What is your process for balancing macro edits, like plot and character development, with micro edits, such as grammar and punctuation?

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Balancing macro and micro edits involves a structured, layered approach to address the overarching story and the finer details effectively. Here’s my process:

1. Start with Macro Edits
Focus: Plot, pacing, character development, structure, and thematic coherence.
Approach:

• Read Holistically: Begin with a complete read-through to identify broad issues. Note inconsistencies, plot holes, and character arcs needing refinement.
• Prioritize Changes: Address the "big picture" first—strengthen plot logic, enhance character motivations, and ensure thematic alignment. Suggest structural revisions if necessary (e.g., reordering chapters, merging characters).
• Collaborate: Communicate with the author about significant changes, offering clear rationale and actionable suggestions.

2. Tackle Micro Edits After Macro Revisions
Focus: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and word choice.
Approach:

• Line Editing: After macro issues are resolved, refine sentence-level clarity and flow, ensuring consistency in tone and style.
• Grammar & Punctuation: Correct technical issues, such as spelling errors, misplaced commas, or typos, and align the text with the chosen style guide.
• Consistency: Ensure uniformity in terminology, dialogue formatting, and stylistic choices.

3. Iterate in Layers

• First Pass: Concentrate solely on macro edits without getting distracted by minor details. This prevents polishing sections that might be reworked or removed.
• Second Pass: Once macro edits are resolved, perform a detailed line-by-line review for micro edits.
• Final Pass: Conduct a comprehensive check to ensure all edits integrate smoothly and no issues remain overlooked.

4. Maintain Flexibility

• Macro edits might reveal new micro-level issues (e.g., dialogue that becomes redundant after restructuring).
• Conversely, micro-level insights, like recurring stylistic patterns, can sometimes highlight macro-level concerns (e.g., lack of consistent character voice).

5. Communicate Throughout

• Provide feedback in stages to avoid overwhelming the author.
• Use comments and queries to clarify decisions, preserving the author's intent.

This structured approach helps create a polished manuscript where the overarching narrative and fine details work seamlessly together.

This depends on the project scope. Not all edits will be grammatical in nature. Not all edits will be developmental in nature. If we're going all in on a heavy edit, then I'll start with the basics:

• Formatting and structure so I have something neat to work with. 
• Grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. 

When the manuscript is neatened up, I'll get into the developmental aspects. 

As I go through the story, I make comments on everything I see and this will include any micro edits.  I'm more of a developmental editor though so I focus more on the story as a whole - plot, pacing, characters, language, originality, rhyme and so forth.  I am not a qualified copy editor, so while my grammar and punctuation is pretty good I can only comment on those to the best of my knowledge which may not be of publishing standards. 

As a copyeditor, my focus is strictly on the micro-level aspects of the manuscript, such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and overall consistency. My role is to polish the manuscript to make sure it reads smoothly and adheres to industry standards, without changing the story or altering the author's voice.

Macro edits, like plot, character development, pacing, and worldbuilding, fall under the expertise of a developmental editor. A developmental editor works with the author on the big-picture elements of the story, ensuring that the plot flows logically, characters are fully fleshed out, and the world feels immersive and cohesive. This is the stage where any major revisions to structure or content would be made.

By the time a manuscript reaches me for copyediting, it should already have those foundational elements in place. My job is not to change the plot or characters, but to refine the writing itself. This means correcting grammatical errors, ensuring punctuation is consistent, and making sure the language is clear and concise.

If I notice significant developmental issues regarding plot inconsistencies or weak character arcs, I query the author, suggesting they consult a developmental editor or beta readers for further feedback. But my primary focus remains on the technical aspects of the manuscript to help prepare it for publication.