What an Editor Really Does (And How to Know When You Need One)

Editing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the writing process. It’s not just about fixing grammar—it’s about strengthening your story.

Many writers aren’t sure what kind of editing they need, which is why I always recommend starting with a manuscript review. This helps pinpoint whether your story needs big-picture development, sentence-level polish, or just a final proofreading.

Another advantage of a manuscript review? It gives you the chance to ensure your editor is the right fit before committing to the full editing process. Your editor should be more than just a set of expert eyes—they should be a collaborative partner, someone who understands your vision, challenges you where needed, and is easy to work with.

So, how do you know when your book is ready for an editor? Let’s break it down.

Not all editing is the same, and different stages of the writing process require different types of edits.

📌 Developmental Editing – Focuses on story structure, pacing, character arcs, and overall flow. This is ideal if your book needs big-picture guidance to strengthen its foundation.

📌 Line Editing vs. Copy Editing – Though often used interchangeably, these serve different purposes:

• Line Editing enhances sentence structure, style, and readability, ensuring smooth, engaging prose.
• Copy Editing corrects grammar, punctuation, and consistency while preserving your voice.

📌 Proofreading – The final polish before publishing, catching typos, formatting errors, and any lingering mistakes.

Many writers think they need one type of editing but may actually benefit from another. That’s why a manuscript review is a smart first step—it helps determine what your book truly needs before diving into a full edit.

Bonus: Many editors apply the cost of a manuscript review toward future editing services if you choose to continue working with them!

You might be ready for an editor if:

✅You’ve revised your book as much as you can on your own but feel stuck.
✅Beta readers gave feedback, but you’re unsure how to apply it.
✅You’re serious about publishing (traditionally or self-publishing) and want your book to be the best it can be.

Self-editing is important, but it has its limits. A fresh, professional perspective can turn a good book into a great one.

I know that many authors are hesitant to work with an editor—maybe you’ve heard horror stories of editors overriding an author’s voice or tearing a manuscript apart without care.

That’s not how I approach editing.

I see editing as a partnership. My role isn’t to rewrite your book—it’s to help you tell the best possible version of your story while staying true to your voice. A great editor doesn’t impose; they collaborate.

As an author, you should always feel like you’re working with your editor, not against them.

Not all editors are the same, and finding the right one for your book is essential. Before hiring an editor, consider the following:

✔ Do they have experience in my genre? (Not all editors are a good fit for all books!)

✔ Can they provide a sample edit? (This helps you gauge their style.)

✔ Are pricing and timelines clear? (Editing is an investment—know what to expect.)

✔ Do they respect my voice while still pushing my book to be better?

A great editor doesn’t just “fix” your book—they enhance your voice, strengthen your story, and challenge weak spots, all while staying true to your vision.

I believe that every book has potential—it just needs the right editorial guidance. My approach starts with a manuscript review, so we can determine exactly what your book needs before diving into a full edit.

📌 My goal? To help you level up your story while keeping your unique voice intact.

📌 Not sure what kind of edit you need? Let’s chat! I’m here to guide you through the process.

Hiring an editor isn’t about losing control of your book—it’s about refining your vision and bringing out the best in your story.

If you’re thinking about working with an editor but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to help.

📩 Ready to get started? Fill out this form or send me a message. Let’s find the right next step for your manuscript.

✨ Have editing questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!