What is a developmental edit?

yellowcat144

Developmental editing is a type of editing that looks at the overall structure and organization of a book, as well as the book's themes and characters. Developmental editors work with authors to help them hone their ideas and create a book that is well-organized and well-written. A developmental editor will often make suggestions for how to improve the book's plot, characters, and themes. They may also suggest ways to make the book more marketable.

greenduck167

A developmental edit helps to improve the overall structure and flow of a piece of writing. It looks at the bigger picture and can help to clarify the author's purpose and goals. It can also identify areas where the writing is unclear or confusing, and suggest ways to make it more effective. developmental edits can be extremely helpful in getting a piece of writing ready for publication.

yellowkoala1

A developmental edit is a comprehensive review of a manuscript that focuses on a book’s content, structure, and story line. A developmental editor helps a writer identify their theme and message and turn their raw material into a polished book.

Here are some of the things a developmental editor typically does:

Assesses storytelling elements.
A developmental editor looks at how well the story is told and how well the characters are developed. They review the plot for any structural issues, such as abrupt endings or lack of development for certain characters.
Reviews pacing.
Pacing refers to the speed at which a story unfolds, including the ebb and flow of scenes. A developmental editor will analyze the flow of the story to ensure it is clear, logical and engaging.
Addresses any redundancies, inconsistencies, or plot holes.
A developmental editor will look for any issues with continuity or clarity of the storyline, as well as addressing any flaws in logic.
Gives guidance to strengthen the writing.
Developmental editors provide feedback on overall narrative structure and story flow. They also flag any sentences that seem stilted or unnatural.
Suggests a timeline to finish rewriting the manuscript.
In addition to their feedback, a developmental editor may give a suggested timeline for completing revisions.

Overall, a developmental editor will help you turn your manuscript into a work that is articulate and readable. If you’re considering a developmental edit, read more about how it can benefit your book. You can also find information about working with a developmental editor, including how to select the right person for your project here: https://www.thebookeditors.com/writers/working-with-a-developmental-editor/.