You’ve finished your manuscript—congratulations! But before you rush to publish, you need to go through a critical step that separates amateur books from professional ones: editing. Editing is more than just fixing typos. It’s about making your book the best possible version of itself. Many authors believe they can edit their own work, but even experienced writers need fresh eyes.

My friend Barb Stuhlemmer is an exit strategist who is also a speaker with a history as a technical writer. She notes that even paid technical writers need an outside editor.
“I pay someone else to do my editing,” she notes. Why? “Because when you’re too close to your work, you miss things—inconsistencies, structural gaps, unclear messaging.”

Editors also view the book through the lens of the reader to ensure clarity and coherence and they can elevate your book’s quality. A well-edited book sells better and builds credibility. You’ll want to budget for professional editing. Even if you self-edit first, investing in a professional editing will help ensure your book meets industry standards.

The Three Stages of Editing Every Book Needs

There are many types of editing, and the editing profession has much to offer in almost any aspect of the authoring world. The three you might need most for your book include:

1. Developmental Editing – The Big Picture
This is where your editor looks at the overall structure, flow, and clarity of your book. They will be asking if your book has a strong introduction and conclusion, whether the chapters are structured logically, and whether there is anything missing or unnecessary. Think of this as the “remodeling” phase of the editing process—it’s about strengthening your book’s foundations.

2. Copy (often merged with “Line”) Editing – Refining the Writing
Once the structure is solid, line editing focuses on how the book is written. This stage improves sentence structure, tone, and readability. Your editor here will be checking to make sure the sentences are clear and engaging, the tone matches the intended audience, your voice is consistent, and there are no awkward phrasings or overused words.

3. Proofreading – The Final Polish
Proofreading catches typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. No matter how good your writing is, errors make your book look unprofessional.

Self-Editing Tips Before Hiring a Professional
• Read your book out loud – This helps catch awkward phrasing
• Use editing software – Tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can highlight basic errors
• Take a break before editing – Distance yourself for at least a week before reviewing.
Remember that your book is your voice in the world, and it represents and extension of your professionalism. Make sure it represents you at your best!

Remember that your book is your voice in the world, and it represents and extension of your professionalism.  Make sure it represents you at your best!

Awakening Author Blogs