Developmental Editing

Developmental editing has two steps: Manuscript Evaluation and Developmental Editing. Why? Because we need a goal for revisions before we actually start.

I believe developmental editing is the most important step of the editing process. Readers can forgive an incorrect there/their/they’re, but readers can’t forgive a boring plot or shoddy character. For example, a developmental editor may suggest developing a setting or removing a side character to make each chapter meaningful. The beauty of the developmental edit is how it empowers writers. If the writer loves that side character, they may choose to entangle the character further in the plot instead of removing them.

Often, I see writers skip this step for line editing and later realize they need developmental editing help. Then, these writers are stuck with the additional line edit cost. Starting with developmental editing often fixes structural issues that saves you money in the long run. As a whole, no other editing affects book sales or reader connection as much as a good developmental edit. A developmental edit is the best first step.

Focus

Developmental edits empower writers to see their writing through a new lens. It is up to you to accept my recommendations or ask me about alternative strategies.

In a developmental edit, I will focus on:

• Plot (Plot Holes, Story Arcs, Pacing)

• Character (Development, Motivation, Interactions)

• Audience (Reader Expectations, Potential Marketing)

• Structure (POV, Dialogue Usage, Breaks in Timing, Clarity)

• Setting (Range of Time, Continuity, Ambiguity)

What It Looks Like

You will receive a Manuscript Evaluation in three parts:

• In-Document Comments - I will leave notes in the margins of your document questioning or commenting on specific passages, ranging from 1-5 pages. These comments may be red flags or fiery compliments! Each comment will be attached to the highlighted text specifically referenced in the note. These comments are examples of the detail we will apply to the manuscript during the next phase.

• Chapter Summaries - I will summarize each chapter in a single paragraph. Through these summaries, you will be able to forget the noise and focus on the most memorable events in each chapter. I will also provide strengths and weaknesses of each chapter.

• Full Manuscript Evaluation - I will write a detailed report of your book’s strengths and weaknesses as a whole. This report integrates an overview of the issues found, reasoning behind the issue, and recommendations of how to improve them. I will also mention any consistent grammatical issues so you get the most for your dollar. This is where any large changes, such as fixing a plot hole or removing a character, will be detailed.

Next, we will meet online to discuss the evaluation. With a clear goal in mind, I will continue with the Developmental Edit. In the Developmental Edit phase, I will make deep line edits within your manuscript and add comments in the margin. This is the most meaningful step in the writing process!