Developmental editing is a multi-faceted process that addresses the big-picture concerns in a piece of writing, such as structure, organization, characters, and plot. It is sometimes also called substantive editing or content editing.
In general, developmental editing goes beyond the basics of grammar and mechanics to help a writer make their work the best it can be. Developmental editors work with writers to flesh out ideas, identify and fix problems, and move a project from its earliest stages all the way to publication.
Because developmental editing is such a broad and complex process, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what a developmental editor does. But at its core, developmental editing is all about helping a writer improve their work by seeing it from a higher-level perspective.
Developmental editors ask questions like:
-What is this piece trying to accomplish?
-Who is the audience for this piece?
-What is the overall structure of the piece?
-Are the characters fully developed and believable?
-Is the plot clear and compelling?
-Does the piece flow smoothly, or are there awkward transitions?
And more.
The goal of all these questions is to help the writer see their work in a new light, identify areas that need improvement, and figure out how to fix them.
If you're interested in working with a developmental editor, the best way to get started is to find one whose work you admire and see if they're open to taking on new clients.
