Developmental Editing
Developmental editing (also known as structural, substantive or content editing) is at the top of the editorial ladder. This level of editing comes before copy-editing and it considers, in detail, the big picture of the book – aspects like structure, content and tone.
My developmental editing service is bespoke, tailored to the client’s needs. I may pitch in and make lots of developmental changes myself, or I may guide the author to develop the book through queries and suggestions.
Whichever style of developmental edit I carry out, I leave no stone unturned and give you the full benefit of my experience and expertise. When an editor looks so intensively at your writing, the result is a book that doesn’t just live up to your initial vision but surpasses it.
Why work with a developmental editor?
Developmental editing is for authors who want a publisher-level edit, who want to be challenged in the way that an in-house publishing editor challenges. It’s ideal for authors who are keen to develop their writing skills and publish the best possible book.
It’s also a good option for authors who’ve got a bit lost in their writing. Depending on the author’s preference, I can be a guiding hand, untangling knots and showing the author the way forward, or I can take over and shape up the book.
Of course, this level of editing is not for the faint of heart: it’s a very detailed and intensive service that leads to many revisions. The end result, though, is well worth the journey.
‘When an editor looks so intensively at your writing, the result is a book that doesn’t just live up to your initial vision but surpasses it.’
My developmental editing service
In the developmental edit, I examine in detail:
Content: Is the selection of content appropriate and effective? Are there any omissions? Does the author deviate from the topic? Is all content adequately explained/argued?
Structure and length: Is the book too long or short? Are chapters too long or short? Does each chapter work as a cohesive whole? Is content organised in a sensible and logical way? Can the reader easily navigate through the book?
Writing style and tone: Is the author voice consistent and suitable for the genre? Is the tone too formal or informal? Is there a tendency to be wordy and long-winded? Does the author come across well to the reader?
Inclusivity: Could the writing potentially offend, discriminate against or exclude a reader?
The developmental edit gives the author a lot of editorial input to work through:
Revisions: Throughout the manuscript, I mark up the text with revisions. For example, I may format a sentence with strikethrough to suggest you delete it, and I may move a paragraph down the page to improve logical progression. The author can see all my revisions through the Track Changes feature of Microsoft Word and is free to accept or reject them as preferred.
Queries: The edited manuscript is annotated with plenty of comments. I explain why I’ve made significant changes, and I ask the author to consider specific queries. I raise overarching queries relating to the big picture of the book in a separate notes file.
How rigorously I edit the manuscript depends on the client’s preference. I can lean towards suggesting changes in my edit, or I can go ahead and make changes myself. If the client wants me to go deep, I go deep. If the client wants a light hand, I delicately tweak.
Sometimes developmental editing can creep into the realm of ghostwriting, and that’s fine with me. Over the years I’ve written a lot of content for authors’ books. Some of my clients say, ‘Charlie, rework as you see fit; I trust your judgement.’ They know that by giving me this freedom they get the full benefit of my skills and experience as an editor and writer.
‘In my developmental edit, I leave no stone unturned and give you the full benefit of my experience and expertise.’
Developmental editing FAQs
How much will it cost?
My rate for developmental editing starts at £12.50 per 1,000 words for suggestions-based editing (guiding the author to develop the book) and £22.50 per 1,000 words for hands-on editing (developing the book myself). For more information on pricing, visit my FAQs page.
How can I prepare?
Think about how you want me to edit. Do you want me to guide you in developing the manuscript yourself, or do you want me to take charge and edit intensively? There’s no right or wrong answer; what matters is that I edit in the way that best suits you.
If there are any areas you’d particularly like me to consider in my edit, let me know. Feel free to send over some notes with the manuscript to help me understand your vision for the book and what support you feel you need.
What comes next?
Developmental editing is followed by copy-editing, to prepare the book for publication. If I’ve performed an intensive hands-on developmental edit that leans into ghostwriting, that can sometimes incorporate copy-editing; usually, though, clients need a copy-edit after the developmental edit.
Find out more
Please get in touch if you’d like further information or to request a quotation for your project.