Editing a developmental book is all about getting the right balance between the author's intentions, and ensuring it meets the readers’ expectations. This involves a thorough reading of the book and providing feedback and instruction to the author. Here are some steps to help you effectively edit a developmental book:
Establish a rapport with the author: Before any editing can begin, it is important that you and the author have an understanding of the purpose of the work and have a mutual respect for each other's views.
Familiarize yourself with the genre: Knowing the book’s genre will help you to better understand the expectations of the readers. Spend time reading other books in the genre to get a feel for the conventions and expectations.
Read the text carefully: Once you are familiar with the genre, begin reading the text. Note any potential issues as you read and read the text as if you are a reader. This will help you to make informed decisions when you begin to edit.
Begin the developmental editing: Developmental editing is the process of suggesting structural and contextual improvements to the book. Highlight any issues you noticed during your reading, such as plot inconsistencies, character development and narrative flow.
Explain your decision: It is not enough to just present the author with a list of errors and changes. Explain your decisions and include any research or resources you used to come to these topics to help them understand why they need to make the changes.
These are some basic steps to help you effectively edit a developmental book. A good editor needs to be able to balance their own preferences with the author's vision, and ensure the work meets the readers’ expectations.
