What Is Developmental Editing? Everything You Need to Know
Everything is finished about your manuscript: raw, real, and personal. So, you may want to ask before doing line edits or grammar polishing: Does this story work? Does it have engaging characters, a strong plot, and good pacing?
Developmental editing is in fact exactly that: the very first process that turns a new manuscript into a work of art, independent and whole. Whether a first-time author publishing there and then, or a seasoned self-publisher, understanding that first step of editing is truly an advantage every author should have.
This guide contemplates what developmental editing is, what it involves, its differences from other editing types, and why its investment is valuable in publishing.
Why Should One Have Editing Done Early?
Professional editing is about more than grammar; it is about making a better book. For the most part, manuscript editing consists of:
- Developmental Editing-Big-picture structure, plot, characters, and pacing
- Line Editing-Flow, clarity, sentence structure
- Copyediting: Grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency
- Proofreading-A final shine before printing or publishing
Both have their place, but developmental editing is the foundation, the blueprint critique that guides all further revisions. Without proper structure, no amount of shine can save an uncertain story.
What Is Developmental Editing?
What exactly is developmental editing? In short, developmental editing is the most comprehensive, detailed editing you can get.
A developmental edit addresses the key elements of your story:
- Plot and story structure
- Character development
- Scene crafting
- Pacing and tension
- World-building (for fiction)
- Theme and message (in particular for nonfiction)
Other types of editing correct how you write, developmental editing operates on what you write, and whether it is a successful overall, engaging story. It’s where problematic elements like bad subplots, cardboard characters, or confusing timelines are identified and resolved.
What Does A Developmental Editor Do?
Developmental editors are your novel’s coach, helping you to transform your manuscript into its best version.
This is what they do:
- Assessment of the entire manuscript for structural issues.
- A detailed editorial report with overarching recommendations to follow.
- In-line comments and queries.
- Recommending revisions to scenes or cuts to remove repetitions.
- Checking revisions as they relate to character, plot, tone, or theme.
Importantly, developmental editors collaborate with you. Their goal isn’t to rewrite your work, but to guide your vision. You’ll get analysis like:
- “This character’s motivation feels unclear in Chapter 5.”
- “Consider raising the stakes earlier to hook the reader.”
- “You’ve switched POVs mid-scene here, confusing readers.”
It’s a partnership, and your story will be stronger for it.
Developmental Editing Vs. Copyediting
These two services are often confused, but they have different purposes:
| Feature | Developmental Editing | Copyediting |
| Focus | Structure, plot, pacing | Grammar, punctuation, style |
| Stage | Early | After structure is finalized |
| Editor Role | Story coach | Language technician |
| Goal | Strengthen the story | Refine language |
Developmental editing vs copyediting is like blueprints versus decorating a home. You need the foundation first before putting the ornaments on the home.
Use developmental edits after you finish your first draft, and copyediting when your manuscript is nearly publishable.
When Should You Send Your Work For Developmental Editing?
During which particular times are developmental edit services most efficient:
- If you are brand-new to writing and require professional insight
- You have completed a first full manuscript and want story-level feedback
- If you do not know about pacing, character, and structure
- You want to self-publish a quality product without skipping important steps
- Received a beta reader’s feedback on big-picture issues
Developmental editing is not just for new authors; any writer who wants to put out their best work would consider it.
So What Do Developmental Editing Services Consist Of?
Generally, hiring a professional developmental editor would mean:
- A lengthy editorial letter discussing the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript
- In-line comments in your manuscript
- Rewrites or cuts suggested
- Perhaps a video-to-phone consultation to review the feedback
- Possibly following up after you have completed your revisions
There can be differences among agencies and freelancers in respect to work style, turnaround times, and pricing. Typically, agencies offer tiered package deals, while freelancers provide tailor-made services. Both of these options are great; it only boils down to your preference and your budget.
Developmental Editing Price
Curious about developmental editing rates? Rates can be very flexible based on:
- Manuscript length (most editors bill per word)
- Genre (a memoir isn’t always as much work as a fantasy novel)
- Editor’s experience and reputation
- Amount of feedback desired
- Turnaround time
Most common price structures are:
- Per word: $0.03–$0.08
- Per hour: $40–$100
- Per project: $500–$3000
Others offer lower-priced initial sample revisions or mini-audits before full commitment. It’s an investment well worth making in the story’s viability, reader satisfaction, and great reviews.
Step-By-Step Developmental Editing Process
Developmental editing process is as follows:
- Initial Consultation–Set goals, genre, timeline
- Manuscript Review–Editor reads the entire manuscript.
- Editorial Letter & Comments–You receive feedback with actionable recommendations.
- Revisions by Author–You revise based on recommendations.
- Follow-up Round (optional)–Final review or guidance for the next draft.
Some editors may even take an active part in crafting the next version or recommending the next polishing step. Each is unique, but typically proceeds with these collaborative steps.
Finding The Right Developmental Editor
Here’s how to find your perfect match:
- Seek out editors who work on your genre, such as fantasy, romance, or memoir.
- Request a sample edit or rapid critique to test compatibility.
- Observe testimonials or feedback from former clients.
- Select editors with great communication and respect.
Make sure your expectations are the same, do you need coaching, full feedback, or validation alone? Keep in mind, this individual is going to be critiquing your work and assisting you in becoming a better writer. Communication and trust must be the utmost priorities.
So, what is developmental editing, exactly? It’s your manuscript’s initial and most important milestone. It takes your story from draft to compelling, publishable work. You’re writing your first novel or your twelfth book of nonfiction: developmental editing delivers the strategic feedback every author requires.
Skip it at your own risk. Great storytelling begins with structure, and structure begins with a strong developmental edit.
Ready to view your manuscript in the next phase? With Bold Books Publishing, think about our developmental editing services or request a quote today. Let us bring your tale to life, page by page, plot by plot.
