Understanding What a Developmental Editor Does

When I started offering professional book editing services, I had no idea there was more than one way to edit books. My entire thought process was, “Okay, let’s put those long-unused revision skills to work.” Later, I learned that at least four different editing styles are used during different stages of the book editing process: developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading (see the definitions below). Now, I understand that I can help my clients achieve their goals as a developmental editor.

 

The 4 Stages of Book Editing

• Developmental Editing (or structural editing): The Editorial Freelancers Association defines developmental editing as a big-picture assessment of the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. It involves structural elements like major cuts, formatting changes, narrative suggestions, character development, etc.

• Line Editing: Revising sentences for clarity, fixing redundancies, tightening paragraphs, and other minor revisions.

• Copy editing: Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.

• Proofreading: Carefully checking the manuscript for minor errors and typos before publishing.

 

Other important definitions:

Significant/ Major revisions: These are substantial changes to the content or text of the manuscript. This includes comprehensive rewrites, new chapters, cutting sentences or paragraphs, and changing story elements.

Minor revisions: This includes less substantial edits, like grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Understanding the book editing process

As I began to figure out my editing approach, there were many bumps in the road. Many of my clients thought editing included everything from suggestions on the first draft to the proofreading stage. I didn’t blame them for assuming this (after all, some editors offer all of these services). Because many of my clients didn’t have clear ideas on the editing process, I would have to educate them on how it all works. 

My colleague explained it to me like this: When the finished manuscript comes to you, it’s like a car with a solid structure, but it still needs a lot of work. The developmental edit is like when a mechanic fixes the engine.  You won’t get far in your vehicle without a working engine. Once the engine runs smoothly, you can take it to the body shop, where they replace the broken headlights and reattach the bumper (line edits). After that, it’s on to the paint job (copyedits) and the final polish (proofreading).

A car is the perfect metaphor for how the process works. Each person specializes in something different, and when it’s all said and done, you have a beautiful new car that is structurally sound, runs smoothly, and has shiny chrome wheels. Because I enjoy giving constructive feedback on the overall manuscript, my skills lie in the developmental edit.

Why should I hire a developmental editor?

Developmental editors provide a lot of value to authors and publishers. We provide notes on an existing manuscript to help mold it into the book that YOU, the author, want to write.  My goal is to serve the author’s vision for the book, not the other way around. So, how else can a developmental editor help you reach your writing goals?

How Developmental Editors Help Authors:

1. Story and plot guidance
2. Book organization and chapter flow
3. Direction on how to find your voice and enhance your writing style
4. Mentorship to support you in maintaining a growth mindset
5. Tips to overcome writer’s block

So, how do you know if you’re ready to hire a developmental editor (like me)?

• You have a finished manuscript and are ready to refine your ideas.
• Your publisher says your manuscript needs some work on the story, characters, or other significant elements.
• You need some help organizing the chapters and other content.
• You’re ready and able to take helpful feedback and suggestions ( including extensive cuts) from a professional with book editing experience.

Do I need a book coach?

Book coaches are similar to developmental editors, except that they help you finish writing your manuscript. As a book coach, I try to be an empathetic listener, a supportive reader, and an objective reviewer. I won’t write the book for you, but I’ll read what you’ve written and offer insights and direction. What I love about this work is being able to encourage my authors to gain confidence in their writing.

1. You’ve done a lot of writing already, but you’re unsure of what comes next.
2. You have bad writer’s block.
3. You feel overwhelmed by the writing process and need some encouragement and direction to finally finish your manuscript.
4. You have time to write the missing pieces and/or chapters.
5. You can accept constructive criticism and helpful feedback without taking it personally.

 

Sources:

https://janefriedman.com/before-you-hire-a-developmental-editor-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.the-efa.org/rates-survey-definitions/