Contrary to popular belief, editing is not about fixing commas. It’s about building the backbone of your book so it can actually stand up in the world.

In August’s expert panel, we tackled one of the least sexy yet most mission-critical topics in publishing: editing. If you’ve ever wondered which kind of editing you need, when to bring in an editor, or how to survive the feedback process without wanting to set your manuscript on fire, this post is for you.

Our panel of seasoned pros – Ally Machate, Felicia Lee, Marcy Barbaro, and Alex Morin – pulled back the curtain on the editing process, from developmental big-picture work to the final proofread.

First Things First: Editing is Not One Thing

One of the biggest points of confusion for authors? Thinking that “editing” means only one step and one type of editing.

Here’s Ally Machate’s quick breakdown:

• Developmental editing: “Defining the big-picture concept, the structure, and the execution of the book.”
  
• Line editing: Refining sentence flow, voice consistency, and style.
  
• Copy editing: Correcting mistakes in punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling. Also known as “the technical edit.”
  
• Proofreading: “Catching design and layout issues” like missing chapters or inconsistent font sizes.

Understanding these distinctions saves you from expensive rework and ensures each stage gets the focus it deserves.

The Most Overlooked Stage

We spent a lot of time on the phase that can make the difference between a book that sells and one that collects dust: developmental editing.

Alex Morin deftly points out:

“It’s this stage where you have to have these deep conversations about where you want this book to go so we can create the architecture to help you get there. It’s the blueprint before you build.”

This is where you work with someone to shape your ideas into a cohesive, compelling narrative. 

And Marcy Barbaro gave the simplest litmus test.

“You can decorate things all you want with proper spelling and punctuation, but if the foundation’s not there, it’s not going to work.”

AI: Friend, Not Fix-All

We couldn’t ignore the elephant (or robot) in the room: AI tools.

Ally Machate shared a cautionary tale:

“We had one client who used AI poorly, resulting in choppy, repetitive writing, all the telltale signs. Another had trained AI to match his voice, then carefully revised every line for cohesion. The difference was night and day.”

The consensus? Use AI for brainstorming, outlining, or enhancing your voice. Don’t hand it the keys to your manuscript.

DIY vs. Professional Editing

Not every author has the budget for the full editorial process at once. The panel’s advice was clear:

• If you can’t afford all stages now, invest in developmental editing or at least an outline review to ensure your structure works.
  
• Use tools like Grammarly for surface cleanup, but don’t rely on them exclusively.
  
• Recruit “alpha readers” who understand your goals and will give constructive feedback, not just compliments. 

According to Felicia Lee: 

“Anybody can run their manuscript through a spell checker, but my best clients also surround themselves with smart people who will tell them the truth. They send the manuscript out and get a whole mess of comments back.”

The Personal to Universal Test

One of my favorite moments came when Marcy Barbaro described the job of a good editor:

“Your job is to take the personal and make it universal. That’s what makes good art.”

Whether you’re writing memoir, thought leadership, or prescriptive nonfiction, your story has to connect to the reader’s experience. If it’s only about you, it stays small. If it’s about them, through your lens, it grows legs.

Let's Recap: 5 Takeaways Every Author Needs to Know About Editing

1. Know your edit types. Developmental, line, copy, and proofing all serve different and important purposes.
   
2. Don’t skip structure. A strong foundation is worth more than perfect grammar.
   
3. Stay open to evolution. Don’t get too attached to your first draft. Your book will likely change over time, and that’s a good thing.
   
4. Use AI strategically. Brainstorm, outline, polish, but keep your authentic voice at the core.
   
5. Budget for the right stage. If you can’t do it all now, invest in the structural work first.

The consensus? Use AI for brainstorming, outlining, or enhancing your voice. Don’t hand it the keys to your manuscript.

The Bottom Line: Editing Is an Investment in Your Book's Impact

A finished draft is not the goal. A powerful, aligned, and effective book is. Editing is what bridges the gap between your ideas and the change you want to create for your readers.

📅 Ready for more real-world publishing insights?
Join us for our next expert panel, Creating Multiple Streams of Income from Your Book. It’s free, practical, and interactive. Bring your questions and get answers from industry pros.👉 Reserve your spot here

What most surprised you, or what do you still want to know? Ask your questions below!

About Tina Dietz:

Tina Dietz is an award-winning and internationally acclaimed speaker, audiobook publisher, podcast producer, and vocal leadership expert whose work and shows have been featured on media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, The Wall Street Journal and Chicago Tribune, Inc.com, and Forbes. She’s been named one of the top podcasters for entrepreneurs by INC.com, and Tina’s company, Twin Flames Studios, re-imagines thought leadership through podcasting and audiobooks for experts, executives, and founders.