So once a book gets contracted, what's the next step? Editing. Then more editing. Oh yeah...did I mention editing? What's up with all that? Well, there are different kinds of editing, so let's dissect them here today.

MACRO EDIT
Think of this as big picture editing, where a hard look is taken at characters, plot and pacing. This kind of editor suggests structural changes to a story. Does an author have to make those changes? No, ultimately the author has the final say, BUT it really is for the best to use those suggestions. The editor isn't out to get you but to make the manuscript shine.

Example: The copyeditor working on A HEART DECEIVED sent back my manuscript asking me to tone down the hero's anger toward the end of the story. It was an easy fix and I got it done in a day. I have heard of others, though, who get edits wanting huge changes. Moral of the story: buddy up with some good critique partners and work out the bugs before you ever submit a manuscript to a publisher. You'll be glad you did when it comes to the macro edit.

MICRO EDIT
Think microscope. This is when the manuscript is picked apart line by line, making sure each word is right in context and the meaning comes through loud and clear. Sentence structure and grammar come in to play during this go over.

PROOF READING
This is the last stage, after the book has been typeset. A proofreader checks a reproduction of the finished product to make sure no typographical errors remain or were introduced during the production stage. This is a task of correction, not revision.

Like I said, putting the effort into your manuscript before you ever submit it to a publisher pays out big time later on. So, rev up your engines and roll up your sleeves, writers...you've got some editing to do!