Not sure if you need a developmental edit, line edit, or just a final polish? Let’s break it down — without the overwhelm.
You finished your draft (or you’re close), and now you’re staring at the blinking cursor thinking:What now?Cue the editing panic spiral.
"Do I need a line edit? What even is copyediting? Should I just get a proofreader? Is my book trash?" (No. It’s not.) Let’s clear things up.
Here’s a no-fluff breakdown of the main types of editing — what they are, when you need them, and how to know what’s right for your story.
1. 🧱
Developmental Editing
“I need help with the big picture.”
This is the deep-dive stage. A developmental edit focuses on the foundation of your story: plot, structure, pacing, character arcs, emotional beats, worldbuilding, and trope execution. If something’s not working on a story level — like a saggy middle, flat characters, or a rushed ending — this is where it gets fixed.
✅ You need this if:
You’ve finished your draft but feel like something’s “off”
- You’re not sure your twists land or your pacing flows
- You’re writing a complex romance with layered subplots or worldbuilding
- You want honest, detailed feedback before going line by line
2. ✍️
Line Editing
“I need help making the words flow.”
Line editing is the glow-up stage. It focuses on how the story is told — your sentence structure, tone, rhythm, transitions, wordiness, and clarity. A line editor helps you tighten your writing, smooth awkward phrasing, and enhance emotional resonance — without erasing your voice.
✅ You need this if:
Your story structure is solid, but the prose feels clunky or flat
- You want your voice to shine — without the extra fluff
- You’re ready to turn good writing into powerful writing
You write spicy or emotional scenes that need pacing and polish
3. 🔍 Copyediting
“I need a clean, professional manuscript.”
Copyediting comes closer to the final stage. It checks for grammar, punctuation, consistency, spelling, syntax, and technical accuracy. It’s about making sure your manuscript looks polished, clean, and professional for readers, agents, or publication platforms.
✅ You need this if:
You’ve already revised the manuscript yourself (and maybe had a prior edit)
- You’re ready to format or publish soon
- You want to catch those sneaky errors that slip through your own read-throughs
- You want to protect your reputation as a serious author
- 4. ✅
Bonus: Proofreading
“Just give it one last look.”
Proofreading is the final polish — after formatting. It’s best for catching missed typos, formatting errors, or page-level issues before you hit publish.
✅ You need this if:
Your book has been edited AND formatted
- You want one final set of eagle eyes
- You’re about to upload to Amazon, IngramSpark, or your ARC team
- 💡 Not Sure What You Need?
That’s normal! Most authors don’t know exactly what stage they’re in — and that’s why we offer a Free Sample Edit + Service Recommendation.
We’ll edit the first 1,000 words of your manuscript and let you know:
What type of editing your book needs right now
- Where your strengths already shine
- What package (or combo) fits your goals and your voice
- No guesswork. No pressure. Just clarity and honest guidance — tailored to your story.
📬 Ready to Get Started?
Let’s figure out what kind of editing your book actually needs — and what kind of support you’ll enjoy receiving!
Get your free sample edit now
Browse editing packages
📣 Want to know what type of editing you need?
Still unsure? Send me a DM on or email!
👉 Facebook: Click Here
👉Instagram: @anovel_romance
👉 TikTok: @anovel_romance
👉 Email: info@anovelromancellc.com
