What is developmental-editing?
Developmental-editing is the big-picture, freeform part of the editing process. It differs from copy-editing in that it is less technical and more creative. At ProjectK, we consider it more of an art than a science.
Where a copy editor might correct the punctuation or spelling mistakes in your writing, a developmental editor looks at the pieces that make up your story: the characters, the plot, and the use of the setting.
What does a developmental-edit cover?
As I outlined above, a developmental editor will look at your characters, plot, and setting. A developmental-edit has two core components: first, identify the story weaknesses; second, propose solutions to correct them.
At ProjectK, we look for:
- Character weaknesses.
- Insufficient arc.
- Insufficient depth.
- Underutilization in the story, themes, or in how they interact with the other characters.
- Unlikeability (assuming likeability is the intention).
- Insufficient weaknesses or interesting traits.
- Plot weaknesses.
- Jarring or weak pacing.
- Lack of setup and payoff.
- Improperly managed micro and macro plot-lines.
- Setting weaknesses.
- Opportunity to add further detail.
- Lack of connectivity to the plot and/or characters.
When working with our clients, we identify story weaknesses and note the smaller issues directly in your document. Larger, overarching weaknesses are compiled in a supplemental document we provide to clients who choose the Premium package of our editing services. There, we outline the problem and our solution, with direct edits proposed throughout the story to align with it.
During the developmental-editing process, we also analyze the marketability and anticipated reader reaction to the manuscript.
Do I need a developmental editor?
ABSOLUTELY. Given the price tag, most new authors and many self-published writers make the critical mistake of skipping the developmental-edit, or investing in a low-quality developmental editor.
The vast majority of readers won't finish a book if it's a weak story, even if everything is penned impeccably. A proofreader, copy editor, or line editor won't tell you if your prologue drags, if your character arc is weak, or if your setting has holes in it. A developmental editor will.
When should I hire a developmental editor?
This is a matter of personal preference. We've worked with clients who are partially complete, clients whose book has already been self-published and who want to revisit it, and everyone in between. In fact, we welcome clients who are early in their writing process, and we've found that addressing the weaknesses before they can take root is often far less painful and cheaper than making adjustments once the book is complete.
But if you're dead-set on finishing your manuscript before seeking an editor, we suggest the following: complete one or two revisions yourself (see the full revision guide on our blog), but always engage a developmental editor before any other type of professional editing.
From a cost perspective, this is a no-brainer. Only a developmental editor will make wide-spanning suggestions to cut, condense, or combine scenes and chapters. This reduces the overall word count and the accompanying fee of the other editors.
From a practicality perspective, this also makes more sense. A developmental editor will propose changes, but it'll be up to you to execute them. If you hire a line editor to clean up your prose, you don't want sections where your writing is weak because you went in and made adjustments to your manuscript after the fact.
What will I get from a developmental editor?
This is where the prospective client should be very careful. A cheap editor, or someone just looking to churn out clients quickly with little effort, will promise a developmental-edit but deliver very little. For an in-depth breakdown of what you can expect from our services, I'd encourage you to check out the Editing Services page and Our Process.
Stated clearly, you'll receive:
- An edited manuscript with direct comments and markers in the document. Comments outline the smaller issues; markers are often associated with the larger, overarching problems addressed later.
- An editorial assessment. This includes:
- Our thoughts and general feedback.
- A marketability assessment.
- Issues identified in your characters, plotting, and setting.
- Specific suggestions to correct the issues, with insight on where to insert the suggested fixes.
- Structural suggestions.
- Ongoing support once the edits are complete. We're available to address your questions, clarify our choices, and workshop your ideas until you're satisfied.
Any developmental editor worth their salt should be able to state clearly what they provide. Whoever you end up choosing, be absolutely certain that they communicate this point clearly.
Can I do a developmental-edit myself?
The short answer is yes. But it often only goes so far.
There are a few things that get in the way. First, being too close to the work is often a crucial weakness. Even now, when I write and self-publish my books, I still bring in other editors to review my work.
Second, burnout is real and can come for anyone. Often a writer has been working on one story for too long, and it disrupts the process when it's time to execute the developmental-edit.
Third, 25 years of experience has its perks, and being able to leverage a team of editors brings insight that individuals simply cannot match.
Ready for developmental-editing? Here's your next step.
If nothing else, I'm glad I could convince you of the importance a developmental-edit has in every story.
I encourage you to field offers from several sources, and I'd be honoured if you would consider us as well. If you send us a message on our contact page, we can provide you a free, no-obligation sample of our work. The turnaround is fast, and we're confident it'll meet your standards.
For other developmental editors, I would suggest the website Reedsy. Reedsy book editors are among the best, and if you want freelancers that deliver high-quality work, you won't be wanting for options. Another great option is Gary from BubbleCow, who I'm told does good work as well.