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Julian Hill's avatar

Super article, Phoebe. I'd heard the names of the main editing stages but I'd always been a little confused what happens in each, and this is beautifully clear. It sounds a fun and exhilarating process, such a tonic for the lonesome job of writing the manuscript in the first place. In a way, I suppose publishing is a kind of manufacturing company, but in all the companies I worked in nobody had so much passion or enthusiasm for the product. As a reader, I find it inspiring to know how much collaborative effort has gone into each book.

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KC Reid Writes's avatar

I love that so much of what editors do is love a manuscript. I am not sure what I originally thought of the editorial process, but it must have been adversarial. With every article, post, or other item I read from editors (and agents, too), my view of the industry is shaped more into the image of a bunch of book fans who love reading and writing, and who are trying to help every story be its best. That is super cool. Thanks for sharing!

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Phoebe Morgan's avatar

Ah that’s nice to hear, thanks for reading!

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Katie Holloway's avatar

Thank you for another helpful post! I'm encouraged to hear that the editing process in a publishing house is very similar to how I'm approaching my edits for my novel.

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Phoebe Morgan's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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Simi Sidhu Writes's avatar

Another great post making the publishing world less opaque for those of us who are new to the process - there are so many different editing steps!

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Phoebe Morgan's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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Angus Donald's avatar

This is really interesting, Phoebe, and chimes with my own experience. I've written and had published about 20 historical fiction novels, and the editorial pattern has broadly followed your template. Keep up the good work! I think this really helps to demystify the process. Best, Angus

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Phoebe Morgan's avatar

I’m so glad and thank you!

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Kathryn Sharman's avatar

Have just been through this entire process and I have to say, I loved it. It’s so amazing to have an editor and a team of experts all helping you to make your book better. And yes, copyeditors - mind blowing - they must be worth their weight in gold! Thanks for another great post!!

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Phoebe Morgan's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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Dr Rachel Sargeant's avatar

Another great post. Thank you, Phoebe. I always love the editing process. It feels great to have a professional, commercial editor working with me to make my book the best version it can be.

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Phoebe Morgan's avatar

That is lovely to hear!

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Tens & Twos's avatar

Thanks. I am so nervous about missing any errors in the proofreading stage! 😬

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Phoebe Morgan's avatar

That’s why we have proofreaders! Plus we can correct afterwards with ebook changes and reprints if it’s v bad x

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