Developmental Editing

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Find a developmental editor who understands commercial literary theory to deconstruct your full-length or drafted, unpublished manuscript from storytelling narration to sequence of plot lines and rework the entire material in stages with you to better sell your story. Find Developmental Editing WFH freelancers on January 21, 2025 who work remotely. Read less

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What to Know

Why should I hire a developmental editor?

Developmental editing, also known as substantive editing or structural editing, is a comprehensive phase in the editing process aimed at improving the overall structure, content, and narrative of a manuscript. Here are detailed facts about how it works:

Purpose and Scope

1. Big-Picture Focus: Developmental editing looks at the manuscript's overarching elements like plot, character development, pacing, theme, and structure rather than line-by-line grammar or style.

2. Content Enhancement: The goal is to enhance the manuscript's content to make it more engaging, coherent, and marketable. This might include revising the plot, strengthening character arcs, or refining the thematic focus.

Process Overview

A. Initial Read-Through:
The editor reads the manuscript thoroughly to grasp the story or argument's essence. This first read is often without annotations to get an unencumbered sense of the narrative.

B. Assessment:
- Plot and Structure: Evaluation of whether the plot is logical, if there are plot holes, and if the narrative structure supports the story's goals.
- Character Development: Analysis of character arcs, consistency, motivations, and development over the course of the narrative.
- Pacing and Tension: Checking if the narrative's pace holds reader interest and if tension is appropriately built and released.
- Theme and Message: Ensuring the themes are clear and resonate throughout the text.

C. Feedback Compilation:
- Editorial Letter: A detailed document (ranging from a few to many pages) that provides an overview of strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for revision.
- In-Manuscript Comments: Marginal notes or comments within the document highlighting specific areas for improvement, often using track changes or similar software.
Recommendations:
- Structural Changes: Suggesting significant revisions like rearranging chapters, adding or removing content, or changing the narrative perspective.
- Content Development: Advising on deepening characters, enhancing settings, or filling in gaps in the storyline or argument.

D. Collaboration with Author:
- Discussion: Often includes one or more discussions (via phone, video, or email) between editor and author to clarify feedback, discuss vision, or explore potential changes.
- Revision Guidance: The editor might outline a revision plan, sometimes including a timeline for major rewrites.

E. Iterative Process:
- Multiple Rounds: After the author revises based on feedback, the manuscript might go through additional rounds of developmental editing to refine the changes.

Timing and Workflow

- When to Use: Developmental editing is typically done after an initial or rough draft but before copyediting or proofreading. It's most effective early in the writing process when major changes can still be made.
- Duration: Can take several weeks to months depending on the manuscript's length, complexity, and the depth of revisions required.

Customization
- Editor's Approach: Different editors might have unique methods, but common practices include creating detailed notes, character charts, plot outlines, or scene lists.
- Tailoring to Genre: The editing approach might vary depending on whether the manuscript is fiction, non-fiction, academic, or a different genre, focusing on elements most critical to that type of writing.

Collaboration and Communication
- Author-Editor Relationship: This phase is highly collaborative, relying on open communication where the author's vision is respected while also being challenged for improvement.
- Feedback Reception: Authors are encouraged to approach feedback with an open mind, understanding that developmental editing aims to elevate their work rather than criticize it.

Tools and Documentation
- Software: Often uses Microsoft Word with Track Changes, Google Docs, or specialized editing software for annotations and revisions.
- Style Sheets: Might contribute to or create a style sheet for consistency, particularly in series or for characters in fiction.

Editorial Outcome
- Manuscript Improvement: The end goal is a manuscript that is structurally sound, narratively compelling, and ready for the next stages of editing, moving closer to publication readiness.

Developmental editing is an investment in the manuscript's potential, transforming it from a draft into a work that resonates with its intended audience. Its success largely depends on the editor's expertise, the author's willingness to engage with the process, and the depth of the initial manuscript.

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