Preparing your manuscript correctly before you send it to a professional editor can dramatically improve the quality of feedback you receive and keep the project on schedule. By following a clear prep process, you ensure that the editor focuses on the story, not on fixing avoidable technical issues.
Understanding What Professional Editing Looks Like
Professional editing is more than just fixing typos; it includes developmental, line, copy, and proofreading stages that each address different aspects of a manuscript. Knowing which stage you need helps you assemble the right materials and set realistic expectations for the partnership.
Most editors, including those at Elite Editing, offer a menu of services that can be combined or taken separately. When you understand the scope, you can tailor your submission to match the service you’ve chosen, whether it’s a full‑package edit or a focused proofread.
Gather a Complete Manuscript File
Before you upload anything, make sure you have a single, complete file that contains every chapter, front matter, and back matter in the correct order. Missing sections force the editor to request additional files, which adds time and can cause confusion.
Save the file in a widely accepted format such as .docx or .pdf. Word documents allow editors to add tracked changes, while PDFs preserve layout if you have specific design elements that must stay intact.
Clean Up Formatting Before Sending
Basic formatting errors—double spaces, inconsistent heading styles, or stray page breaks—can distract an editor and waste valuable editing hours. Run a quick “Find and Replace” to eliminate double spaces and ensure uniform heading levels.
Use simple, clean styles: Times New Roman or Garamond, 12‑point font, and 1‑inch margins. Avoid embedded images or complex tables in the early editing stages unless you are requesting a layout review.
Create a Detailed Editing Brief
An editing brief is your chance to tell the editor about your goals, target audience, and any specific concerns you have. Include genre, word count, and the stage of the manuscript (first draft, revised draft, etc.).
Be explicit about what you need: Do you want structural suggestions, line‑level tightening, or a final proofread? This helps the editor allocate time to the right tasks and prevents misunderstandings later.
Identify Your Editing Priorities
Not every manuscript needs every type of edit. If you’re confident in your line work but worry about plot holes, prioritize developmental editing. Conversely, a polished draft may only need copy editing and proofreading.
Listing your priorities in the brief also guides the editor’s focus. For example, you might ask for “extra attention to dialogue flow” or “consistency checks for character names.”
Provide Supplementary Materials
Any research notes, character bios, world‑building documents, or previous feedback can give the editor context that speeds up the process. If you have a beta‑reader report, attach it so the editor knows which issues have already been addressed.
When you’re planning to publish on Amazon, include your cover art and any interior layout guidelines you plan to use. This allows the editor to flag potential formatting issues early.
Set Realistic Timelines and Budget Expectations
Editing timelines vary based on manuscript length, editing depth, and the editor’s workload. A typical developmental edit for a 80,000‑word novel may take 6‑8 weeks, while a copy edit might be completed in 2‑3 weeks.
Cost is influenced by word count, editing type, and any specialized services such as beta reading. Rather than quoting a price here, we recommend requesting a personalized quote via the contact page after you’ve submitted your brief.
Communicate Effectively with Your Editor
Maintain an open line of communication throughout the editing process. Respond promptly to queries, and be ready to discuss suggested changes. Constructive dialogue ensures that the final manuscript reflects both your voice and professional polish.
Most editors use tracked changes in Word or comment features in PDFs. Review each comment, ask for clarification when needed, and keep a separate “revision log” to track decisions you make after each edit round.
Compare Editing Stages at a Glance
| Editing Stage | Focus | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental Editing | Big‑picture structure, plot, pacing, character arcs | 6‑8 weeks |
| Line Editing | Sentence flow, voice, readability, style consistency | 4‑6 weeks |
| Copy Editing | Grammar, punctuation, consistency, fact‑checking | 2‑3 weeks |
| Proofreading | Final typo hunt, layout errors, minor punctuation | 1‑2 weeks |
Understanding these stages helps you decide which service(s) to request and how to prepare your manuscript for each.
For more details on each service, explore our professional book editing services page, learn about book proofreading services, or see how we support Amazon publishing. When you’re ready, reach out through our contact page to start the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should I include in my editing brief?
Your brief should state the genre, word count, manuscript stage, target audience, and specific concerns like plot holes or dialogue. Mention which editing services you need and any deadlines you’re working toward.
Do I need to submit a formatted manuscript for copy editing?
A clean, simple format (12‑point font, 1‑inch margins) is best for copy editing. Complex layouts are unnecessary at this stage and can be added later during design or publishing.
How can I protect my manuscript when sharing it with an editor?
Use a password‑protected file or a secure file‑sharing service, and consider signing a non‑disclosure agreement if you have sensitive material. Most reputable editors already respect author confidentiality.
What should I do if I disagree with an editor’s suggestion?
Respectfully discuss the change, explaining why you feel it may not fit your vision. Good editors welcome dialogue and will often offer alternatives that preserve your voice while improving the manuscript.