Editing is expensive. It’s a vital service, but even editors can’t deny how pricey it can be. Some authors pay thousands of dollars for professional services, while others try to do it all on their own. If you’re an independently published author (or even if you aren’t), it pays to know what kind of editing to splurge on.

Copyediting? Developmental Editing? Proofreading? Substantive editing? Everywhere you look, terms are bandied about like some new kind of slang. Developmental editing is not the newest ‘skibidi toilet.’ It’s a real profession that can have a great impact on your novel. By learning the distinctions between these different terms, you can make an educated decision.

So what kind of editing do you need? You’re going to hate the answer. Like everything else, it depends. Ask yourself the questions below to get an answer tailored to your needs.

• Are you trying to interest a traditional publishing house like Penguin Random House or Harper Collins? If so, skip to the end of this quiz.
• Are you concerned about the structure of your story? For example, are you worried your plot meanders? Are you scared your middle drags on too long?
• Are you concerned your characters aren’t compelling enough?
• Are you concerned about your prose?
• Are you concerned about your spelling and grammar?
• Are you unsure of your story’s trouble spots?
• Are you worried you might be a bad writer?

Indie authors, take a deep breath. All authors, regardless of where they publish, have doubts. Bad authors don’t question themselves, and they certainly don’t ask for help. They blame poor sales and 1-star reviews on readers. By even considering the pros and cons of hiring an editor, you’ve proven yourself to be a decent writer.

If you aren’t sure why your story is falling flat, it may be best to get an editorial assessment- also known as an editorial evaluation. A professional will look at your story as a whole and compile a comprehensive review of your manuscripts greatest strengths and weaknesses. If you decide to pursue traditional publishing, an editorial assessment will let you know if your story is ready for querying.

If you’re most concerned about plot, characters, or structure, you should contact a developmental editor. These professionals go beyond an editorial assessment and dig deep into your manuscript. They will help you fix saggy middles, one-dimensional characters, and a meandering plot. Chapter by chapter, they will look for opportunities to make your story shine. Many authors find developmental editing to be the best bang for their book. If you only have the budget for one round of editing, reach out to a developmental editor. Here at Twisted Pine Publishing, we offer free consultations so you can see for yourself what the process looks like.

Line editing will improve the flow of your prose. They work on a micro-level, whereas most of the other types of editors work on the macro. In your high school English class, your teacher may have referred to it as world revision vs local revision. A good line editor can make your story shine.

Copyeditors focus on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. In this economy, line editors and copyeditors often perform both jobs. Always make sure you understand which services are being offered before you sign a contract. Experienced authors with access to beta readers and software such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Hemmingway often choose to forego this type of editing. Sloppy prose and bad grammar can sink a book before it launches, but authors can usually fix these problems with a bit of elbow grease and a lot of time.

Publishers often have their own in-house editors. While these editors are often working on many projects at once, they are seasoned professionals. Best of all, the cost of their services won’t come out of your bottom line.

In traditional publishing, an author’s biggest struggle often lies in getting a contract. For that, you’ll need a manuscript that stands out. An agent can ignore grammar, choppy prose, and inconsistent naming, but they’ll set your story down if they think it’s uninspired. Boredom is the cardinal sin of the book world.

Most authors hoping to sign with a traditional publishing house should first have an editorial assessment or a round of developmental editing. These services will improve your story’s pacing, world building, and the overall engagement of readers.

Many of the most successful authors have massive teams behind them. Brandon Sanderson allegedly has a team of twenty beta readers. Nonfiction authors often use content editors and fact-checkers. Sensitivity readers are all the rage among certain genres, and book coaching is enormously helpful for authors who want feedback as they write.

There are hundreds of options and thousands of voices telling you what your book needs. You are the author. You know your book better than anyone. What kind of editing does your story need?