You have a manuscript, or at least you have a story you’re somewhere in the process of writing. Maybe you’re outlining, drafting, or you have several versions under your belt already. You know that you’re ready to get some kind of help with it. But what kind of support do you need?

A lot of writers might answer this question with, “I’m not sure,” but even if that’s the case, you likely have at least some idea what you want your next steps to be, and your ultimate goals. You might also not need just one thing; editing and manuscript review projects often involve overlap between different techniques.

This post provides a brief guide to common types of manuscript support available for authors. They can range in cost, availability, and in what stage of writing they’re best utilized for. If you’re pursuing a traditional publishing route, some of these support types may be included and covered by your publishing contract, but some of them you’ll be expected to have done before you approach an agent or publisher. Keep in mind also that it’s a good idea to ensure your manuscript is as close to publishable as possible before sending out queries or cover letters.

Many of these support types are offered here at Tapestry Writing Support, so if you know you’re ready to get assistance, book a complimentary consultation with us to get started.

So, how to tell which type of support or editing is right for you? A lot of it has to do with the stage of both your manuscript and yourself as a writer. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all guide, but consider the following factors when seeking out support.

If you’re just starting out as a writer, or just getting started with your manuscript...

Book Coaching

Book coaching is an ongoing support arrangement that can take many forms. Your coach might check in with you regularly, and may offer support for any aspect of the writing process, from brainstorming through drafting through publishing. They may provide edits or critiques, or they may simply help with questions and concerns as they arise. For writers ready to publish, they may assist with queries and cover letters, or help with formatting and marketing for self-publishing. If you’re a writer who struggles to stay on task and knows you would benefit from having someone in your corner, a book coach can be a great option.

Critique Group or Workshop

Workshops are small groups of writers who regularly exchange pages for everyone in the group to review and provide feedback on. For writers new to getting their work critiqued, a workshop can be a great first step. It’s also one of the scariest options for newer writers! So, why do I recommend it? Because in a critique group or workshop setting, you won’t just receive several critiques on your manuscript, you’ll be expected to provide them to the other members as well. And learning how to provide helpful and constructive criticism can be just as valuable and informative as receiving it. Through pointing out the weaknesses and strengths of another’s writing, you’ll be better able to spot those issues in your own work. Plus, you’ll be in a supportive environment with fellow writers, which is excellent for building motivation and confidence.Finding the right critique group can be tricky, though, especially for adults with busy schedules. MFA and other similar writing programs usually include workshops as a heavy part of their curriculum, but outside of that, your local library may offer resources for finding local writers if you want to start a group of your own. Some organizations also arrange writing workshops for free or for a small fee.

If your manuscript is mostly or completely done with at least one draft, and you’re not sure where to go from here…

Beta Reading

An ideal beta reader is someone who is a regular reader of the genre or category you’re writing in. They will read your completed work and provide insight to positive and negative aspects of your manuscripts that stand out to them. Beta reading often comes as part of a page exchange between two writers, but there are also paid beta reading services available.

Sensitivity Reader

If your manuscript involves characters from marginalized communities, or sensitive concepts with which you’re not incredibly familiar, a sensitivity reader may be a good idea. These are readers who are members of these communities or who are familiar with the concepts your story explores, and who can speak to the authenticity of those aspects. Keep in mind, however, that no member of any community is a monolith, and what reads as authentic for one may not read the same for another. This is why it’s good to get a wide variety of opinions on any manuscript.

Editorial Assessment or Manuscript Critique

This is also known as a manuscript evaluation. This is a good option if you’re not sure what you need or want, or if your manuscript is partially done and you want to know if it’s going in the right direction. An initial assessment will help you shape the next steps in your writing process. Think of this type of assistance as going to a “book doctor;” you’ll get a diagnosis of the current health of your manuscript, and what you need to do to improve it.

If you’re ready to start your publishing journey, or if you already have a publishing contract or agent…

Developmental Editing

A developmental edit focuses on big picture issues such as plot, pacing, character development, and dialog. It’s typically extensive and assumes that there may be extensive revisions necessary in order to get the manuscript ready for publishing, and that the author is willing to take the feedback seriously and incorporate it.

Proofreading

This is one of the last stages of manuscript review. At this point, your work is polished, likely has had several drafts and reviews, and just needs to be checked for minor grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Most other types of edits won’t include proofreading, but you should strive to submit manuscripts with as few errors as possible in order to not distract your editor.

Copyediting

A step up from proofreading, though some proofreading techniques may be employed if necessary. Copyedits focus on clarity and readability. A good copyeditor will work to preserve your narrative voice in their suggestions, while still finding points that could be made more accessible for your readers.

Which type of manuscript support do you need?

Even if you’re not sure what your manuscript needs, it’s a good idea to sit down with an editor for an initial consult or evaluation. An experienced editor will be able to take a look at your sample pages, and through reading them and asking you a few questions about your goals, can tell you what you likely need, and whether they’d be a good fit.

At Tapestry Writing Support, we’re equipped to support authors at multiple stages of their writing journey, and experienced with many of the editing techniques mentioned above. A complimentary consult can help determine if we’re the right fit for your story.