LGC’s editorials division runs the gamut of editing services: proofreading, copyediting, structural editing, book-doctoring and appraisals. In addition to our experience polishing books and scripts, we work to prepare academic books, business articles and web copy for publication.

Editorial excellence is at the heart of our organisation. The LGC pool of editors includes 30 experienced professionals, all with a history in publishing and working with new writers as mentors and copyeditors. Expertise ranges from academic journals through to culture magazines and the commercial world. We have substantial experience in both the corporate and small press scenes as well as international experience. We work with the CIEP’s Advanced Professionals.

Editing is not always a “clean-up” job after a book is written but can be an integral part of the creative process. Editorial, copyediting and proofreading services are essential elements in the preparation of a book or any form of written content for publication. Writers agree: collaboration with an experienced editor is the most fruitful relationship an author can have.

In the “big picture,” the job of the editor is to improve the standard of the manuscript and enhance its quality. An editor will improve formatting, accuracy of text, tone, direction and pacing. Editing thus ensures all content is accurate whilst being free of errors, omissions, inconsistencies and needless repetition. Editorial consistency is of utmost importance to any writer, and a trained book editor can help you achieve it.

Depending on how far along your project is, one of the following editing services will be advised:

Copyediting or Line Editing

A copyeditor refines your article or book to enhance flow and readability without altering your voice or tone. This process includes close line-editing to address grammar, punctuation, style and repetition, often involving several passes between editor and author to refine the text and resolve any minor developmental issues that arise.

Heavy Editing or Developmental Editing [Structural Edits]

The most in-depth editorial often includes rewriting, and requires a highly skilled editor to resolve structural or character issues. We begin with an assessment of the manuscript, identifying red flags through detailed comments and a feedback report, followed by discussions to plan the developmental edit. When significant problems with plot, character, theme, or style are present, this service is recommended. It includes revising, re-drafting sections, and sometimes writing new chapters to improve the book as a whole.

Manuscript Assessment [Critique/Appraisals/Editor’s Letter]

Reading your manuscript whilst adding feedback notes and performing a light edit is a common and necessary first phase of any developmental or heavy editorial. This is often submitted with an accompanying report or editor’s letter, which will range in size from two to ten pages of feedback for your consideration. We will comment on character, narrative, theme, strengths and weaknesses as well as the market itself in relation to your book.

Proofreading

The proofreader checks for errors and corrects spelling, punctuation and grammar only. A final proof should confirm no errors at all. This final and lightest form of editing is the last step in the process. In the industry, proofreading happens just before the text goes into production. At LGC, this happens before we submit your final polished items and before we start submissions into the industry.

Book Doctoring

Book doctoring is a comprehensive editing service combining rewriting, coaching, and mentoring, often including workshops to deepen themes and characters. It tends to mix developmental editing with ghostwriting and preparing for submissions, guiding authors from first draft to market-ready. This service involves assessment, line-editing, detailed feedback, 1:1 sessions, and building submission materials like proposals and cover letters. Acting as both mentor and at times invisible co-writer, the editor supports the author through every stage of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an editor or a ghostwriter?

Writers often wear many hats, and they can work as ghostwriters or editors. Ghostwriting is usually associated with writing from a blank page, whereas editing is amending, fixing and developing an existing draft. Sometimes, an entire rewrite of a project is required. Professional and experienced ghostwriters can work as editors, but some editors work exclusively and only as editors and not as ghostwriters. All successful authors work with an editor in some capacity. ‘Editorials’ is a broad term; what ‘type’ of editorial you will need will depend on the kind of text, it’s current draft and standard.

How much will editorials/editing cost?

We will price the support according to the project. Every project is unique, and you will need to make contact and wait for us to assess your project in the first instance.

What if you make suggestions that I do not want?

We will make an initial pass of the text with a light edit, adding notes and comments to suggest where we think we should develop it. We will discuss these notes before proceeding further.

How do I know what type of editorial I’ll need?

We will address and appraise the work before pricing it. Most of the time, a text will need a line edit and some form of development.

What is the difference between developmental editing and line-editing?

Line-editing focuses on sentence-level issues such as style, syntax, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. In contrast, developmental services involve more extensive structural changes, including rewriting, deleting paragraphs, chapters, or even characters. Often called heavy editing, developmental work begins after discussing feedback and agreeing on a new direction. However, some developments in theme, character, or structure can sometimes be addressed through line-editing alone, depending on the draft’s quality and the editor’s expertise.