Editorial Assessments are the beginning of the edit process. We're going to read through the whole manuscript and evaluate all major aspects of a story, as it pertains to the whole of the piece. Does the plot follow a clear path and are there any holes? Do the characters stay consistent and grow all the way through? Does the momentum ebb and flow, or does it stall?
The goal of this edit is to identify large scale problem areas or repeating issues.
Developmental Edits
A Developmental edit is the second, deeper assessment of the major aspects of a story. It is also a content type edit, so the aspects examined in an Editorial Assessment are the same aspects examined in a Developmental Edit. The difference is two-fold.
First, the markings in the document are much heavier and mark each and every instance of every particular issue present. Second, the focus is how everything connects to the smaller space they occupy--lines, scenes, chapters, etc.
Because it is a much more involved and meticulous edit, we suggest fixing any large issues brought out in an Editorial Assessment first.
Copy Edits
After your content is solid, a Copy Edit is the third edit in line. Copy Edits cover a wide range of issues, making it a catch all or "clean up" edit for a mix of grammar and spelling and glaring content issues.
This is a great edit to end with, but some may find a second copy edit is necessary. This is the most organic of the edits and is based individually on each book. Flexibility is key.
Proofreads
Proofreads are vital to a books professionalism. All spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors are meticulously fixed. The proofread is a necessary double check. Status Quill stands firm on the belief that a proofread is a necessary completion of the editing process.