As a first-time author, you’ve finally typed “The End” on your manuscript draft. Congratulations! But now you’re faced with a crucial question: what happens next? You’ve likely heard terms like copyediting, proofreading, and developmental editing tossed around in writing circles. If you’re wondering, “What is developmental editing, and do I need it?” you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will demystify this crucial step in the publishing process and help you understand how it can transform your manuscript.
What Is Developmental Editing?
This type of editing (sometimes called substantive or structural editing) is a comprehensive approach that focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript. Unlike later-stage editing that addresses grammar and punctuation, developmental editing examines the foundational aspects of your book: its structure, content, organization, and overall effectiveness.
A developmental editor evaluates whether your manuscript achieves its goals, resonates with your target audience, and presents your ideas in the most compelling way possible. Think of developmental editing as examining the architectural blueprint of your book rather than the interior decorating choices.
According to the Editorial Freelancers Association, developmental editing is one of the most comprehensive editorial services available to authors, involving significant expertise and collaboration between editor and author.
For nonfiction books, this means assessing:
- How effectively your content delivers on the book’s promise to readers
- Whether your arguments and ideas flow logically from one to the next
- If there are gaps in your information or areas that need expansion
- Whether your voice and tone are appropriate for your target audience
- How well your chapters and sections are organized and structured
Learn more about how developmental editing differs from other editing types in my detailed comparison: Developmental Editing vs Copyediting: Which Comes First?
What Developmental Editing Includes
When you work with a developmental editor, you can expect a thorough analysis of your manuscript that includes:
Overall Manuscript Structure and Organization A developmental editor evaluates how your chapters and sections flow together, whether your book has a cohesive structure, and if the organization serves your book’s purpose.
Logical Flow and Argument Development For instructional or informational nonfiction, your editor will assess whether your arguments develop logically and convincingly. They’ll identify places where your reasoning might need strengthening or where additional evidence would be beneficial.
Content Evaluation Your editor will identify content gaps where more information is needed, redundancies that can be trimmed, and opportunities to deepen or clarify your ideas.
Target Audience Appropriateness A good developmental editor considers your target readers’ needs and expectations, ensuring your content speaks to them effectively while maintaining your authentic voice.
Narrative Elements (for Narrative Nonfiction) If your nonfiction includes storytelling elements, your editor will evaluate character development, scene-setting, pacing, and other narrative components.
Chapter and Section Assessment Your editor will analyze individual chapters and sections for strength, relevance, and placement within the larger manuscript.
What Developmental Editing Does NOT Include
Understanding what developmental editing doesn’t cover is equally important:
Line-by-Line Grammar Correction While developmental editors might note patterns of grammatical issues, detailed grammar correction is the role of a copyeditor.
Proofreading for Typos and Formatting Final proofreading occurs after copyediting and focuses on catching any remaining errors before publication.
Ghostwriting or Complete Rewriting A developmental editor provides guidance and suggestions, but the writing and revising remain your responsibility.
Book Promotion or Marketing Plans While a developmental editor might consider your book’s marketability, creating marketing strategies is a separate service.
Design and Layout Decisions Cover design, interior formatting, and other visual elements are typically handled by design professionals.
When to Seek Developmental Editing
The optimal time for developmental editing is after you’ve completed a full draft but before you move on to sentence-level editing. Here are signs you’re ready for developmental editing:
- You’ve finished a complete draft of your manuscript
- You’ve done as much self-editing as possible but know it needs professional guidance
- You’re willing to make substantial revisions based on expert feedback
- You want to ensure your book effectively delivers your message before proceeding to later editing stages
Not sure if you’re ready? Check out When to Hire a Developmental Editor: 5 Signs You’re Ready for more guidance.
The Developmental Editing Process
While each editor has their own approach, the developmental editing process typically includes:
Initial Manuscript Assessment Your editor will read your entire manuscript to understand your goals, content, and current structure.
Comprehensive Editorial Letter You’ll receive a detailed document (often 5-10 pages) outlining the editor’s overall assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and providing recommendations for improvement.
Margin Comments and Suggestions Most developmental editors also provide specific comments throughout your manuscript, highlighting issues and opportunities in context.
Follow-up Discussions A good developmental editing relationship can include an optional conversation about the feedback and clarification of recommendations.
Revision Guidance Your editor may provide optional ongoing support as you implement changes, answering questions and reviewing sections as needed.
How to Prepare Your Manuscript for Developmental Editing
To get the most value from developmental editing, prepare your manuscript by:
- Completing a full draft, even if some sections feel rough
- Performing basic self-editing to catch obvious issues
- Creating a document outlining your book’s purpose, target audience, and goals
- Making a list of specific concerns or questions you have about your manuscript
- Being mentally prepared to receive constructive criticism
The more organized and complete your submission, the more valuable feedback your developmental editor can provide.
The Investment: Understanding The Costs
Developmental editing is typically the most intensive form of editing, and the investment reflects this depth of analysis. Factors that influence cost include manuscript length, complexity, time frame, and the editor’s experience level.
Most developmental editors charge either by word count or by page count. For a full-length nonfiction book, you can expect developmental editing to be a significant investment in your book’s success.
For a detailed breakdown of pricing factors, see Developmental Editing Costs: What Affects Your Investment?
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Developmental Editor
When selecting a developmental editor, consider asking:
- What is your experience with my specific type of nonfiction?
- Can you share testimonials from authors you’ve worked with?
- What is your editing process and timeline?
- How do you typically communicate feedback?
- What is your approach to maintaining the author’s voice while suggesting changes?
- What do you need from me to make the process most effective?
Finding the right developmental editor is about more than credentials—it’s about finding someone who understands your vision and can help you achieve it.
Conclusion
Developmental editing is a crucial investment in your book’s success, particularly for first-time nonfiction authors. It provides the structural guidance needed to ensure your expertise translates into a readable, engaging, and effective book.
While it requires both financial investment and willingness to revise your work, developmental editing can be the difference between a manuscript that merely contains good information and one that powerfully impacts readers’ lives.
As you consider your next steps, remember that developmental editing isn’t about changing your voice or vision—it’s about enhancing it. The right developmental editor becomes a partner in your publishing journey, helping you create the best possible version of the book you envision.
Ready to take your manuscript to the next level? Learn more about my developmental editing services and how I can help transform your expertise into a book that resonates with readers.
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