You’ll often see editors offering editorial letters as an accompaniment to some or all of their services. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
What is an editorial letter?
- A separate document written by an editor for an author and returned with their edited manuscript
- It provides feedback and suggestions for improving the story’s quality
- It highlights and explains questions or concerns an editor may have
- It is more generalised than in-text comments and may address reoccurring issues or significant inconsistencies
What is in an editorial letter?
It varies for each manuscript, but generally, an editorial letter will include:
- Feedback on the impact of major plot points
- Comments on character development
- Suggestions for changes to strengthen plot
- Any timeline inconsistences or alterations
- Direct feedback on areas of concern the author expressed beforehand
- Mention of repeated errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar
- Any questions the editor may have
- The manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses
When do you get an editorial letter?
- Editorial letters most frequently accompany developmental (structural) edits, as they encompass bigger picture suggestions
- If you work with me, I will provide an editorial letter with my developmental edit, copy and line edit bundle, 3-in-1 edit, plan feedback, and sometimes (but rarely) a proofread
- My editorial letters include general comments, concerns and suggestions
Why do editors write editorial letters?
- Editorial letters contain feedback that is too general to be added in a text box comment at a single point throughout the manuscript
- Such feedback may also point out errors that are repeated multiple times
- These letters allow the editor to fully explain their feedback in great detail
- They also allow the editor to include suggestions to remedy concerns or inconsistencies on a big-picture scale
Crossbones Editing 