Authored by Madelyn Huff, UNG Press Intern | Banner Image “Stack of Books” by Heffloaf is licensed under CC-BY-SA-4.0
To an outside perspective, editing can seem like a one-and-done process where an author, or editor, looks over a manuscript and fixes any spelling errors or formatting mistakes before completion. In actuality, editing is a multistep process split between many editors who examine manuscripts from the largest, global issues in a text to the most minute details of a single sentence. This post will highlight the distinctions between the four stages of editing and the value that each stage can bring to a manuscript.
Developmental Editing
The first step of the editing process is developmental editing. A developmental editor specifically assesses the “big picture” elements in a manuscript, such as structure or readability (Norton). A developmental editor will communicate with the author any concerns regarding the reordering of chapters, clarification of an important plot or argument point, or pacing (Cambridge Proofreading Learning Center “What is Developmental Editing”; MasterClass “Editing Essentials”). It is important for a developmental editor to make suggestions and communicate their reasoning for these suggestions to the author, but they are typically not responsible for writing these changes.
Line Editing
The next step in the process is line editing. This stage requires a hyper focus on the stylistic and structural elements of a manuscript (Reedsy Editorial Team). A line editor ultimately approaches a manuscript as a careful reader that examines the manuscript at the paragraph and sentence level. They must ensure that aspects like word choice, organization, or the general flow of the text will be clear to the reader (MasterClass “What Is Line Editing”). Line editors will also pose queries to the author if there is any confusion or to note when they make a change to the manuscript (Wendel).
It is very important that the author’s voice or intent is maintained throughout this stage of editing. Line editors will use the Track Changes tool to show the differentiation between their revisions and the author’s original work. For instruction on how to utilize Track Changes in your own revisions, visit this Microsoft guide!
Copyediting
If developmental editors focus on the “big picture” or “macro” issues in a manuscript, then copy editors work at a “micro” level. A large part of copyediting is consistency (Cooper). Copy editors pay close attention to consistency in grammar and spelling choice as well as character details or setting (Cooper). This step also involves fact-checking and ensuring that the text isn’t jargon-heavy (The Bremner Editing Center).
Style sheets also come into play during copyediting. Style sheets are created to keep track of elements like formatting decisions, specific spelling choices, or character names (Shelley). They serve to help the copy editor maintain consistency throughout the editing process.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process. Proofreaders are concerned with the manuscript being publication ready (Cambridge Proofreading Learning Center “What Is Proofreading”). They will look for any extra errors that may have been introduced throughout the editing process. This step begins with a brief scan of the document, then a line-by-line review where mechanics and adherence to the style sheet are analyzed, and ends with a final read-through.
As the Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill reminds, proofreading is an essential part of the editing process because writers do not want careless errors distracting from their work, ideas, and storyline.
Final Thoughts
To recap, developmental editing begins the editing process with edits on a large scale that often focus on chapter organization or pacing. Next, line editors make revisions to each sentence and paragraph in an effort to improve reader understanding. Then, copy editors examine the manuscript’s consistency in plot or included facts. Finally, proofreaders work to make sure no extra errors are present in a manuscript as it is prepared for production.
Works Cited
Cambridge Proofreading Learning Center. “What Is Developmental Editing?” Cambridge Proofreading, 31 Oct. 2025, proofreading.org/learning-center/what-is-developmental-editing/.
Cambridge Proofreading Learning Center. “What Is Proofreading?” Cambridge Proofreading, 25 Nov. 2024, proofreading.org/blog/what-is-proofreading/.
Cooper, Emma. “What Is Copyediting? A Complete Guide.” Jericho Writers, jerichowriters.com/what-is-copyediting-complete-guide/. Accessed Jan. 2026.
“Editing and Proofreading.” The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/. Accessed Jan. 2026.
Norton, Scott. “Developmental Editing.” University of Chicago Press, University of Chicago, press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/595146.html. Accessed Jan. 2025.
MasterClass. “Editing Essentials: What Is Developmental Editing?” MasterClass, 16 Aug. 2021, www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-developmental-editing.
MasterClass. “What Is Line Editing? Line Editing vs. Copy Editing.” MasterClass, 28 Sept. 2021, www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-line-editing.
Reedsy Editorial Team. “What Is Line Editing and How Can It Help Your Book?” Edited by Martin Cavannagh, Reedsyblog, Reedsy, 25 Oct. 2025, reedsy.com/blog/line-editing/.
Shelley, Crystal. “Style Sheets: What They Are and How to Use Them.” Rabbit with a Red Pen, 22 June 2019, www.rabbitwitharedpen.com/blog/style-sheets.
The Bremner Editing Center. “What Is Copy Editing?” The University of Kansas, William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, journalism.ku.edu/what-copy-editing. Accessed Jan. 2026.
“Track Changes in Word.” Microsoft, Microsoft, support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/track-changes-in-word-197ba630-0f5f-4a8e-9a77-3712475e806a. Accessed Jan. 2026.
Wendel, Sandra. “The Differences between Line Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading.” Jane Friedman, 11 Jan. 2021, janefriedman.com/the-differences-between-line-editing-copy-editing-and-proofreading/.
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