Editing might feel like it’s just about fixing typos or swapping out a few words, but the moment you really get into it, you see it’s way more than that. It’s catching plot holes, smoothing the pacing, giving your characters more depth, and shaping your story into something that actually clicks.

That can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a simple checklist, editing becomes much easier to handle. In this article, I will walk you through five editing passes every manuscript should go through before the writer hits publish.

Why Editing Matters for New or Self-Published Authors?

When you’re self-publishing or just starting out as an author, you don’t have the big safety net of a traditional publishing team behind you. That means your story, your world, your characters, and your voice have to carry all the weight on their own. And that’s where editing comes in. 

Editing isn’t just about fixing typos or smoothing out sentences; it’s about shaping your draft into the strongest version of itself. It’s what makes the difference between a story that feels rough around the edges and one that truly pulls readers in and keeps them turning the pages.

The 5-Pass Checklist Every Author Should Try

Before publishing, every story should go through five checkpoints to make sure it’s polished and ready. 

1. Developmental Edit: The Foundation of the Story

The developmental edit is the first pass every story needs; it’s where you take a step back and look at the big picture. In this step, you need to forget about grammar and typos and focus on the bones of your book: plot, pacing, character arcs, and worldbuilding.

When that foundation is solid, everything else you layer on top will hold together beautifully. This edit is a lifesaver, especially for new or self-published authors, because it helps you catch gaps that are usually overlooked and make sure that your story actually flows in a way that keeps readers hooked.

2. Character & Emotional Arc Edit

Now that the big picture is sorted, it’s time to zoom in on your characters, who are the real heart of your story. This stage of editing is all about making sure your characters feel alive, that their choices make sense, and that their emotional journeys keep readers hooked till the very last page.

Ask yourself: do my characters actually grow, struggle, and change in a way that feels satisfying? Because let’s be honest, readers might show up for the dragons and magic, but it’s the people at the center of it all who make them stay up way past bedtime, turning pages.

3. Scene-Level & Pacing Edit

At this stage, it’s all about going through your story scene by scene. Every chapter, every moment should be doing something, pushing the plot forward, showing us more of your characters, or adding depth to your world. If a scene doesn’t have a clear purpose, it might be time to trim or reshape it. This is also where you’ll catch pacing issues and cut down on the parts that drag, so your readers never feel stuck or tempted to skim.

4. Language & Style Edit

This is the pass where your story’s voice finally gets to shine. Think of it as the polish, tightening sentences, cutting out repetition, and making sure the tone matches the kind of fantasy you’re writing (whether that’s epic fantasy or cozy fantasy). 

This is where your book picks up its rhythm, that little spark of personality that makes readers go, “Oh, this is so you.” Don’t be afraid to experiment here; sometimes the tiniest tweak in phrasing can completely change how alive and immersive your story feels.

5. Copy & Proof Edit: The Final Polish

This is the final stop before your book heads out into the world. Copy and proof edits are all about the little things, such as grammar slips, typos, punctuation quirks, or even making sure your fantasy names aren’t spelled three different ways (yes, that is a very common beginner mistake). It might feel tiny compared to the big-picture edits, but trust me, readers will notice. 

Think of it as the last polish, like wiping smudges off a glass sword before putting it on display.

Why Professional Help Can Be a Game-Changer?

Let’s be real, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with self-editing. In fact, every author should learn to look at their own work with a critical eye. But sometimes, after spending so much time wrapped up in your own world and words, it gets hard to see the story clearly. 

That’s where a little professional help can make a huge difference. 

You don’t need the big, expensive setups that come with traditional publishing. For many self-published and new authors, working with a freelance editor who understands your needs is a safer, more practical option. They’re dedicated to helping authors like you polish your work without overwhelming you, and even that small investment can take your manuscript much further than you might expect.

What If I’m Still Not Sure About Editing?

That’s completely normal, and every new author feels a little uncertain at this stage. Editing can sound intimidating, and it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing enough or if your story is really “ready.” The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Once Upon a Manuscript is where you’ll find an editor who truly understands the needs of newbie and self-published authors. Here, my focus is on helping your story shine without adding extra stress or making you feel lost in the process. This is a safe space for your book to grow into its best version.