The DartFrog Editing Difference
Editing Process
DartFrog's editorial process is designed to strengthen the manuscript while preserving the author's voice and creative vision.
Our editors work directly with authors throughout the editing process, focusing on clarity, structure, pacing, dialogue, consistency, and overall readability. Rather than simply identifying problems and leaving authors to resolve them, our editors make suggested revisions directly in the manuscript, allowing authors to see how changes can improve the writing.
Editing is a collaborative process. Authors review editorial changes, provide feedback, and work with their editor to develop a stronger, publication-ready manuscript.
Once editing is complete, the manuscript moves to a separate proofreading stage, handled by a different professional. This provides a fresh set of eyes to identify mechanical errors before the book enters production.
Editing is included in the DartFrog Kids publishing program. For DartFrog Hybrid, we evaluate each manuscript to determine whether editing is needed before publication. If editing is required, we provide a separate cost estimate for the author’s approval. Manuscripts accepted without requiring editing proceed directly to proofreading. Professional proofreading is included in every DartFrog publishing program, regardless of whether the manuscript undergoes editing.
DartFrog’s editing services are not available for hire outside of our publishing programs.
All Editing Includes:
- Elimination of repeated or redundant words to tighten the prose and ensure proper pacing
- A check for clear, precise language with effective word choices
- Assurance that the tone matches the subject matter
- Improvement of dialogue to ensure it sounds natural rather than stilted
- Elimination of expository material, focusing on “show, don’t tell”
- Creation of an effective mix of sentence structures for rhythm
- Elimination of POV shifts that are unnecessary or confusing
- Improvements to the flow of the text, with effective transitions between scenes and elimination of unnecessary material that distracts the reader
- Employment of effective formatting ie, when a new paragraph or chapter is needed, or when paragraphs and chapters should be combined
- Corrections to any lags in the pacing
- Corrections to any dissipation of the narrative tension
- Corrections to any disorganization or lack of cohesion in the plot
And, Every Manuscript Also Gets:
- Plot review to ensure that there are no holes or unexplained gaps and that the plot makes sense and moves the reader logically from point to point
- Development/refinement of the book’s opening hook to set reader expectations and entice them to read further
- Suggestions, as needed, to enhance character arcs, thematic elements and provide a compelling takeaway for the reader (ie what do you want the reader remember when they’re done reading?)
Note: Your editor will provide suggested rewrites for every section identified for improvement. You’re free to accept or decline any changes, but we believe it’s more helpful in a developmental edit to show how revisions could work than to simply point out what needs fixing.
Calculate Your Editing Cost
Our editing process is deep and includes revising text to ensure your book becomes the best possible version of itself.
Note: Editing for children’s books is not determined by word count. It is included in the DF Kids flat rate.