Most fiction writers know they’ll need help at some point, and those planning to publish know that feedback from a professional editor can help them write a successful book. But what kind of editing do you actually need? Do you need developmental editing or a book coach? Copy editing or proofreading? And what about line editing?

It’s a complicated question without a one-size-fits-all answer. So, let’s talk about it.

The answer depends on two factors: your publishing plan and your skill as a writer.

Listen to learn about the different types of editors and how to know which types of feedback you’ll need at each stage in your writing process.

• Request a sample edit from Olivia (closed to the public until July 7th): https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/sample-edit
• Margie Lawson’s line editing courses: https://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy-2/
• Learn more about the different types of editors here: https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/blog/types-of-editing-and-editors

Thanks for listening, keep writing, and keep getting better one word at a time!

For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/27.

00:00 Intro

01:51 Types of Editing

06:36 Editing Needs for Trad vs. Self-Pub

11:12 Do you need developmental or line editing?

11:51 Editing for Absolute Beginners

16:05 When to Hire a Developmental Editor

20:27 Do You Need Line Editing?

22:25 Making Your Decision

25:52 Final Thoughts on Editorial Support