Editing

Editing, as used in the visual novel industry, refers to the process of providing feedback and suggestions on a VN's script. There are many types of editing, which involve different levels and types of feedback. It is distinct from proofreading, which refers specifically to providing grammar, spelling, and clarity-related suggestions.

Types of Editing

Developmental editing

Developmental editing, sometimes called idea bouncing, refers to a process of dialogue between a writer and an editor about a story idea, with the goal of refining the idea and preparing to write a first draft of the script.

The outcome of developmental editing may be something concrete, such as a co-created story outline. It may also be quite abstract, such as general story notes and a clearer understanding of the story's direction. This ambiguity, as well as the difficulty in estimating time required, makes developmental editing one of the hardest types of editing to set fair prices for.

Idea bouncing may also occur later in the development process, especially if major plot revisions are needed.

Manuscript editing

Manuscript editing is what most people think of when they hear the word "editing" without further context. The editor is given a draft of a script or scene and provides overall feedback and suggestions on how to improve it. Areas of feedback might include pacing/plot flow, overall tone and reading experience, emotional impact, removal or addition of scenes/characters/plot points, and more.

Because of this wide range of possible feedback, successful manuscript editing depends on clear communication of expectations between the writer and editor. Both parties should be as transparent as possible about their strengths, weaknesses, preferred workflow, and goals for the process.

Manuscript editors may also be asked to perform proofreading and/or other types of editing, either as a separate process or in passing during their main read-through. In the case of paid editing work, this should be accounted for in pricing.

Manuscript editing may involve several "passes" through the script. The purpose and benefit of these multiple passes depends heavily on the individual editor-writer pair and their preferred workflows.

One sample workflow is as follows:

• Writer generates first draft of a scene.
• Editor does first pass, including proofreading, line edits, and basic characterization, style, and continuity checks.
• Writer responds to first pass notes and makes revisions.
• Editor does second pass, including scene-level emotional impact and literary style. Recommendations for significant revisions (change a plot point, add or remove a character from a scene, etc.) may come at this stage.
• Writer responds to second pass notes and makes revisions.
• Repeat for each scene as they are completed by the writer.
• Editor does a third pass, this time over the script as a whole, to offer very high level recommendations on the plot and emotional impact.
• Repeat for individual scenes as needed for the purpose of major revisions.

The above is one sample process, and is not intended to be general advice. Each writer-editor pair should agree on a process based on their own needs and preferences.

Continuity checking

Main article: Continuity

Continuity checking refers to ensuring that facts shown in the narrative, art, and audio assets of a visual novel do not conflict with themselves or each other. This is especially important due to the branching, non-linear structure of visual novels, where some facts may be true in one path but not another.

Characterization editing

Characterization editing refers to the process of improving the portrayal of a character in the script so that their personality, quirks, and emotional states are compelling and internally consistent. A characterization editor's job is to ensure that each character is, so to speak, "in character" throughout the entire script.

A character's emotional impact within the story can be maximized by ensuring that their personality is consistent, they respond believably to situations they encounter, and that they have a compelling emotional arc which ties into the broader themes of the story (as applicable). Characters should "serve the narrative" by supporting the overall themes and message of the plot.

Sensitivity reading

Typically undertaken later in the writing/development process, sensitivity reading is the process of ensuring that the characters and plot are written in a way that is sensitive to the experiences of marginalized people. It is most commonly utilized when the core story team is writing about a character with social identities (race, gender, sexuality, disability, etc.) that do not match their own. However, sensitivity reading can be beneficial even for writers creating stories about characters who they have much in common with.

In general, sensitivity readers should be members of the social group they are being enlisted to consult about.

Sensitivity readers will review the plot and characters to ensure that they are accurate and fair representations of the group's experiences. They apply "in-group" knowledge, such as specific slang, details about social or medical situations, or historical details, to ensure that the characters feel like real people who belong to that social group.

Sensitivity readers can also check for unconscious bias on the part of the writing team, especially the use of offensive or inaccurate stereotypes.

Pricing

Pricing for editing will vary enormously based on the type of editing desired, the size of the script, and the amount of consultation/discussion desired. DevTalk's pricing guide, last updated in January 2024, lists an average range of USD $0.03 - $0.06 per word for editing.