Who Needs An Editor? Everyone.
Many novice writers believe they can skip the editing phase of their book—and honestly, it’s not entirely their fault. The internet is full of conflicting advice, and some so-called professionals have downplayed the importance of editing altogether.
But here’s the truth, dear writing friend: editing is essential. No matter the genre, no matter your skill level—every book needs an editor.
Editing is about so much more than catching typos or fixing a misplaced comma. It’s a multi-layered process that strengthens your ideas, polishes your language, and ultimately ensures your book is readable, professional, and ready for the world.
Let’s walk through the four major types of editing and why they matter.
1. Developmental Editing (a.k.a. Big Picture Editing)
Developmental editing happens early—sometimes before you start writing. This is the stage where ideas are shaped, evaluated, and refined.
A developmental editor helps you explore your concept, dig deeper into your themes, and identify what’s working—and what’s not. They might ask:
Does your story have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
Are your characters compelling and consistent?
Is the message of your nonfiction book clear and valuable to your audience?
Is your book too complex (or too thin) to meet your goals?
This stage is particularly helpful for writers who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure if their ideas are strong enough. A good developmental editor can help tighten your structure, trim the unnecessary, and elevate what truly matters.
Pro tip: You don’t have to wait until your first draft is done to work with a developmental editor. In fact, getting their input early can save you time, rewrites, and stress down the line.
2. Copyediting and Line Editing (The Deep Clean)
Once you’ve written and revised your manuscript, it’s time for copyediting—or what some call line editing. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they both involve a close, sentence-level review.
A copy or line editor focuses on:
Grammar and syntax
Sentence flow and structure
Word choice and consistency
Tone, voice, and clarity
Transitions and logic
They won’t rewrite your book for you, but they’ll make it sing. This is where your rough edges get smoothed out and your narrative becomes sharp, cohesive, and professional.
Most freelance editors use track changes in Word or Google Docs, giving you the final say over each edit. You stay in control, but with expert guidance.
Think of this like editing a film—you’ve shot all the scenes, now someone needs to make the final cut.
3. Mechanical Editing (The Style Keeper)
Mechanical editing is often folded into copyediting, but it deserves its own mention. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that ensures your manuscript follows a consistent editorial style.
This includes:
Spelling and punctuation
Capitalization and abbreviations
Numbers and measurements
Consistency of format (especially in nonfiction or technical writing)
Depending on your publishing route, your editor may follow a specific guide—like The Chicago Manual of Style (for most books), The Associated Press Stylebook (for journalistic writing), or The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style (for Christian publishers).
Mechanical editing helps you maintain credibility and professionalism—and it ensures your book doesn’t distract readers with style inconsistencies.
4. Proofreading (The Final Polish)
This is the very last step before publishing. Proofreading isn’t editing for content—it’s editing for precision.
Proofreaders focus on:
Typos and punctuation mistakes
Formatting errors in print or eBooks
Page numbers, headers, and section breaks
Broken or misaligned hyperlinks (in digital formats)
Missed or inconsistent style elements
This step is critical, and it requires a sharp eye. At this stage, you’re working with the formatted proof—the version that will go to print or distribution. It’s your final chance to catch those tiny (but noticeable) mistakes that could hurt your credibility or reader experience.
Proofreaders are often unsung heroes in the publishing process. They catch what everyone else misses—and they save you from bad reviews based on preventable errors.
So… Who Needs an Editor?
The short answer? Everyone.
It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a how-to guide, a romantic comedy, a sci-fi thriller, or a devotional. Every writer benefits from fresh eyes, skilled suggestions, and professional polish.
Some editors are trained in all stages. Others specialize in one or two. You may work with one person for the full journey, or several experts along the way. Either approach is valid—and both show you’re serious about your craft.
Hiring an editor may cost money, yes. But it’s not an expense—it’s an investment in your book’s success. Great editors don’t just clean up your work. They help you shine. They challenge you. And they support you in telling the best version of your story.
Final Thought:
If you’re planning to publish, don’t skip editing. Let someone help you shape, strengthen, and polish your work—because your book (and your readers) deserve the very best.
Write on—and hire an editor. You’ll be glad you did.