Book Editing Guide
Understand the different types of editing and choose the right service for your manuscript.
Types of Editing
From developmental editing (structure and content) to proofreading (final error check), each type serves a specific purpose. Most manuscripts benefit from copy editing at minimum.
Developmental or Content Editing
Looks at the big picture: structure, pacing, argument, character and whether the book delivers what it promises. It is the right first step for a first draft, and usually comes before any line-level work.
Line Editing
Works paragraph by paragraph on flow, clarity, tone and word choice, cutting repetition and wordiness while keeping your voice.
Copy Editing
Corrects spelling, grammar, punctuation, tense and consistency, such as names, dates and capitalisation. Almost every book needs at least a copy edit before publication.
Proofreading
The final check after layout, catching the last typos and layout errors such as widows, orphans and wrong page numbers. It is not a substitute for a copy edit.
Which Edit Do You Need?
If readers say the story or argument does not hold together, start with a content edit. If the content works but the writing feels clunky, choose a line edit. If the writing is strong and you only need it error-free, a copy edit followed by a proofread is enough.
What Editing Costs
We charge per word: proofreading from R0.25, copy editing R0.30, line editing R0.40 and content editing R0.50, with combined packages at R0.65 to R0.75. A copy edit of a 50,000-word manuscript costs R15,000.
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