TYPES OF PROFESSIONAL EDITING

One of the most confusing parts of publishing for new authors is understanding the different types of editing. Each type serves a different purpose, and they are typically done in a specific order. Skipping a stage or hiring the wrong type of editor at the wrong time can cost you time, money, and quality.

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is the first and most in-depth level of editing. A developmental editor looks at the big picture of your manuscript. They evaluate structure, organization, pacing, clarity, character development (for fiction), argument strength (for nonfiction), and overall flow. Think of a developmental editor as someone who helps you shape the foundation of your book.

When to hire one: After you have a complete draft and have done your own revisions.

What to expect: You will likely receive a detailed editorial letter and/or in-line comments with suggestions. Significant revisions are common after this stage.

Line Editing

Line editing focuses on the sentence level. A line editor improves the way your writing reads: refining word choice, sentence structure, rhythm, tone, clarity, and style. They are not focused on fixing grammar and punctuation (that comes later). Instead, they are making sure your writing flows smoothly and sounds polished.

When to hire one: After developmental editing and revisions are complete.

What to expect: Tracked changes and comments throughout the manuscript focused on improving how your writing sounds and reads.

Copyediting

Copyediting is a detail-oriented process focused on correctness and consistency. A copyeditor reviews grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, word usage, and internal consistency. They may also check for factual accuracy, flag awkward phrasing, and ensure formatting consistency throughout the manuscript.

When to hire one: After developmental and line editing are complete and you are confident in the content and structure.

What to expect: Tracked changes correcting errors and a style sheet documenting decisions about spelling, formatting, and usage throughout your book.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the very last step before publication. A proofreader reviews the final formatted version of your book to catch any remaining typos, misspellings, punctuation errors, formatting inconsistencies, or layout issues. Proofreading is not a substitute for copyediting — it is a final quality check.

When to hire one: After your book has been formatted and is in its final layout (PDF or eBook file).

What to expect: Minor corrections only. If significant errors are found at this stage, it usually means an earlier editing step was skipped.

Why the order matters

Each editing stage builds on the one before it. Hiring a proofreader before a developmental editor is like painting the walls of a house before the foundation is built. Following the correct order saves you money and produces a far better final product.

The recommended order:

1. Developmental editing

2. Line editing

3. Copyediting

4. Formatting

5. Proofreading

BETA READERS

What are beta readers?

Beta readers are volunteers — often friends, fellow writers, or members of your target audience — who read your manuscript before publication and provide honest feedback from a reader's perspective.

How are they different from editors?

Beta readers are not professionals. They are not looking for grammar errors or sentence structure issues. Instead, they tell you how the book made them feel, where they got confused, where they lost interest, and what they loved. Their feedback is subjective and based on their experience as a reader, not on publishing industry standards.

When should you use beta readers?

Beta readers are typically used before professional editing begins. Their feedback can help you identify major issues with your manuscript so you can revise before investing in a professional editor.

How many beta readers should you use?

Three to eight is a good range. Too few and you may not get enough varied perspectives. Too many, and the feedback can become overwhelming and contradictory.

What should you ask them?

Give your beta readers specific questions to guide their feedback. Some examples include:

• Where did you lose interest or feel bored?

• Were there any parts that confused you?

• Did the beginning hook you? If not, where did the book start to get interesting?

• Were there any characters you didn't connect with? (fiction)

• Did the book deliver on the promise of the introduction? (nonfiction)

• Was there anything you wanted to know more about?

• How did you feel at the end?

Important tip

Not all beta reader feedback will be useful, and that is okay. Look for patterns. If three out of five readers mention the same issue, it is worth addressing. If only one reader flags something and no one else does, use your judgment.

BOOK FORMATTING

What is formatting?

Formatting is the process of turning your manuscript into a professionally designed book interior that is ready for print or digital publication. It goes far beyond choosing a font in a word processor.

Professional formatting includes:

• Setting proper margins, gutters, and bleed for print

• Selecting readable fonts for body text and chapter headings

• Adding page numbers, headers, or footers

• Setting appropriate line spacing and paragraph indentation

• Inserting page breaks between chapters

• Designing chapter title pages

• Formatting front matter and back matter pages

• Ensuring images (if any) are properly placed and high resolution

• Creating a clickable table of contents for eBooks

• Producing files that meet the exact specifications of your publishing platform

Why does formatting matter?

Readers notice bad formatting, even if they cannot explain what is wrong. Uneven margins, inconsistent spacing, strange font choices, or missing page numbers make a book look amateur. Good formatting is invisible — the reader simply enjoys the book without being distracted.

Can you format your own book?

Yes, but it requires the right tools and attention to detail. Popular formatting tools include:

• Vellum (Mac only — very user-friendly and popular among indie authors)

• Atticus (works on Mac and PC — a newer alternative to Vellum)

• Adobe InDesign (professional-grade but has a steep learning curve)

• Draft2Digital's free formatting tool (basic but functional)

Many authors choose to hire a professional formatter instead, especially for print books where precise layout is critical.

Print vs. eBook formatting

Print and eBook formats have different requirements. A print book uses a fixed layout with set margins and page numbers. An eBook is reflowable, meaning the text adjusts based on the reader's device and preferences. You will need separate files for each format.

FRONT MATTER AND BACK MATTER

What is front matter?

Front matter refers to all the pages that come before the main content of your book. These pages set the stage and provide important information to the reader and the publishing industry.

Common front matter pages include:

• Half title page: A page with only the book title — no subtitle or author name. This is traditionally the very first page of the book.

• Title page: Includes the full title, subtitle (if applicable), and author name.

• Copyright page: Contains your copyright notice, ISBN, edition information, publisher name, legal disclaimers, and credits for your editor, cover designer, and formatter.

• Dedication: A short personal message dedicating the book to someone special. This is optional.

• Table of contents: A list of chapter titles and page numbers. This is especially important for nonfiction.

• Foreword: Written by someone other than the author, usually an expert or well-known figure, to lend credibility to the book.

• Preface: Written by the author to explain the background, motivation, or story behind writing the book.

• Introduction: Sets up the main content of the book and gives the reader context for what they are about to read.

Not every book needs every front matter page. Choose the pages that make sense for your book and genre.

What is back matter?

Back matter refers to all the pages that come after the main content of your book. These pages serve both the reader and your marketing efforts.

Common back matter pages include:

• About the Author: A short biography that helps readers connect with you. Include relevant credentials, personal details, and where readers can find you online.

• Also By: A list of your other published books. This encourages readers to explore your backlist.

• Acknowledgments: A page thanking the people who helped you create the book.

• Resources or Bibliography: A list of sources, references, or recommended resources. This is common in nonfiction.

• Discussion Questions: Useful for book clubs and group reads.

• Call to Action: This is one of the most important back matter pages for indie authors. Use this space to ask readers to leave a review, sign up for your email list, or follow you on social media.

Why does back matter matter?

Your back matter is prime marketing real estate. A reader who finishes your book is at the peak of their enthusiasm for your work. A well-placed call to action can turn that reader into a subscriber, a reviewer, or a buyer of your next book.

METADATA

What is metadata?

Metadata is the behind-the-scenes information attached to your book that helps readers, retailers, and search engines find it. Think of metadata as the data that describes your book to the world.

Your book's metadata includes:

• Title and subtitle

• Author name

• Book description (also called a blurb)

• Keywords

• Categories (including BISAC categories)

• ISBN

• Publisher name

• Publication date

• Price

• Page count

• Language

• Format (eBook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook)

Why does metadata matter?

Metadata is how readers discover your book online. When someone searches for a topic, genre, or keyword on Amazon or another retailer, the search engine uses your metadata to decide whether to show your book. Poor metadata means fewer readers will ever see your book, no matter how good it is.

KEYWORDS

What are keywords?

Keywords are specific words or short phrases that describe what your book is about. When you publish your book on platforms like Amazon, you are given the opportunity to enter keywords that help readers find your book through search.

How do keywords work?

When a reader types a search into Amazon — for example, "cozy mystery with cats" or "self-help book for anxiety" — Amazon uses the keywords you entered (along with your title, subtitle, and description) to decide whether to display your book in the results.

How do you choose good keywords?

Good keywords are specific, relevant, and reflect what your target reader would actually search for. Avoid overly broad keywords like "fiction" or "business." Instead, think about what makes your book unique and what your ideal reader would type into a search bar.

Tools that can help with keyword research:

• Publisher Rocket: A paid tool that shows you what readers are searching for on Amazon and how competitive those keywords are.

• Amazon search bar: Start typing a word related to your book and see what Amazon auto-suggests. These suggestions are based on real reader searches.

How many keywords can you use?

Amazon allows up to seven keyword fields, and you can enter short phrases (not just single words) in each field. Other platforms may have different limits.

CATEGORIES AND BISAC CODES

What are categories?

Categories determine where your book is shelved in online bookstores. Just as a physical bookstore has sections like Mystery, Romance, Self-Help, and Business, online retailers use categories to organize books so readers can browse by genre or topic.

What are BISAC categories?

BISAC stands for Book Industry Standards and Communications. BISAC categories are a standardized list of subject headings used by the book industry to classify books. When you publish through platforms like IngramSpark, you will be asked to choose BISAC categories for your book. Amazon uses its own category system, but BISAC codes are used across many other retailers and distributors.

Why do categories matter?

Choosing the right categories makes it easier for your target readers to find your book. It also affects your ability to reach bestseller status within a category. A book ranked number one in a small, specific category will get a bestseller tag on Amazon, which increases visibility and credibility.

Tips for choosing categories:

• Be as specific as possible

• Look at where comparable books in your genre are categorized

• Avoid choosing overly broad or overly competitive categories unless your book can realistically compete there

• You can contact Amazon after publishing to request additional categories beyond the default two

ISBN

What is an ISBN?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique 13-digit number assigned to a specific edition and format of a book. Think of it as your book's fingerprint — no two editions share the same ISBN.

Do you need an ISBN?

• For eBooks on Amazon: No. Amazon assigns its own identifier called an ASIN.

• For print books: Yes, in most cases. Amazon can provide a free ISBN for paperbacks and hardcovers published through KDP, but there are trade-offs (see below).

• For wide distribution and bookstore placement: Yes, and it is strongly recommended that you purchase your own.

Free ISBN vs. purchased ISBN

Some platforms, like Amazon KDP, offer a free ISBN. However, when you use a free ISBN, the publisher of record is listed as the platform (such as Amazon), not you or your publishing imprint. This can limit your distribution options and may make it harder to get your book into physical bookstores.

When you purchase your own ISBN, you are listed as the publisher of record, giving you full control and professional credibility.

Where do you buy ISBNs?

In the United States, ISBNs are sold exclusively through Bowker at myidentifiers.com. A single ISBN costs $125, but a pack of 10 costs $295, which is a much better value if you plan to publish multiple books or formats.

Other countries have their own ISBN agencies.

Do you need a separate ISBN for each format?

Yes. Your paperback, hardcover, eBook (if you choose to assign one), and audiobook each need their own ISBN.

COPYRIGHT

What is copyright?

Copyright is a legal protection that gives you, the author, exclusive rights to your original work. This includes the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works based on your book.

Is your book automatically copyrighted?

In many countries, including the United States, your work is protected by copyright the moment you create it and fix it in a tangible form (such as typing it into a document). You do not need to register it for copyright to exist.

Then why register your copyright?

Registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office (copyright.gov) provides additional legal benefits:

• It creates a public record of your ownership

• It is required before you can file a copyright infringement lawsuit in the U.S.

• If registered before infringement occurs (or within three months of publication), you may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees

Registration is optional but recommended, especially if you are concerned about protecting your work. The current fee is $65 for a single work registered online.

What goes on the copyright page?

Your copyright page should include:

• Copyright symbol and year (© 2025)

• Your name or publisher name

• "All rights reserved" statement

• ISBN(s)

• Edition information

• Credits for cover designer, editor, and formatter

• Country of printing (if applicable)

• A disclaimer (especially for fiction: "This is a work of fiction...")

KDP SELECT VS. WIDE DISTRIBUTION

What is KDP Select?

KDP Select is an optional program through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. When you enroll your eBook in KDP Select, you agree to sell the digital edition exclusively through Amazon for a 90-day period (which auto-renews unless you opt out).

Benefits of KDP Select:

• Your eBook is included in Kindle Unlimited (KU), where subscribers can read it for free and you are paid per page read

• Access to promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions

• Potentially higher visibility on Amazon due to Kindle Unlimited reads

Trade-offs of KDP Select:

• You cannot sell or distribute your eBook on any other platform (Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, your own website, etc.) during the enrollment period

• You are dependent on a single retailer for your eBook income

• If Amazon changes its terms or policies, your income could be significantly affected

What does "going wide" mean?

Going wide means distributing your eBook across multiple platforms and retailers instead of being exclusive to Amazon. This gives you access to readers who use devices and stores other than Kindle.

Common platforms for wide distribution include:

• Apple Books

• Barnes & Noble Press (Nook)

• Kobo Writing Life

• Google Play Books

• Draft2Digital (distributes to multiple retailers from one dashboard)

• Smashwords

Which should you choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some authors do extremely well in Kindle Unlimited. Others build sustainable income by selling across multiple platforms. Many authors start in KDP Select to build momentum and reviews on Amazon, then go wide later.

Important: KDP Select exclusivity only applies to your eBook. Your print book and audiobook can be sold anywhere regardless of your KDP Select enrollment.

DRM (DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT)

What is DRM?

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. It is a technology designed to prevent unauthorized copying or sharing of digital files, including eBooks.

Should you enable DRM?

This is a personal choice, and opinions vary widely among indie authors.

Arguments for enabling DRM:

• May discourage casual piracy

• Gives a sense of protection over your work

Arguments against enabling DRM:

• It does not prevent determined piracy

• It can frustrate legitimate buyers who want to read on multiple devices

• It can limit the reader's experience

Many successful indie authors choose not to enable DRM. Once you make this choice on Amazon, it cannot be changed for that edition without unpublishing and republishing.

ARCs (ADVANCE READER COPIES)

What is an ARC?

An ARC — Advance Reader Copy — is an early version of your book that you share with selected readers before your official publication date. The purpose is to generate reviews, buzz, and word-of-mouth before and during your launch.

Who do you send ARCs to?

• Members of your launch team or street team

• Book bloggers and reviewers

• Bookstagrammers and BookTok creators

• Friends and fellow authors who are willing to leave honest reviews

How do you distribute ARCs?

You can send ARCs as:

• PDF or EPUB files via email

• Through ARC distribution platforms like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin

• Through review platforms like NetGalley or BookSirens

Important ARC etiquette

• Always ask for honest reviews — never pay for reviews or require positive ones

• Reviewers should disclose that they received a free copy

• Not every ARC reader will leave a review, and that is normal

AUTHOR PLATFORM

What is an author platform?

Your author platform is your overall visibility, reach, and connection with your target audience. It includes everything that makes you findable and trustworthy as an author.

Your platform may include:

• Author website: Your home base online. This should include information about you, your books, a way to contact you, and a signup for your email list.

• Email list: A list of subscribers who have given you permission to email them. This is widely considered the most valuable marketing asset for an indie author because you own it and it is not affected by social media algorithm changes.

• Social media presence: Accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (Twitter), or others where your target readers spend time.

• Amazon Author Central page: Your author profile on Amazon where you can add a bio, photo, blog posts, and videos.

• Goodreads Author Profile: Your profile on the largest social platform for book lovers.

• BookBub Author Profile: A profile on BookBub, a popular book discovery platform where readers follow authors and receive deal alerts.

Why does your platform matter?

A book without an audience is like a store with no customers. Building your platform before, during, and after publishing gives you a direct line to your readers so you can promote your book and build long-term loyalty.

BLURB (BOOK DESCRIPTION)

What is a blurb?

In self-publishing, the word "blurb" most commonly refers to the short sales description that appears on the back cover of your print book and on your book's product page on Amazon and other retailers.

Your blurb is one of the most important pieces of marketing copy you will write. After your cover, it is the number one factor that determines whether a reader decides to buy your book.

What makes a good blurb?

A strong blurb should:

• Hook the reader immediately with a compelling opening line

• Introduce the main character or central premise

• Present the conflict, problem, or stakes

• Create curiosity and urgency without giving away the ending

• Be formatted for easy scanning (short paragraphs, bold text, white space)

Tips for writing your blurb:

• Study the blurbs of bestselling books in your genre

• Keep it concise — most effective blurbs are 150–250 words

• Write multiple drafts and test them with your target audience

• Use HTML formatting (bold, italics, line breaks) for your Amazon listing

• Consider hiring a professional blurb writer if copywriting is not your strength

TRIM SIZE

What is trim size?

Trim size is the final width and height of your printed book after the pages have been cut. It determines how large or small your physical book will be.

Common trim sizes:

• 5" x 8" — A popular size for fiction, especially novels

• 5.5" x 8.5" — Common for both fiction and nonfiction

• 6" x 9" — Popular for nonfiction, business books, and self-help

• 8.5" x 11" — Used for workbooks, textbooks, and activity books

How do you choose a trim size?

Look at books in your genre and measure them. Your trim size should match reader expectations for your category. A literary novel in a 8.5 x 11 format would feel strange, just as a workbook in a 5 x 8 format would be too small to write in.

Your trim size also affects your spine width, interior layout, page count, and printing cost.

PROOF COPY

What is a proof copy?

A proof copy is a physical sample of your printed book that you order before making it available for sale. It is your chance to hold the actual book in your hands and check for any issues before readers see it.

What should you check in a proof copy?

• Cover alignment, colors, and print quality

• Spine text placement and readability

• Interior margins and gutters (is text too close to the spine or edges?)

• Font readability and consistency

• Image quality and placement

• Page numbers and chapter headings

• Front matter and back matter pages

• Any remaining typos or errors

Why is a proof copy important?

What looks good on a screen does not always look good in print. Colors may appear differently. Margins may feel too narrow. Text near the spine may be hard to read. A proof copy allows you to catch these issues before a single reader ever sees your book.

Always order a proof copy. Never skip this step.

PRE-ORDERS

What is a pre-order?

A pre-order allows readers to purchase your book before it is officially released. The order is placed immediately, but the book is delivered (or made available for download) on your launch date.

Why are pre-orders useful?

• Pre-order sales accumulate and count toward your first-day sales rank, which can boost your visibility on launch day

• They build anticipation and excitement for your book

• They give you a live product page to share and promote before launch

• They signal to retailers that there is demand for your book

Things to be aware of:

• Amazon requires you to upload a final manuscript file by your pre-order date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose pre-order privileges for a period of time.

• Some authors prefer not to do pre-orders and instead launch with the book immediately available. Both approaches are valid.

ROYALTIES

What are royalties?

Royalties are the earnings you receive from each sale of your book after the retailer or distributor takes its percentage.

How are royalties calculated?

Each platform has its own royalty structure. For example:

• Amazon KDP eBook (70% royalty rate): You receive 70% of the list price minus a small delivery fee. This rate applies to books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.

• Amazon KDP eBook (35% royalty rate): Applied to books priced below $2.99 or above $9.99.

• Amazon KDP Paperback: You receive 60% of the list price minus printing costs.

• IngramSpark: You set a wholesale discount (typically 55% for bookstore distribution) and pay a print cost. Your royalty is what remains.

Royalties vary depending on the platform, your pricing, the format, and the distribution channel. Always use the pricing calculators provided by each platform before setting your price.

DISTRIBUTION

What is distribution?

Distribution is the process of making your book available for purchase through various channels — online retailers, physical bookstores, libraries, and wholesalers.

Common distribution paths for indie authors:

• Amazon KDP: Distributes directly through Amazon's online store. This is the largest single retailer for indie books.

• IngramSpark: Distributes to thousands of retailers and wholesalers worldwide, including physical bookstores and libraries. If you want your book to be orderable by bookstores, IngramSpark is typically the best option.

• Draft2Digital: Distributes eBooks (and now print books) to multiple retailers from a single dashboard.

• Direct sales: Some authors sell books directly from their own websites using tools like Shopify, WooCommerce, Payhip, or BookFunnel.

Why does distribution matter?

If your book is only available on Amazon, you are missing readers who shop elsewhere. If your book is not available through Ingram, most physical bookstores will not be able to order it. Your distribution choices determine how widely your book can be found.