Many first-time authors think editing means fixing grammar and typos. Professional editor Allison Buehner explains why that’s actually the final step.
In this episode developmental editor and entrepreneur Allison Buehner gives an in-depth conversation about the editing process, common manuscript mistakes, and why every author benefits from professional feedback. Allison shares how she left a Fortune 500 communications career to build her own editorial business and why developmental editing became her true passion.
Whether you’re writing your first novel, polishing a memoir, or preparing to self-publish, this episode offers practical advice that saves you time, money, and frustration.
From Corporate Communications to Professional Book Editor
Allison never planned to become an entrepreneur.
After working in corporate communications and marketing, she discovered a passion for editing through the publishing industry before launching her own editorial business. She shares how taking one opportunity eventually led to the career she truly loves.
What Does a Developmental Editor Actually Do?
Allison explains the different stages of editing, including:
- Editorial assessments
- Developmental editing
- Line editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
She discusses why developmental editing focuses on the story itself: strengthening structure, pacing, characters, and emotional impact long before grammar becomes the priority.
Why Proofreading Isn’t Enough
Many new authors believe the biggest misconceptions that proofreading prepares a book for publication.
Allison explains why proofreading is actually the final polish, not the first step, and why skipping earlier stages of editing often results in poor reader reviews and missed storytelling opportunities.
Common Mistakes New Writers Make
After editing countless manuscripts, Allison sees several recurring issues, including:
- Weak paragraph organization
- Characters who all sound alike
- Dialogue lacking distinct voices
- Structural problems that affect pacing
- Underdeveloped storytelling
She lays out simple strategies authors practice before they hire an editor.
Handling Long Manuscripts
What happens when a manuscript is hundreds of thousands of words long?
Allison discusses:
- Reader expectations by genre
- Why some genres support longer books
- When trimming improves the reading experience
- The financial impact of editing extremely long manuscripts
- Considering multiple volumes instead of one oversized book
Learning to Accept Editorial Feedback
Some writers who receive edits have emotional responses.
Allison encourages authors to:
- Read all feedback first
- Step away for a few days
- Return with fresh eyes
- Remember that editors are on the author’s team
She also explains why authors don’t have to accept every suggestion, but should carefully examine why certain comments trigger strong reactions.
Do Editors Still Read for Fun?
Lisa asks the question many readers wonder:
Do editors ever stop editing?
Allison laughs and says it’s nearly impossible to turn off the editorial brain. She now prefers audiobooks for leisure because spending all day reading manuscripts makes traditional reading far more difficult.
Social Media for Editors and Authors
Allison built a strong online presence by creating educational videos for writers.
She discusses:
- Producing helpful editing content
- The importance of quality video
- Getting help with content creation
- Why authors don’t need to build their platforms alone
Lisa also highlights the value of investing in marketing support when possible.
Building Your Professional Network
Networking played a major role in Allison’s career.
She recommends organizations such as:
- Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)
- Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
- Professional publishing communities
- Local and online writing groups
These organizations provide education, referrals, and valuable connections for both editors and authors.
Key Takeaways
- Editing involves much more than proofreading.
- Developmental editing strengthens the foundation of your story.
- Every character should have a distinct voice.
- Long books should match reader expectations for their genre.
- Don’t reject editorial feedback immediately. Take time to process it.
- Building relationships with other writers makes the journey easier.
- Professional editing equals an investment in your readers’ experience.
Memorable Quote
“Leverage your writing community. Those connections can become your critique partners, alpha readers, beta readers, and some of your greatest supporters.”
About Allison Buehner
Allison Buehner is a professional developmental editor and founder of Golden Editorial. After beginning her career in corporate communications, she transitioned into book editing, helping authors strengthen their manuscripts through developmental editing, structural guidance, and editorial coaching. She specializes in helping authors craft stronger stories while empowering them to grow as writers.
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