If you’re a first-time author, understanding the different types of editing can feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions I hear from my clients is, “Should I get developmental editing vs copyediting first?” As a developmental editor with over 16 years of experience, let me clear up this confusion and help you make the right choice for your book.

Understanding Developmental Editing vs Copyediting: The Key Differences

Think of editing like building a house. You wouldn’t start by picking out paint colors before the foundation is laid, right? The same principle applies to editing your book. Different types of editing serve different purposes, and doing them in the wrong order can cost you time and money.

Want a deeper dive into all editing types? Check out my detailed video guide above where I break down each type of editing and when you need them.

Developmental Editing: The Foundation of Your Book

Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of your book:

• Overall structure and organization
• Content flow and clarity
• Target audience alignment
• Chapter organization
• Character development (for narrative nonfiction)
• Argument development
• Identifying content gaps

Think of developmental editing as the architectural phase of your book. This is where we ensure your book’s foundation is solid before moving on to the finer details.

Copy Editing: The Final Polish

Copy editing addresses:

• Grammar and punctuation
• Sentence structure
• Word choice
• Consistency in style
• Basic fact-checking
• Technical errors

Here’s the crucial point many authors miss: Getting copy editing before developmental editing is like painting walls before checking if they’re in the right place. Why perfect the grammar in a chapter that might need complete restructuring?

Making the Right Choice (Developmental Editing vs Copyediting)

Understanding developmental editing vs copyediting is crucial for making the right investment in your book’s success. How do you know which type of editing you need right now? Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you confident in your book’s overall structure?
2. Does your content flow logically from chapter to chapter?
3. Are you sure you’re effectively reaching your target audience?
4. Is your message clear and consistent throughout?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you need developmental editing first.

Recently, I worked with a client who initially wanted copy editing for their self-help book. During our consultation, we discovered that while their writing was technically sound, their book’s structure wasn’t effectively serving their readers. Through developmental editing, we reorganized their content to create a more impactful reader journey. Only then did it make sense to move forward with copy editing.

The Right Order Saves Time and Money

Here’s the most cost-effective editing sequence:

1. Developmental Editing: Get the big picture right
2. Revisions based on developmental feedback
3. Copy Editing: Perfect the details
4. Final Proofreading: Catch any remaining errors

Ready to ensure your book has the strong foundation it needs? Learn more about my developmental editing services. I help first-time authors transform their manuscripts into powerful, well-structured books that connect with readers.