Every manuscript requires different editors and readers depending on the stage it’s in and the experience of the writer.
Consider this post your step-by-step guide from start to finish. This is the "traditional/industry-expected order." That said, there are valid reasons to skip/change up pieces. The path to publishing is never one-size-fits-all, and it depends on (1) your goals and (2) your resources, both time and money.
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⭐ Self-Editing
Before you give your draft to a reader, take steps to polish it yourself. This allows your reader to immerse themselves in the story, which results in the best possible feedback for you.
Tips
- Take a break from your manuscript. Set it in a metaphorical drawer and don’t look at it. When you come back to it later, you’ll see it with fresh eyes.
- Read it out loud or have software read it to you. This is also great for catching awkward phrases and other errors.
- Use software to help polish, like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
- Search for repeated words or phrases.
- Search for filter words or glue words. Trim them out.
There are mixed feelings among writers about polishing early drafts, because chapters/scenes could still be cut. However, even traditionally-published work has errors that weren’t caught through multiple rounds of edits and proofreading. I’d rather weed out errors early, even if I do cut the scenes later. Regardless of whether or not it “matters” at this stage, addressing the issues makes me a stronger writer and will result in a better experience for my readers and editors.
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⭐ Alpha Read
What It Is
The first reading of the manuscript by someone other than the author, usually in its earliest draft. This process helps craft the story in its initial stages and can lead to major revisions that shape the story.
Reader Focus
- Initial impressions and big-picture feedback
- What works? What doesn’t?
- Storytelling: Is it interesting? Does it make sense?
- Narrator/Characters: Are they likable? Relatable? Do they seem real?
- Overall pacing: Does the story as a whole feel too fast, too slow, or just right?
- Feelings on the book as a whole
- Do you have any outstanding questions after reading?
Market Cost
$0. These are usually people you know personally: family, friends, colleagues, or fellow writers who you trade work with.
Suggested Quantity
A small, trusted group, typically 3 to 5 readers. They do not need to be in your target demographic, though that’s always preferable.
CC Method 🌌
Premium: Set up a private beta queue with chunks and set a reasonable “read-by deadline” that works for you and your crit partners. The size of each chunk will depend on how much feedback you’re looking for, but generally the chunks are larger (10k+ words) since feedback should be high-level, therefore requiring less words/detail from your crit partners.
Free: Post a chapter consistently each week. In the closing notes for each chapter, ask leading questions related to characters, plot, and worldbuilding. Be specific in the feedback you are looking for. Find consistent crit partners also writing novels who will stick with you---and commit to sticking with them.
Bonus Idea for Alpha-level Feedback: Write a 500-word synopsis and run that through the queue. It will help ensure your overarching story is tight before you continue into the weeds. You need a synopsis anyway if you want to publish traditionally (it's required to query agents), so it’s not “extra work you don’t need to do” — on the contrary, you’ll be ahead of the game and may save time and heartache. The synopsis can highlight problems with the manuscript extremely well, which is why agents ask for it. Even the process of writing the synopsis can help point out glaring issues within a manuscript for you. When you write the synopsis, you have to go in order: A leads to B which leads to C which leads to X, then Y. You can see: are my characters proactive, are their decisions driving the plot, is the plot logical, does the flow work, does this make sense, etc.
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⭐ Beta Read
What It Is
Feedback from the perspective of an average reader within the target audience, pointing out potential issues or areas for improvement. This process helps craft the story in its initial stages and can lead to major revisions that shape the story.
Beta readers are there to provide feedback, not fixes. It's up to you as the author to decide what changes to make based on the feedback, if any.
Reader Focus
- Book structure
- Character development/arcs
- Plot pacing and consistency
- Setting and worldbuilding
- Grammar and readability
- General overall enjoyment and feelings during the read
Market Cost
$30-$45 per hour USD according to the Editorial Freelancers Association.
For $0, you can swap manuscripts with other writers who read within your genre. You also may be able to find readers willing to assist for free through social media like Reddit, Facebook, etc.
Suggested Quantity
A small group, typically 3 to 5 readers, within your target demographic. Ideally, these will be new readers who did not alpha read for you.
CC Method 🌌
Premium: Set up a private beta queue by chapter and set a reasonable “read-by deadline” that works for you and your crit partners. Chapter sizes should be standard to the genre. This allows your beta readers to read at their own pace and provide deeper feedback within the chapters.
Free: Post a chapter consistently each week. In the closing notes for each chapter, ask leading questions related to characters, plot, and worldbuilding. Be specific in the feedback you are looking for. Find consistent crit partners also writing novels who will stick with you---and commit to sticking with them.
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For those aiming to publish traditionally, the process of querying agents should start here: after the beta readers have provided their feedback and the draft has been polished to the best of your ability. After securing an agent, they’d likely work with you on manuscript edits. Then you’d go on submission, where your agent sends your manuscript to acquiring editors at publishing houses. Additional editors will be arranged/paid for by the publishing house if you are successful on sub and are able to sell the manuscript.
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⭐ Developmental Editing
What It Is
The editor will read the entire manuscript and provide actionable advice/feedback to improve the story. Whether or not you implement, it is always up to you as the author. This process can lead to major revisions that shape the story.
Editor Focus
In addition to structure (beginning, middle, end) and the elements of storytelling (inciting incident, build up, climax, resolution), a good editor will look at:
- Each plot arc and ideas for enhancement
- Narrative voice, POV, consistency, and ideas for enhancement
- Character development and missed opportunities to develop the characters further
- Genre elements/expectations
You may have beta readers who point out these things as well, especially if they are strong readers who read extensively.
Market Cost
$50-60 per hour USD according to the Editorial Freelancers Association. Some provide an editorial letter only, while others offer packages with high-level in-line feedback.
If you happen to find a crit partner who is a professional developmental editor, lucky you. Thank them profusely. Then ask them how they’d like the full manuscript; they probably have a preferred method when working with clients.
Suggested Quantity
Only 1 developmental edit is needed (especially if you’ve done the leg work with your alpha and beta readers). This editor should work extensively with books in your genre. Bonus points if they’ve worked on books you love. Research, ask them questions beforehand, and make sure you know what you’re looking for. They must be a good fit. If you make extensive changes, you may want to have another beta read after you've completed edits.
Traditional publishers: Your agent will likely work with you before the manuscript goes on sub to do a round of developmental edits. Then the acquiring editor or another in-house editor will work with you on further developmental edits. Sometimes, you'll work with other editors as well, depending on everyone's schedules.
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⭐ Sensitivity Reading
What It Is
Sensitivity Readers review unpublished manuscripts with the express purpose of spotting cultural inaccuracies, representation issues, bias, stereotypes, or problematic language.
Needs vary based on the manuscript. Traditional publishers usually hire freelancers to fill the role.
Market Cost
$40-60 per hour USD according to the Editorial Freelancers Association.
If you happen to find a crit partner who can do a sensitivity read for you, thank them profusely. Your needs and theirs will dictate how you’ll work with them.
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⭐ Line Editing
What It Is
A line edit addresses your writing style and language use at the sentence and paragraph level. This edit focuses on the way you use language to communicate your story to the reader.
Editor Focus
- Is your language clear, fluid, and pleasurable to read?
- Does it convey a sense of atmosphere, emotion, and tone?
- Do the words you’ve chosen convey a precise meaning, or are you using broad generalizations and clichés?
Market Cost
$45-60 per hour USD according to the Editorial Freelancers Association. In-line feedback will be provided. Research your editor and consider asking for a sample line-edit of chapter 1/the first 10 pages to make sure they are a good fit for the project.
Suggested Quantity
Only 1 line edit is needed, especially if you've worked closely with beta readers on readability of your text.
Traditional publishers: There may be an in-house line editor, but more and more publishing houses are outsourcing this process to freelancers.
CC Method 🌌
Premium/Free: The public queues truly shine for line edits. Run a chapter a week, and note you are mainly looking for readability, line edits, and word choice in the opening notes. As edits are offered each week, watch for patterns within your work and use the suggestions to edit the next chapter before posting it to the queues. It will help you refine your work further.
As the focus is general readability and word choice within chapters/scenes, it doesn’t necessarily matter if people jump in and out. However, it always helps to have long-term crit partners who are familiar with your style.
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⭐ Copy Editing
What It Is
A copy edit addresses flaws on a technical level. It ensures the writing is in line with industry standards.
Editor Focus
- Corrects spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax
- Ensures consistency in spelling, hyphenation, numerals, fonts, and capitalization
- Tracks macro concerns like internal consistency.
Copyediting is that final set of eyes to (1) address any outstanding issues at a line level and (2) ensure a manuscript’s consistency. Copyeditors create a style sheet and review consistency of characters, names, descriptions, and spelling. They may also fact check information.
Market Cost
$40-50 per hour USD according to the Editorial Freelancers Association. In-line feedback will be provided. Research your editor and consider asking for a sample line-edit of chapter 1/the first 10 pages to make sure they are a good fit for the project.
Technical errors immediately make books feel unpolished and unprofessional. If you are self-publishing and can only afford one edit, this is the one I’d recommend specifically because it is that last line-level look and that final polish to make it shine. While the other edits are more subjective, this edit is entirely focused on technical correctness. If your manuscript is highly polished already with minimum errors, some professional copy editors will offer deep discounts—some even cut their cost in half.
If you are not able to swing the cost, the Chicago Manual of Style is available online to assist you.
Suggested Quantity
Only 1 copy edit is needed. It should be done after the manuscript is entirely complete in its final form. No changes, other than minor proofreading edits, should be done after the copyedit is completed. If you still need to make changes in the manuscript, you are not ready for a copyedit.
Traditional publishers: There may be an in-house copy editor, but more and more publishing houses are outsourcing this process to freelancers.
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In traditional publishing, this is when typesetting will occur. Then ARCs are produced/sent out, often before the final proofreads. If self-publishing, I'd strongly recommend sending ARCs after proofreading.
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⭐ Proofreading
What It Is
This is the final review for any mistakes that might have slipped past all the other editors and readers.
Reader Focus
In addition to spelling, grammar, and punctuation, they review consistency with the layout and typesetting.
Market Cost
$35-45 per hour USD according to the Editorial Freelancers Association. In-line feedback will be provided.
Suggested Quantity
One to two proofreaders are usually enough. However, if you’re able to trade proofreads with fellow writers, more won’t hurt—especially if they can also leave an early review for you.
CC Method 🌌
Premium: Set up a Beta Reading Queue and post the entire manuscript as one entry. The notes should be minimal as all the other edits have been worked through. Readers may not be up-to-date on the latest copy-editing standards, so always confirm an edit is correct before making changes.
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⭐ ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) Readers
An advanced reader copy (ARC) is a pre-published, almost-complete version of a new book. In traditional publishing, it is often a paperback or digital copy that may not have the final proofread or final cover design. Very few (if any) changes will be made after ARCs go out.
Copies are provided to booksellers, librarians, and other purchasers in advance to help them decide if the book is a good fit for their shelves. Copies are also provided to reviewers, bloggers, influencers, etc. These advanced copies allow them to read the book before its publication date so their reviews can coincide with the book's debut. This is also an opportunity to fine-tune the marketing strategy.
Traditional publishers send out ARCs six or more months in advance. While they've definitely commissioned the final cover at this point, it may or may not be ready in time for the ARCs.
If you are self-publishing, aim to send the ARCs out at least two months in advance. There are a lot of other steps involved (a cover, marketing strategy, distribution, etc.), so leave yourself plenty of lead time and figure out what strategy you want to go with for release before sending ARCs. Ideally, your book should already be available for pre-order before you send out the books so that you can capitalize on any buzz generated.
Cost
$0. Never pay for ARC Readers or reviews.
It may make sense to pay for a service to help you find ARC readers or print physical early copies to mail, depending on your situation and genre.
CC Method 🌌
Premium: Set up a Beta Reading Queue and post the entire manuscript as one entry. Let your readers know your preferred sites to post their reviews.
Finding ARC Readers
- NetGalley. This is the resource most traditional publishers use for eARCs. Cost to go direct for a 6-month listing is $550, but you can use a co-op like Victory Editing or Xpresso Tours for a deep discount and a shorter amount of time.
- Edelweiss. Not recommended for indie, but it does exist.
- BookSirens. This space is ideal for the romance genre, but other genres can have success. Cost is only $10 to set up your book plus $2 per reader BookSirens finds for you. There is no cost for readers you find yourself.
- Booksprout.
- Voracious Readers Only. The first 20 copies of your first book can be sent for free.
- Hidden Gems. Needs to be booked well in advance.
- Reddit. r/ARCreaders is one of the subreddits dedicated to ARCs, but other subs (including the sub for your genre) are worth looking into.
- Shelf Awareness.
- Goodreads Review Groups.
- Social media sites. Plenty of Facebook groups exist dedicated to connecting authors with ARC readers.
- You can set up a form to collect names and then email eARCs safely using BookFunnel.
- Book swaps with other authors.
⭐ Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor! ⭐