Editing Susan Barnes Editing Susan Barnes

What Does a Book Editor Actually Do?

When I tell people I’m an editor, it usually comes with the assumption that I spend all day fixing commas and spelling errors, or that all I do is read books. But being an editor, especially a freelance editor, involves a lot of different things.

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Editing Susan Barnes Editing Susan Barnes

Editor Interview: All About Copyediting with Erika Steeves

This week is a bit of an untraditional post as it features a special guest. Please welcome Erika Steeves! Erika is a freelance copyeditor for Indie authors and publishers with experience in fiction, nonfiction, and academic books. For the full interview with Erika, you will have to visit YouTube, but enjoy this fun sneak peek!

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Writing, Editing, Publishing, Self-Publishing Susan Barnes Writing, Editing, Publishing, Self-Publishing Susan Barnes

What is a Developmental Edit and Why Do I Need One?

Whenever I tell someone I’m an editor, nine out of ten times the reaction I get is, “Ugh, grammar.” And when I explain my developmental editing focus, it is quickly followed by a “Huh?” 

For those not familiar with the publishing process, the concept of a developmental edit can seem foreign. Most are used to thinking of editing only the copyediting sense.

Editing is so much more than just that! As a developmental editor, I get to dive into the heart of your novel and help you clarify your vision for readers. Best. Job. Ever. But what is a developmental edit?

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