---
title: Choosing Editing Services
description: "This article lays out the basic editing process most authors should consider. 1. Begin with [developmental editing](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/developmental-editing/) to address story-level elements, including structure, plot, pacing, and characterization. (A [manuscript critique](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/manuscript-critique/) is a good alternative for those who want less in-depth…"
url: "https://www.bluepenbooks.com/help/choosing-editing-services/"
updated: "2024-03-04"
category: Blue Pen Services
---

# Choosing Editing Services

This article lays out the basic editing process most authors should consider.

1. Begin with [developmental editing](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/developmental-editing/) to address story-level elements, including structure, plot, pacing, and characterization. (A [manuscript critique](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/manuscript-critique/) is a good alternative for those who want less in-depth feedback.)
2. Consider a [reread report](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/reread-report/) for feedback on your revisions.
3. Move on to [line editing](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/line-editing/) to strengthen your prose.
4. If you are publishing independently, finish with a [proofread](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/proofreading/) to catch any remaining errors.

For more in-depth guidance, see our [services pages](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/services/) and the [breakdown of different types of editing](https://www.bluepenbooks.com/2022/08/types-of-book-editing-with-examples/) with examples.

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