Why is genre important when editing?

Editing can differ significantly depending on the book genre, as each genre has its unique characteristics, challenges and expectations. Here’s how editing might vary across different genres and what you should look out for. 

Editing checklist for fiction: what to check for in every genre

General Fiction

Narratives created from the imagination rather than strictly based on fact.
Eg. novels and short stories

Editing checklist for fiction:

• Focus on consistency: ensure your plot, character names and timelines are consistent throughout your writing. Any inconsistencies can pull your reader out of the story.
• Dialogue accuracy: make sure the dialogue reflects each character's voice and is punctuated correctly.
• Pacing and flow: pay attention to the rhythm and flow of sentences. You’ll want this to match the narrative style and keep your readers interested.
  

Fantasy and Science Fiction

Fantasy involves magical elements, mythical creatures and imaginative worlds. Whereas, science fiction explores speculative concepts, futuristic settings, advanced technology and often delves into the impact of science and technology on society.

Editing checklist for fantasy and science fiction:

• World-building consistency: pay attention to the details of the fictional world you’ve created. Are the maps, languages and cultures consistent throughout your writing?
• Terminology and names: similarly, make sure that made-up words, names and places are used consistently and are spelled correctly.
• Rules: check that any special rules or magic systems you set up in the story remain consistent and are followed logically.
  

Historical Fiction

Set in a past time period, integrating historical events, settings and characters with fictional elements.

Editing checklist for historical fiction:

• Historical accuracy: ensure historical facts, settings and cultural details are accurate and well-researched.
• Period-appropriate language: check that the language and dialogue reflect the time period accurately.
• Consistency in details: keep the historical details, such as clothes, architecture and social norms consistent.
  

Romance

Focuses on romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters.

Editing checklist for romance:

• Emotional consistency: check that characters' emotions and relationships develop in a way that’s consistent with their character and believable to the reader. 
• Dialogue authenticity: make sure the dialogue feels natural and true to the characters' personalities.
• Pacing of the plot: ensure the romantic plot develops naturally without feeling rushed or dragging.
  
  

Thriller

Emphasises suspense, tension and excitement, often involving crime, espionage or other high-stakes scenarios.

Editing checklist for thriller and mystery:

• Plot consistency: make sure all clues and red herrings are placed at the right time and resolved by the end of the story.
• Tension and suspense: maintain tension and suspense throughout the book.
• Logical resolution: Check that the resolution of the mystery or conflict is logical and satisfies the suspense built up throughout the story.
  
  

Horror

Aims to evoke fear, dread and shock, often featuring supernatural elements or psychological terror.

Editing checklist for horror:

• Foreshadowing: Add subtle hints or clues early in the narrative to create a sense of impending doom. This can make later events more impactful and add layers to the story.
• Mood consistency: Ensure that the mood remains consistently eerie and tense throughout the book.
• Realistic reactions: Characters' reactions to frightening events should feel authentic and relatable. Their fear, panic and coping mechanisms should be written in a believable way that adds to the reader's emotional connection and investment in their survival.
  
  

Children's Books

Novels and picture books written and illustrated specifically for children.

Editing checklist for children’s books:

• Age-appropriate language: make sure the language, vocabulary and sentence structure are suitable for the target age group.
• Illustration alignment: Check that the text aligns correctly with illustrations and that captions and labels are accurate.
• Rhythm and rhyme: For picture books and poetry, ensure the rhythm and rhyme are consistent.



Recommended reading: Editing a novel checklist: what you need to get your manuscript ready for publishing

Tip: Find an editor who specialises in your genre

Editing with your book's genre in mind is a game-changer for creating an interesting story that resonates with readers. Whether you're working on a fantasy magic realm or sharing a thrilling mystery, paying attention to genre-specific details can make all the difference.

What to do before hiring an editor:

• Get started: The very first steps to writing a book are deciding on your idea, creating an outline and beginning to research. Once you have these things in place, you can start to write your first draft.

• Revise and self-edit: Before hiring an editor, you should thoroughly revise and self-edit your manuscript. This will allow your editor to focus on more significant issues rather than basic errors or inconsistencies.

• Identify your editing needs: It’s important that you understand the specific type of editing your manuscript needs. Editors specialise in different areas, such as developmental editing, copyediting or proofreading. Knowing your requirements will help you find an editor with the right skill set.

If you're ready to take your manuscript to the next level, take a look at my editing and proofreading services. Working with an editor, who understands your genre, can be just the thing you need to make your writing shine!