This type of overview is provided by an assessment, which is akin to a structural editing report, not copyediting. So what are the different types of editing, and when do you need them?
Structural editing
Structural editing provides a deep analysis of the big picture issues, with suggestions and proposed changes to address structural problems. With fiction manuscripts this may relate to story design, character arcs, point of view, and a range of other elements at play that create the structure of the work. With non-fiction works this relates to the way the central thesis/argument is presented, built upon and concluded. A structural editing report draws attention to the strengths and weaknesses in the current draft and is designed to guide you through the next stage of manuscript development.
I find a gardening analogy useful. Think big, as in the sprawling gardens of a stately home; then think big view, as in drone shot. Structural editing is akin to considering the shape of the garden as a whole, how the plants and overall design are working to produce the desired effect. It considers the shape of the beds, their relationship to each other, the clustering of plants, the line of pathways. It looks at overall design, patterns of colour, the way a person may travel along the garden paths.
From this perspective a structural editor may suggest a different course for a pathway, or that certain beds be rearranged; they may point out a large tree that appears to be in the wrong place; or suggest the placement of a water feature to amplify the effect.
It can take multiple drafts to resolve structural issues identified in an assessment or structural editing report. It is important to resolve all those issues before thinking about the next level of editing.
Copyediting
Copyediting requires seeing the work from a different viewpoint, at a line level. As well as checking for grammar, punctuation and spelling, copyediting involves checking for flow and readability, consistency of style, textual logic, clarity and accuracy. It is akin to being at ground level, walking through the garden slowly and with deliberate care, checking each plant to make sure they are healthy and growing as planned.
A copyeditor work might weed the path and suggest trimming a bush for shape; they might suggest thinning out some clumping flowers or planting a different variety of bush for textural variation. Note that a copyeditor is often giving you suggestions; yes, they have expertise in language usage and an experienced eye, but it is ultimately up to you to consider their suggestions and make a decision whether to follow them or not.
Proofreading
Proofreading involves checking text that is ready for publication – picking up typographical errors and errors that have crept in through the copyediting process as well as errors of layout and formatting. Proofreaders get down on hands and knees to inspect each leaf and branch, snipping or pulling off dead and diseased growths, and tidying up the shape of a plant that has been pruned during the copyediting process. They also appraise the project for overall integrity, making sure nothing important has been overlooked.
Can you do a structural edit and a copyedit at the same time?
There is necessarily some bleed between these different levels of editing: what an editor recognises needs doing from the perspective of a structural edit may require getting down to the paragraph and sentence level to make adjustments. And when checking those paragraphs and sentences at ground level, they are likely to be picking up typographical errors along the way.
Keep in mind that it is impossible to do a structural edit and a copyedit at the same time; structural editing requires a big-picture perspective and copyediting requires a close-focus lens. Structural editing – resolving those big-picture issues – is the first step. There is little point in correcting grammar and punctuation at a line level if, for example, the plotline needs significant reworking in places. Back to the gardening analogy: there is little point carefully shaping a bush, or planting a different variety next to it if, when you step back and see the garden as a whole, the entire bed needs to be taken out.
Do I need a copyedit before submitting my work?
If you are submitting work to an agent or publisher or development program, in most cases it is unnecessary to get your work copyedited. An editor, agent, publisher or judge is not expecting the submitted draft to be completely error free, and they may want further development of the manuscript. If, however, you have significant language usage issues you may want to have your work copyedited prior to submitting it so that language errors do not get in the way of the story. This is something that may be flagged in the assessment process.
If you are planning to self-publish, it is crucial to apply all levels of editing to the work, just as commercial publishers do. Both structural and copyediting are critical so that your work is as professional as possible to satisfy expectations of readers. But remember that copyediting should only take place after you are absolutely sure that the structural issues have been attended to.
If you are unsure about what type of editing you need, ask questions of the editor you are approaching to make sure you are getting the right support at the right time to reach your writing goals.
See also: https://laurelcohn.com.au/assessment/
