Developmental Editing

When you read some of your favourite books, the chances are that they have gone through developmental editing with a professional who knows what they’re doing. A developmental editor looks at your manuscript with the mind of a reader - checking to make sure there are no plot holes, the characters are distinguishable from one another, and the timelines all match up. More than that, a developmental editor will give you feedback, quite often extensive feedback, on how you can take your manuscript forward, ready for publishing.

Developmental Editing in Practice

In a nutshell, these are some of the things a developmental editor will look at when editing your manuscript.

  • Structure & organisation

  • Characters / Voice / Perspective

  • Plot / Idea Development

  • Style & Tone

  • Pacing & Engagement

  • Worldbuilding & Fact-Checking

From the above, a developmental editor will provide you with Feedback & Recommendations, based on your genre and target audience you’re writing for. 

When is the best time to have a developmental editor look at your manuscript?

As a general rule, after you finish your first draft is the best time for a developmental editor to be engaged with your manuscript. However, some authors will rework that first draft quite a bit before reaching a point where they think their manuscript might be going in the right direction.

It is completely up to the author to decide, but it most definitely should be way before the final draft is anywhere near finished. If that’s not possible, a developmental editor will still be able to help you with your manuscript.

What a Developmental Editing does not do

A developmental editor does not do the following:

  • Line Editing

  • Proofreading

  • Copy Editing

  • Arc reading

  • Beta reading

Developmental Editing Genre Specific Manuscripts

A fantasy book will require quite different developmental editing to a memoir. While most editors can switch between different genres without any issues, it’s a good idea to ask them first if they feel comfortable with the genre your manuscript is in. Especially if it is spicy.

For some genre types, world building is quite important, such as for fantasy and science fiction. A developmental editor will give recommendations on how to interweave your world building instead of dumping a heap of world lore onto the reader.

Whereas a memoir might require a more introspective view.

What you get with a developmental edit?

Most developmental editors will give you a report that, depending on the state of your manuscript, can be many pages long. Some will add comments to the manuscript itself, pointing out issues. It completely depends on the developmental editor and what you agree to before you begin the developmental editing process.

As a rule of thumb, a developmental editor should provide the following in their report:

  • Prioritize macro-level issues first (structure, plot, character)

  • Provide specific examples for issues found

  • Offer constructive suggestions to help you move your manuscript forward

  • Distinguish critical issues from minor improvements

From there, it’s up to you to read through the report and continue editing your manuscript. Some manuscripts are already quite far in their editing process, but having a developmental editor review your manuscript could be the difference between your book getting five star reviews, or being added to somebodies DNF piles.

How do I find a Developmental Editor?

Quite often authors list their editors by name in the backs of their books. If you read a book you like, check the acknowledgements section at the back of the book to see if you can find them. Otherwise, ask around for referrals. Always check the editor’s credentials before agreeing to anything and sign a contract. Many editors require payment up front. This is quite a normal procedure to protect both you and them. A professional editor will provide you with a Scope of Work and contract to agree to before work commences. Including deliverables, timelines and what will be included, plus what you need to deliver and when.

Be aware that you might not like the feedback and recommendations. You should consider that before you hire a developmental editor. If the feedback seems harsh, just remember that they are trying to help you get your manuscript to a level that readers are going to love it. Even after all that, you still find yourself crying into a paper cup over the developmental editing report, perhaps you need a different developmental editor that understands your manuscript, and genre, better. 

Or, you could go down the route of doing your own developmental edit. Make sure you research what you need to include and take a critical eye to your work, to get the most out of your developmental edit.

If all else fails, feel free to get in contact with me for your developmental editing needs. I’m quick, meticulous and want only what’s best to drive your manuscript forward.

Get in contact now to book your manuscript for a developmental edit.

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