ASK A LITERA RY CONSULTANT
All about the edits
Helen Corner-Bryant explains the different levels of editing a manuscript needs before it’s published
Helen Corner-Bryant
Q I’ve finished my novel and I’m ready to polish it for (self ) publication. I thought it was ready for a copy-edit, but I’ve been told that it needs a story check first. Can you explain the different editorial layers, please?
AYou’re not alone! Authors often get confused about the order of the editorial chain and what each process is supposed to achieve. For simplicity, I’ve outlined below the various stages. This is what Cornerstones specialises in so it’s close to our heart.
Ideally, these editorial layers should be carried out by a professional editor as they’re trade skills that require experience. You’ll need people you trust, who are experienced in editing your genre, so check their biography and list of published novels that they’ve worked on.