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O U R   E D I T I N G   P R O C E S S

Professional editing happens in stages, each focusing on a different aspect of the manuscript. Not every book needs every type, but understanding them helps authors know what they’re paying for—and what their book truly needs.

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Here are the main types of book editing, from big-picture to final polish:

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1. Developmental Editing (or Structural Editing)

Big-picture editing

Focuses on:

  • Overall structure and organization

  • Plot, pacing, and story arc (for fiction)

  • Argument, logic, and flow (for nonfiction)

  • Character development, point of view, theme

  • What to cut, expand, move, or rewrite

This is the most intensive type of editing and often involves editorial letters, chapter notes, and suggestions rather than line-by-line corrections.

Best for: Early drafts or manuscripts with strong ideas but uneven execution.

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2. Line Editing

Craft-level editing

Focuses on:

  • Sentence flow and rhythm

  • Tone and voice consistency

  • Word choice and clarity

  • Redundancy and awkward phrasing

  • Improving readability without changing meaning

A line editor works sentence by sentence, but does not fix grammar mechanically—that’s copyediting.

Best for: Solid manuscripts that need polish and refinement.

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3. Copyediting

Technical and consistency editing

Focuses on:

  • Grammar, punctuation, and spelling

  • Consistency (names, timelines, formatting, capitalization)

  • Style guide adherence (Chicago Manual of Style, etc.)

  • Fact-checking obvious errors

  • Eliminating repetition and minor inconsistencies

Copyediting makes the manuscript correct and professional.

Best for: Near-final drafts before formatting.

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4. Proofreading

Final quality check

Focuses on:

  • Typos and minor errors

  • Formatting issues

  • Missing words or punctuation

  • Page numbers, headers, and spacing problems

Proofreading happens after formatting, often on the final PDF or print layout.

Best for: The very last step before publication.

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5. Manuscript Evaluation / Editorial Assessment

High-level feedback without editing

Focuses on:

  • Strengths and weaknesses

  • Market readiness

  • Editorial recommendations

  • Whether professional editing is needed (and what kind)

No changes are made to the text—only feedback.

Best for: Authors unsure what level of editing they need.

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Key Takeaway

Editing isn’t one thing—it’s a process. A book can be beautifully written but still fail without proper structural editing, or technically perfect but emotionally flat without developmental work.

Barringer Publishing takes great pride in the comprehensive editing process we provide our authors. We believe our editorial services are second to none. With a minimum of five distinct editing and review passes, we are confident that every book we publish meets the highest professional standards.

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Our Five-Stage Editing & Review Process

#1 – Initial Editorial Pass
The first phase begins with a comprehensive edit of your manuscript, addressing structure, clarity, consistency, and overall quality.

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#2 – Author Review & Second Pass
After you review the first edit and make any desired revisions, we perform a second editorial pass to refine and strengthen the manuscript further.

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#3 – Formatting & Third Pass
Once the second pass is approved, your book is professionally formatted and paginated. We then provide a third review pass on the formatted manuscript, allowing you to see your book as it will appear in print.

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#4 – Final Formatted Review
After reviewing the formatted version, you are given another opportunity to make refinements before the printed proof is produced.

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#5 – Printed Proof Review
The fifth and final review takes place using the printed proof. Experiencing the book in physical form often reveals final adjustments that may not be evident on screen. This is your last opportunity to make changes before we prepare the final files for the printer and your distribution channels.

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Why We Offer Multiple Refinement Stages

As a book progresses from manuscript to formatted pages and finally to a printed proof, it transforms at every stage. Changes that were not apparent earlier often become clear once the book takes physical form.

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Our goal is simple: to deliver the most polished, professional book possible—one you will be proud to share with readers for years to come.

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