Alpha Read –
Many authors have the benefit of an alpha reader, even if they don’t call them that. They are the first set of eyes to see an author’s writing. The alpha reader is, many times, another writer or critique partner. Sometimes a trusted relative or friend performs this service. They can be very helpful in setting the author on the right path with their story idea.
The alpha reader is the workout buddy. They see the untoned and unflattering beginnings of the body you are building. They should be honest yet supportive and encouraging.
Many authors have the benefit of an alpha reader, even if they don’t call them that. They are the first set of eyes to see an author’s writing. The alpha reader is, many times, another writer or critique partner. Sometimes a trusted relative or friend performs this service. They can be very helpful in setting the author on the right path with their story idea.
The alpha reader is the workout buddy. They see the untoned and unflattering beginnings of the body you are building. They should be honest yet supportive and encouraging.
Developmental Edit –
This editing stage is where a professional editor offers support and guidance as the writer crafts their story outline, creates the structure, develops the plot, characters and themes, wrestles with tension and pacing, settles on a consistent narrative style, sorts the POV (point of view), present or past tense, etc. The developmental edit looks at organization, continuity, and big-picture elements of the story.
Developmental editing is like going to a physical therapist who works with the bones - making sure they are balanced and strong enough to support the weight of the writer’s meaning and vision.
This editing stage is where a professional editor offers support and guidance as the writer crafts their story outline, creates the structure, develops the plot, characters and themes, wrestles with tension and pacing, settles on a consistent narrative style, sorts the POV (point of view), present or past tense, etc. The developmental edit looks at organization, continuity, and big-picture elements of the story.
Developmental editing is like going to a physical therapist who works with the bones - making sure they are balanced and strong enough to support the weight of the writer’s meaning and vision.
Beta Read –
“Beta” is a term adapted from computer software development. The ideal beta reader gives honest feedback (see Beta Reading Questions) about how the story and characters affected them. Many authors request that a beta be alert for certain things, like how quickly they felt a connection with the protagonist, whether they found the dialogue natural, or situations funny, etc. Authors need to know if the story resonates with readers.
The beta reader tests the reflexes of the story as well as whether it is pleasing to the senses, reporting how the story makes them feel.
“Beta” is a term adapted from computer software development. The ideal beta reader gives honest feedback (see Beta Reading Questions) about how the story and characters affected them. Many authors request that a beta be alert for certain things, like how quickly they felt a connection with the protagonist, whether they found the dialogue natural, or situations funny, etc. Authors need to know if the story resonates with readers.
The beta reader tests the reflexes of the story as well as whether it is pleasing to the senses, reporting how the story makes them feel.
Line Edit &
Substantive/Content Edit –
The line edit looks at each line or sentence in the context of the story and takes into consideration vocabulary and syntax, word choice and connotation, the structure of the sentence, and the meaning it conveys.
The substantive or content edit is more in-depth than the line edit. It is similar to the developmental edit in that it looks at the overall story structure, but whereas the developmental edit looks at big-picture elements, substantive editing looks at tightening the prose and crafting the language so the meaning is clear.
Line and substantive/content editing is like a personal trainer who works with the muscle and connective tissue of the story. This is the stage when we tone, tighten, and trim away the fat to make it sleek, strong, fit, and as functional as possible.
Substantive/Content Edit –
The line edit looks at each line or sentence in the context of the story and takes into consideration vocabulary and syntax, word choice and connotation, the structure of the sentence, and the meaning it conveys.
The substantive or content edit is more in-depth than the line edit. It is similar to the developmental edit in that it looks at the overall story structure, but whereas the developmental edit looks at big-picture elements, substantive editing looks at tightening the prose and crafting the language so the meaning is clear.
Line and substantive/content editing is like a personal trainer who works with the muscle and connective tissue of the story. This is the stage when we tone, tighten, and trim away the fat to make it sleek, strong, fit, and as functional as possible.
Copy Edit/
Mechanical Edit –
Copy editing checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Mechanical editing is about the manual of style used, which deals with spelling, abbreviations, punctuation, capitalization, formatting, etc.
Copy and mechanical edits both deal with the overall look of the piece. I think of them as the wardrobe and cosmetics that make the piece feel and look put together and professional.
Mechanical Edit –
Copy editing checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Mechanical editing is about the manual of style used, which deals with spelling, abbreviations, punctuation, capitalization, formatting, etc.
Copy and mechanical edits both deal with the overall look of the piece. I think of them as the wardrobe and cosmetics that make the piece feel and look put together and professional.
ARC –
Advanced Review Copy readers get a chance to read a story just before publication. Authors like to have reviews all ready to go on launch day so potential buyers can see what others thought. Sometimes ARC readers will provide the author with feedback or typos or inconsistencies or responses to the story.
ARC readers are like the wing man. Enlisting their aid is like asking your friend if they think you look okay or taking them along on an outing to help boost your confidence.
Advanced Review Copy readers get a chance to read a story just before publication. Authors like to have reviews all ready to go on launch day so potential buyers can see what others thought. Sometimes ARC readers will provide the author with feedback or typos or inconsistencies or responses to the story.
ARC readers are like the wing man. Enlisting their aid is like asking your friend if they think you look okay or taking them along on an outing to help boost your confidence.
Proofread –
Proofreading is a stage of the publication process that originally applied to the word-by-word comparison of a first printing with the final draft or proof of the story, making sure the typesetters hadn't accidentally changed anything. Nowadays, with online digital publishing, we have no worry regarding typesetting issues, but it often takes many eyes and read-throughs to catch all the typos and little errors humans invariably make or miss.
Proofreading is like checking in the hall mirror right before you walk outside to make sure your shoes match, slip isn’t showing, tie is straight, and hair is behaving.
Proofreading is a stage of the publication process that originally applied to the word-by-word comparison of a first printing with the final draft or proof of the story, making sure the typesetters hadn't accidentally changed anything. Nowadays, with online digital publishing, we have no worry regarding typesetting issues, but it often takes many eyes and read-throughs to catch all the typos and little errors humans invariably make or miss.
Proofreading is like checking in the hall mirror right before you walk outside to make sure your shoes match, slip isn’t showing, tie is straight, and hair is behaving.
“From line editing to character development, plot holes, continuity issues, grammar, and spelling, she does it all ... Kate doesn’t treat you like a customer but as a friend. She handles your book, and your voice as an author, with the utmost respect. I cannot recommend Kate enough.”
-Author Regine Abel USA Today Bestselling Author
