“There is no global authority that dictates what independent editors call the work that we do. … Ironically, for an industry that is focused on words, the semantics here don’t matter much. What you want more than anything is an editor who … can, in their own words, explain to you what they do, where they sit on the continuum of book-editing services, and what needs to be done before and/or after their work to ensure a comprehensive edit.”
from The Comprehensive Guide to Finding, Hiring, and Working with an Editor by Chantel Hamilton, nonfiction developmental editor
What type of edit do I need?
“Michaeli is an enthusiastic, talented, and thorough copyeditor. It is very obvious that editing is her passion. Highly recommended!”
-Corey Griffin
The differences between certain types of editing can be hard to wrap your head around, especially since everyone seems to have their own personal definitions. Before I made this page, I often found myself explaining the details through emails with potential clients. Thus, in an effort to save everyone time, I created this guide to explain the services I provide, as well as my editing processes.
Note: While I use algorithmic tools (e.g., spellcheck, PerfectIt) to perform basic checks, I do not consult AI during any stage of the editing process. I also request that clients disclose any use of AI and to what extent.
Developmental Edit
Developmental Editing (sometimes referred to as “Structural Editing”) is the first type of editing that takes place during the writing process. Developmental editors works with authors to develop the story, sometimes from the very inception of an idea. This type of editing looks at the structure of the story, rather than the language. Your editor will work with you on big plot issues like continuity and character development. Think of a developmental editor as a story coach—they’ll be there to guide, teach, and encourage you while you finish your manuscript.
I do not currently offer Developmental Editing services.
Line Edit
This service (occasionally called “Substantive Editing”) helps flesh out stories after the developmental editing process. If you have it all on paper but need help with the finer details, you’re just not satisfied with the way your story reads, or you need help tightening things up, this is the service for you!
Many authors think they need a copy edit, when they’re really looking for a line edit. The main difference between the two is the level of work involved. A line edit addresses elements of the story, whereas a copy edit focuses on the technical aspects of the writing. This type of editing involves going line by line (thus the term “line editing”), finding plot holes and other inconsistencies, along with confusing/awkward wording.
Think of line editing as a “buddy system” for your writing. When you’re writing a story, it can be difficult to look at it objectively—especially when you’ve written multiple drafts (which you should do before hiring an editor!) You’ll often have a clear idea of who your characters are, but sometimes, it isn’t fully translated onto the page. It’s also hard to see (or at least admit) when something needs to be cut, either because it doesn’t add to the story or just doesn’t fit.
That’s where an editor comes in. We make the tough decisions, though whether to heed our advice or not is entirely up to you—we’re not paid to smile and nod! While I will let you know when I particularly enjoy certain bits, I won’t beat around the bush when it comes to the changes that need to be made. You may be tempted to hate me by the time we’re done, but keep in mind that my goal is to make your story the best it can be.
Some editors don’t fix technical errors when they do line editing, and I get that—since you’ll most likely be revising your manuscript, it may not seem to make much sense to fix errors in grammar and punctuation! However, I find that it can be helpful to see which technical areas of writing you need to improve, and a little coaching goes a long way. My main goal, other than polishing your story to perfection, is to help you grow your craft and become a better writer.
As I correct errors, I leave in-line comments explaining my reasoning. I also expand upon the issues I feel are most important to address in an accompanying feedback document (or “editorial letter”) and share helpful online resources.
This service includes a feedback document along with the main edited manuscript. Additional revisions are available at discount.
Copy Edit
This type of editing involves correcting technical errors and inconsistencies (grammar, repetition, word choice, style, repetition, spelling, and repetition), as well as confusing/awkward wording. It’s not as in-depth as line editing, so it should take place after you’re satisfied that you’ve made your manuscript the best you can, but before you start querying or begin the self-publishing process.
While copy editing focuses on the mechanics of grammar and punctuation, I will flag any other details which need to be addressed to improve readability. I’ll also perform basic fact-checking (making sure the name of that specific restaurant in Seattle is spelled correctly, for example, or that the Bible verse you quoted is indeed Psalm 119:76). As with line editing, I’ll leave comments to explain my changes and share tips to help improve your craft. There’s not much focus on plot or characters, though I will flag any glaring plot holes or disparities in the narrative.
Proofread
This is the last step before publishing your book. If you’re going with a traditional publisher, they’ll provide proofreading services—and you just have to trust that they’ll do it well! Proofreading can also involve making sure formatting is consistent and appropriate for the form of publication (e.g., print, ebook).
In my proofreading service, I also point out any glaring inconsistencies I notice, but only if they absolutely must be addressed for the book to make sense. I won’t change any awkward phrasing unless it’s technically incorrect, add any commas that aren’t strictly necessary, or suggest alternatives for repetitive wording. This is a very cut-and-dry edit, with little to no back-and-forth between editor and author.
Heard enough? Contact me via email at mcknight@editsbyknight.com so we can begin a discussion about your project. Please include your name, the genre, word count, and intended audience of your book, and which service you’re interested in. To speed things along, you can attach a 1,000-word sample of your manuscript in .docx format. I’ll perform a sample edit, and if you’re picking up what I’m putting down, we can talk rates!
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I do my best to respond to all emails in a timely manner, but please allow two business days for a response (sample edits can take up to five).
If you have any other questions that I have not addressed, please feel free to email me at mcknight@editsbynight.com!
Miko lives in North Alabama with their husband, Mark—two bright blue dots in a really red state. The pair have three cats, Henry, Louise, and Jefferson Twilight, and live the quiet and satisfying lives of two nerdy introverts. The work-from-home lifestyle is perfect for Miko, who was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in their late thirties.
In their spare time, Miko enjoys gardening, playing the piano, singing, playing JRPGs, Tabletop gaming, and (of course) reading.
Miko lives in North Alabama with their husband, Mark—two bright blue dots in a really red state. The pair have three cats, Henry, Louise, and Jefferson Twilight, and live the quiet and satisfying lives of two nerdy introverts. The work-from-home lifestyle is perfect for Miko, who was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in their late thirties.