Developmental Editing: Tips & Strategies

goldenduck

What are the best methods to do developmental edits? How can you ensure that you are making the best edits to your work?

Developmental edits are a crucial part of the writing process. They help to ensure that the work is of the highest quality before it is published. There are several methods that can be used to do developmental edits. These include reading the work aloud, having someone else read it, and using editing software. It is important to read the work carefully and make sure that the structure and flow are correct. Additionally, it is important to check for any typos or grammar errors. Finally, it is important to make sure that the content is accurate and up to date. By following these steps, you can ensure that your work is of the highest quality before it is published.

Guillermo_rodriguez

Developmental editing is a thorough review of the content and structure of a piece of writing. It can be done before or after a manuscript is written and focuses on the big picture. Here are some steps you can take to do developmental edits:

Read the manuscript or book from start to finish to get an overview. Make sure you take note of any areas that seem confusing, places where you lose interest, or characters that don't develop properly.
Create a story map. This is a visual representation of all the different parts of the story, such as the protagonist and antagonist, setting, point of view, and plot. Include events and characters, and add arrows to indicate the sequence of events. This can help you spot any elements that are missing or out of order.
Conduct an in-depth narrative analysis by breaking the story down into smaller parts and examining each part in detail. This will help you identify gaps and areas of confusion, and ultimately identify potential solutions.
Discuss the story with others to get a fresh perspective and feedback. Ask them questions to gain more insights into how the story can be improved.
Discuss pacing and flow with the author. Does the story go at a natural pace or does it feel rushed? Is the reader always engaged, or are there moments of confusion? Make notes and work with the author to find the best solutions.
Look for logical inconsistencies in the plot. Does one character make a decision that contradicts their earlier behavior or motivations? Does the sequence of events or characters' motivations make sense? Make a list of these inconsistencies and discuss how they should be addressed with the author.
Finally, make sure to use the right language with authors. Be sensitive to the fact that a manuscript is the author’s personal work and try to convey your feedback in a constructive and encouraging way.

I hope this helps! Best of luck with your developmental edits.