Different Stages of Editing

Discover the diverse levels of editing available for authors. Learn when and why each writer engages in which stage of the editorial process.

Explore what happens after developmentally self-editing your story in Storyteller.

Decide when to seek line editing services during your revision process.

Last, investigate the final stages of copyediting and learn what makes proofreading so special.

Basically, we are reviewing the “full” editing journey for authors and editors. It is a dance and not as sequential as you may think!

What are the stages of editing?

Story Editing – during and after developmental edits
Content & Line Editing – revising and polishing your manuscript
Copy Editing – finishing before formatting
Proofreading – checking before submitting

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Documents Do You Edit?

First Editing is equipped to edit ANY type of document you can write! Over the past 10 years, we’ve perfected tens of thousands of manuscripts, books, ebooks, theses, dissertations, essays, letters, websites, articles, scripts, business proposals, poetry, and more! Let us transform your draft into a perfectly edited masterpiece! Click HERE for a FREE sample edit and price quote…

I’m in a Rush! How Quickly Can You Proofread & Edit My Writing?

Projects less than 50 pages are completed in just 2-3 business days. Longer documents (manuscripts, dissertations, etc.) require 7-10 business days depending on their length. If you order multiple documents totaling 50+ pages, they can all still be completed in the standard 3 day timeframe since each document may be assigned to a different editing team simultaneously. Additionally, 1-2 day rush services are also available. See our order form for more details.

Who Does the Editing?

Professional editors of successfully published books, journals, articles, and more are working around the clock to ensure your editing is letter-perfect and delivered according to your deadline. Each editor has a minimum of TEN years worth of professional writing & editing experience. Show us some of YOUR writing and we’ll send YOU a FREE editing sample!

What Guarantees Do You Offer?

First Editing is one of the very few online editing services that GUARANTEES client satisfaction! If there is ANYTHING about our work with which you are not 100% satisfied, we will correct it at no additional charge. First Editing is also the ONLY service of its kind to GUARANTEE on-time completion. We NEVER miss a deadline…EVER!! Read more about our Editing Satisfaction Guarantee.

How Much Will It Cost to Edit My Document?

Our basic rates vary from just 1 U.S. cent per word to just over 3 U.S. cents per word. Most basic copy editing that does not require rush delivery costs between $0.0097 and $0.013 USD per word (approximately one cent per word). Larger orders often cost even less. Factors influencing your total price are document type, length of manuscript, turnaround time required, & level of editing required. For a free, no-obligation price quote, CLICK HERE.