Developmental editing vs copyediting vs proofreading: which do you need?

Short answer: developmental editing fixes the big picture (structure, plot or argument), copyediting fixes the sentences (grammar, consistency and clarity), and proofreading is the final check for errors, usually on the formatted pages. They happen in that order. Most books don't need every level, but almost every book benefits from a proofread.

The levels of editing at a glance

Type	Focus	When	You receive
Developmental (structural) editing	Structure, pacing, character, plot or argument, audience	After a complete draft	Editorial letter and margin notes
Line editing	Style, rhythm, clarity and word choice, paragraph by paragraph	After structural revisions	Tracked changes and comments
Copyediting	Grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, cross-references	Before layout	Tracked changes and a style sheet
Proofreading	Remaining typos and layout errors	On final proofs, before publishing	Marked-up proofs

These definitions follow those used by the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). Editors draw the lines slightly differently, so always check what a quote includes.

What is developmental editing?

The EFA describes developmental editing as dealing with "content, organization, and genre considerations". The editor reads the whole manuscript and explains what isn't working and why: a sagging middle, a confusing timeline, a chapter that repeats an earlier argument. You do the revising, so the book stays yours.

What is copyediting (and line editing)?

Copyediting corrects spelling, grammar, usage and punctuation and keeps the text consistent, for example a character's eye colour, hyphenation or capitalisation. Line editing goes further on style, improving how sentences read. Many editors combine the two.

What is proofreading?

The CIEP calls proofreading "the final stage in the process of producing a piece of text" before publication. A proofreader checks for errors that slipped through and for layout problems introduced during formatting, such as missing page numbers or a heading on the wrong page.

Which edit does my manuscript need?

• You're unsure whether the story or argument works: developmental edit or a shorter manuscript assessment.
• Beta readers liked the story but the writing feels rough: line edit or copyedit.
• The book has been edited and formatted: proofread.
• You can only afford one: tell your editor the budget. A good editor will recommend the level that helps most.

Can I skip a stage?

You can, but skipping in the wrong order costs more. Copyediting text you then restructure wastes the copyedit, and proofreading unedited text turns into a slow, expensive copyedit. Not sure where you are? Start here walks through each stage.

Sources

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• Editorial Freelancers Association: editorial services definitions
• CIEP: about proofreading and editing
• CIEP: what is copyediting?