Editing is making corrections for content, accuracy, structure, organization, consistency and tone so it is logical, readable and usable.  Editing is also about polishing your writing; making it smooth, interesting, and clear.

 Hard Edit

A hard edit is when an editor attempts to improve the manuscript.  A hard editor edits content and can result in suggestions to combine or eliminate major threads in the book, to add or cut text, rework the paragraph structure or a full rewrite of the book itself.

 Copy Edit

A copy edit includes a review of content, style, grammar, terminology and the overall structure of your composition as well as typos, misspellings and errors in punctuation.  Copy editors usually follow pre-determined style guidelines (e.g. Chicago Manual of Style) and enforce gender neutral and politically-correct agendas.

Copy Editor

A skilled copy (or line) editor does far more than simply 'make marks on paper'.  A good editor can find several ways to read each sentence you write and find meanings you didn't even know were there.

 Technical Edit

Technical edits goes beyond straight copy editing and looks for flaws in logic or mistakes as well as fact checking.  Technical editors often verify computer code in a book and an accompanying CD.

 Manuscript Editing

Manuscript editing is an important step in the publishing process.  It is the last step before submission to an editor or publisher or to the printer.  Manuscript editing should be done on double spaced paper with a red pen.

See Editing Tips & Techniques

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