TGEP Publishing Knowledge Library
The Editorial Handbook
A structured guide to how manuscripts are assessed, revised, refined, designed and prepared for publication
The Editorial Handbook brings together TGEP’s professional guides on manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading, book design, typesetting and production. Read the chapters in sequence or enter at the stage most relevant to your manuscript.
One handbook. Every major stage of professional book editing.
This handbook explains not only what each editorial stage does, but also when it should occur, what the author should expect and how one stage prepares the manuscript for the next.
The Editorial Workflow
A manuscript should move from large structural decisions toward increasingly precise editorial and production control.
Assessment
Identify strengths, weaknesses and revision priorities.
Development
Strengthen structure, purpose, character, argument and reader journey.
Line Editing
Refine clarity, rhythm, tone, emphasis and paragraph flow.
Copyediting
Establish correctness, consistency, style and production control.
Proofreading
Check the final laid-out pages before publication.
Handbook Chapters
Available chapters open directly. Forthcoming chapters are clearly marked.
Chapter 01
Available NowEditing Processes
Understand the complete professional editing workflow and the distinction between assessment, development, line editing, copyediting and proofreading.
Read the ChapterChapter 02
Available NowDevelopmental Editing
Learn how editors strengthen structure, purpose, pacing, character, argument and the overall effectiveness of a manuscript.
Read the ChapterChapter 03
Available NowLine Editing
Explore clarity, rhythm, tone, repetition, dialogue, transitions and sentence-level refinement while preserving author voice.
Read the ChapterChapter 04
Available NowCopyediting
Understand grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, style sheets, editorial queries, references and production-ready copy.
Read the ChapterChapter 05
In DevelopmentProofreading
The final editorial quality check for typeset pages, including textual, typographic, navigational and production errors.
Chapter 06
Available NowBook Design & Typesetting
Learn how trim size, margins, typography, hierarchy, chapter openings and page architecture shape the finished book.
Read the ChapterChapter 07
In DevelopmentTypesetting
A dedicated technical guide to paragraph styles, pagination, running heads, widows, orphans, hyphenation and print-ready interior files.
Chapter 08
Available NowBook Production
Follow the workflow from text freeze and page design to proofing, print-ready files, printing and binding.
Read the ChapterChapter 09
In DevelopmentPrinting
A future guide to paper, binding, lamination, proof copies, print-on-demand, digital printing, offset printing and quality control.
Recommended Reading Order
Follow this route to understand the complete editorial process in sequence.
Who Should Read This Handbook?
The handbook is designed for readers working at different stages of publication.
Authors
Understand which editorial service your manuscript needs, what professional feedback means and how to prepare for revision.
Editors
Use the handbook as a structured reference for defining scope, explaining editorial stages and communicating with authors.
Publishers
Clarify internal workflow, production responsibilities and the sequence through which accepted manuscripts should move.
Self-Publishing Authors
Commission the correct professional service at the correct stage instead of purchasing undefined “editing.”
Students
Learn the language and practical organisation of professional publishing.
Publishing Professionals
Connect editorial decisions with design, production, rights and final publication.
Editorial Principles Behind the Handbook
Professional editing should improve communication without erasing authorship.
Purpose Before Perfection
A technically correct manuscript can still fail if its structure, argument or narrative purpose is unclear.
Structure Before Sentences
Large editorial problems should be resolved before detailed prose polishing begins.
Clarity Without Uniformity
Editors should improve readability without forcing every manuscript into the same voice or rhythm.
Control Before Production
Editorial queries, consistency decisions and permissions concerns should be resolved before typesetting.
Restraint at Proof Stage
Late rewriting should be limited because every change to laid-out pages can create new production problems.
Author Responsibility
Editors advise and improve, but authors remain responsible for their work, factual claims and final decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on using the Editorial Handbook.
Must the chapters be read in order?
No. The sequence reflects professional workflow, but readers may open the chapter most relevant to their present need.
Does every manuscript require every editorial stage?
Not always. The appropriate process depends on the manuscript’s condition, complexity, publishing model and intended standard.
Can one editor perform several stages?
Yes, especially in smaller teams, but the purpose and sequence of each stage should remain distinct.
Is this handbook a substitute for professional editing?
No. It explains editorial processes so authors and publishers can commission, manage and evaluate professional work more effectively.
Will more chapters be added?
Yes. Proofreading, dedicated typesetting and printing guides are planned as the next major additions.
Begin with the complete editorial workflow
Start with Editing Processes, then continue through the handbook chapters according to the stage of your manuscript.
Begin the Editorial Handbook