The Difference Between Self-Editing & Professional Editing

Self-Editing is meant for a writer to ensure their work is polished and ready to be submitted to an agent if you’re aiming for the traditional publishing route, or an editor if you’re aiming for the self-publishing route. It’s meant for YOU to clean things up as best you can in terms of spelling, grammar, punctuation, & formatting. However, it is NOT a reliant form of editing for your manuscript. Writers are too close to their work and have a tendency to miss many elements relating to content rather than grammar. Although, self-editing does not guarantee no grammatical mistakes.

Professional Editing is where a writer goes to a professional book editor for feedback relating to content but also in terms of spelling, grammar, punctuation, & formatting. Editors provide an outside perspective because they are not close to the story. They are able to give unbiased, professional feedback to help writers avoid inconsistencies, plot holes, questions from readers, & other elements that could cause a reader to put your book down. Self-editing does NOT mean you don’t need a professional set of eyes on your manuscript. Many negative reviews come from authors who went from self-editing to self-publishing without professional editing.

Ready to see your book FLOURISH?✨

Xo,
Ashley