is needed than with standard proofreading.^†

Proofreading

Reading and marking up the proofs of a text to fix any problems in layout and design; errors introduced during typesetting; or mistakes missed during copyediting. It is the final stage before the text is released for publication, so the proofreader should not be looking to improve the writing style, layout or any other aspect of the text, and needs to take into account the effects of any changes they mark and how they will fit into the existing page layout.^†

Structural edit

A comprehensive review and reorganisation of a manuscript’s overall structure, focusing on the logical flow of ideas and how the material is organised. This type of edit aims to improve the clarity, coherence and effectiveness of the work as a whole. It may involve moving, adding or removing sections of text; suggesting new content; or recommending changes to the presentation of information.

Substantive rewrite

A thorough revision of a text that goes beyond surface-level changes to address fundamental issues in content, style or structure. This process may involve significant rewriting of sentences, paragraphs or entire sections; the addition of new material; or the removal of existing content. A substantive rewrite aims to dramatically improve the overall quality, clarity and effectiveness of the work while maintaining the author’s voice and intent. It often requires close collaboration between the editor and the author.

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