Editing happens in stages, and the order matters. A developmental edit looks at the big picture: structure, plot or argument, pacing, character and whether each chapter earns its place. A line edit works paragraph by paragraph on voice, rhythm, clarity and word choice. A copy edit corrects grammar, punctuation, consistency and style. Proofreading is the final check after the book is formatted.
Paying for a polished copy edit on a manuscript that still needs structural work wastes money, because much of that text will change. That is why we start with an assessment and tell you honestly which stage your draft needs now, and which can wait.
A manuscript assessment with a recommended editorial stage
Edited manuscript with tracked changes
Margin comments explaining significant suggestions
An editorial letter summarising key strengths and issues (developmental edits)
A style sheet so names, spellings and terms stay consistent
Send the draft, your genre and your goals.
An editor reviews a sample and we send a written quote.
Your editor works through the manuscript with tracked changes and comments.
You review the changes and raise questions with your editor.
Here is what you gain when your book is handled by a specialist editing team at Potter Publishers, working alongside editors, designers and publishing specialists under one roof.
LIVE CHATClear structure, consistent characters or arguments and clean sentences keep readers turning pages instead of putting the book down.
Errors and confusing passages are among the most common complaints in reader reviews. Editing removes them before publication.
We recommend the editing stage your manuscript needs now, so you never pay to polish text that will later be cut.
Every change is tracked and explained. You accept, reject or discuss each suggestion, and the final decisions are always yours.
Every book is different, so we quote each project individually. The main factors are:
We are a full-service publishing team for independent authors in Australia and the United States. Writers, editors, designers and marketers work together on your book, so every stage connects and nothing is lost between suppliers.
Tell us about your manuscript and we will send a written plan and quote within 48 hours.
Ready to talk about your book? Contact us or request a quote above.
A manuscript assessment, editing at the stage your draft needs, tracked changes with explanatory comments, and a style sheet. Developmental edits also include an editorial letter.
If you are unsure whether the structure works, start with a developmental edit. If the story is solid but the writing needs polish, a line edit. If it only needs correctness and consistency, a copy edit. Our assessment tells you which applies.
No. A good edit makes your writing clearer, not different. Every change is tracked, so you decide what stays.
