Substantive Editing

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What to Know

How long does substantive editing take on a mid-sized book?

The time required for substantive editing on a mid-sized book can vary widely based on several factors including the complexity of the text, the editor's experience, the condition of the manuscript, and the editor's workload. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on available information:

1. Word Count Consideration: A mid-sized book typically ranges from about 60,000 to 80,000 words. The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) suggests that developmental or substantive editing can take anywhere from 1 to 5 pages per hour, with a standard page being 250 words.

This means for a 75,000-word manuscript (300 pages at 250 words per page), you might expect:
At the lower end (1 page per hour): 300 hours.
At the higher end (5 pages per hour): 60 hours.

Practical Estimates: Real-world estimates often fall between these extremes.

According to various sources:
- Bubblecow.com indicates that substantive editing is a time-consuming process, typically measured in weeks to months rather than days.
- self-publishingschool.com suggests that for a developmental edit, which is closely related to substantive editing, you should allow for about six months on the longer side.
- Alyssa Matesic on her professional editing website mentions that substantive editing involves multiple rounds of revisions, suggesting that a significant amount of time is needed, especially for manuscripts requiring extensive restructuring or rewriting.

2. Professional Editor's Pace:
- Richelle Braswell Comprehensive Editing provides an example where an 80,000-word manuscript's copyedit might take 4 weeks if the editor can devote 10 hours a week to it. However, substantive editing is typically slower due to the depth of analysis required.
- Marja Stack on Medium notes that editors might not work more than 5 hours a day on editing due to concentration demands, which would stretch out the time needed.

3. Consultation and Revision: Substantive editing often involves back-and-forth with the author, which can extend the timeline. After the editor provides feedback, the author might need time to make revisions, which could lead to another round of editing.

Given these points, here's a reasonable range for substantive editing of a mid-sized book:

- Minimum: 1 to 2 months if the manuscript is in relatively good shape and the editor works quickly or has a lighter schedule.
- Average: 3 to 6 months for a typical edit where some significant reworking is needed.
- Maximum: Up to 6 months or more if the manuscript requires extensive rewriting, the editor has other commitments, or if there are multiple rounds of revisions.

Therefore, for a mid-sized book, planning for at least 3 to 6 months for substantive editing would be prudent, considering all variables.

What does the process of substantive editing involve?

Substantive editing, often referred to as developmental editing, involves a deep, transformative approach to improving a manuscript's content, structure, and overall effectiveness. Here’s a detailed look at the process:

1. Initial Read-Through
Comprehensive Review: The editor reads the entire manuscript to understand its narrative arc, argument, or structure. This helps in grasping the author's intent, voice, and the work's overall coherence.

2. Analysis
Content Assessment: Evaluate the manuscript’s content for accuracy, relevance, and depth. This includes checking facts, ensuring logical flow, and assessing the argument or plot's credibility.
Structure Evaluation: Look at the organization of the book, including chapter structure, the sequence of ideas or events, and how well sections transition from one to another.

3. Feedback Compilation
- General Overview: Provide an overview of the manuscript's strengths and weaknesses, focusing on overarching issues like pacing, character development (in fiction), or argument coherence (in non-fiction).
- Detailed notes on: Plot or Argument Flaws: Identify holes, contradictions, or areas needing clarification or development.
- Character or Concept Depth: Suggest ways to deepen characters, expand on concepts, or strengthen thematic elements.
- Pacing and Tension: Highlight where the narrative slows down or where tension could be heightened.
- Voice and Style: Assess if the voice is consistent and if the style suits the intended audience.

4. Structural Suggestions
Reorganization: Propose rearranging chapters or sections for better flow or logic.
Content Addition or Deletion: Recommend adding new material to fill gaps or cutting content that doesn't serve the manuscript's purpose.

5. Detailed Editing
Line-by-Line Review: While substantive editing is less about grammar and more about content, some line edits might be suggested where they significantly impact clarity or style.
Annotations: Use comments or margin notes in the manuscript to suggest changes or ask questions. This could be done in software like Microsoft Word's Track Changes or Google Docs.

6. Draft Revision
Author's Revision: The author revises the manuscript based on the editor's feedback. This might involve rewriting sections, adding new content, or restructuring the work.
Second Review: The editor reviews the revised manuscript to see if the suggestions have been implemented effectively, offering further advice if necessary.

7. Iterative Process
Multiple Rounds: Substantive editing can involve several rounds of feedback and revision until the manuscript reaches a satisfactory state for the next stage of editing (like copyediting).

8. Final Overview
Consistency Check: Ensure that changes have maintained consistency across the manuscript in terms of style, tone, and content.
Final Feedback: Provide a summary of the changes, highlighting improvements and any remaining issues.

9. Communication
Dialogue with Author: Throughout the process, there's often communication to clarify points, discuss major changes, or negotiate on editorial decisions.

10. Documentation
Style Sheet: If not already in place, create or update a style sheet that documents decisions about terminology, character names, or stylistic choices to ensure consistency in future edits.

Substantive editing is a collaborative and sometimes iterative process aimed at making the manuscript as strong, engaging, and coherent as possible. It requires a significant investment of time from both the editor and the author, focusing on the big picture while still offering detailed guidance to enhance the work's quality.

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