Ghostwriting, Book Doctoring, Developmental Editing, and Other Editing

A ghostwriter is the author of a book based on information provided by a client. A book doctor takes the first draft of an author and turns it around so that the writing is a combination of what the author stated and the transformation of the book doctor. We have done both but prefer to work as book doctors because in this way, we can get the tone and nuance of the author. It’s the difference between having plastic surgery instead of putting on makeup. One is a radical operation, and the other is a way to enhance what you have.

Ghostwriting is expensive because it is time-consuming for the ghostwriter and the person hiring that individual. The ghostwriter not only has to structure the whole book but conduct appropriate interviews with the client and then transcribe those encounters, shape them, and do other rounds to follow up, filling in the gaps and answering questions not previously covered.

A book doctor reads your book, looking for big-picture issues such as organization, structure, and flow and will correct them. The next level down is the developmental edit or structural editing, which starts with what the client has written and analyzes it numerous ways. Does it make sense? Does it flow, and is it interesting? What will it take to get the writing into a readable form suitable for a publication that others will want to read? The developmental edit would be the foundation if I were constructing a building. If the foundation is not solid, the building will not stand, just as the book will not work. The editor will point out what needs to be corrected and return the manuscript to the author to make the corrections.

As the editor, I am like the architect, seeking to create a building that is sturdy but beautiful. I have to look at the schematics to ensure the supports are there so that the framework will support what is on top of it. Similarly, after receiving a developmental edit, the author may decide to revise the manuscript in the way that the editor suggests, perhaps reorganizing it, adding new chapters, and deleting parts that don’t directly contribute to the harmony. After the author’s changes, the manuscript is ready for the next edit, the developmental edit—another deep dive into the essence of what is written.

About AI

I do not use AI, such as Chat GPT or other AI tools, to create material for my clients. Many platforms now require authors to confirm that they have not used AI in the writing or editing process, and if AI is discovered, the material will be rejected. My staff and I use our best judgment in writing and rephrasing material. We do check grammar and spelling with Grammarly but use it with common sense.

Content Editing

If the developmental edit is similar to the work of the architect, the content edit may be seen as the work of the interior decorator. Sure, the structure may be sound, but what makes the building or the writing appealing?

  • Knowledge of subject

  • Tone

  • Transitions

  • Word choice

And for novels, the developmental edit also examines:

  • Character development and growth

  • Point of view

  • Setting (both place and time)

  • Narrative arc—build-up to the climax

The author, based on the advice of the editor, probably has made many changes, which the editor will review and see if the rewriting answers the problems and if not, what else must be done. After this phase, the manuscript is ready for a closer look, called line editing. Line editing focuses on the content, style, and language in the manuscript. The line editor notes sections that can be improved, inconsistency in style, issues with pacing, or overuse of certain words or phrases throughout the manuscript.

Copy editing may be akin to housekeeping to be sure the building is safe and pleasant. The copy editor makes changes to achieve readability and a better flow. At this stage, the editor makes corrections to grammar, word usage, spelling, and punctuation. The copy editor makes changes so there is consistency between the table of contents and chapter titles.

Proofreading is the final stage, just before the book goes to print. The proofreader is like the queens’ dresser—ensuring that the queen is well dressed and presents a flawless appearance. The proofreader will correct errors in layout, pagination, and any errors previously missed.

After you complete the writing—Marketing

To continue the analogy, after completing their work, the authors need a real estate agent—someone to list the property and see that it is sold to responsible owners or tenants. Alice Heiserman has helped some authors sell their work to Indie publishers or self-publish. Just as buildings do not get sold without advertising their availability, books do not get bought without authors proudly letting people know about their work. Even when a book is sold to a publisher, the publisher expects the author to help with the book’s marketing.

Hiring a marketing expert with expertise in book marketing is a wise investment. Before this, the author should have established a website to publicize the book and register for a free author account on both Goodreads.com and on Amazon. Beyond this, you need a game plan laying out various steps to take before the book is printed and afterward.