What is Developmental Editing?
A developmental edit is an in-depth story review, yet the evaluation is more detailed. The primary goal is to help an author restructure the material into a readable novel that hooks the audience from the first word to its explosive conclusion.
Developmental editors have two primary goals: (1) to help the author achieve their dream of publishing their manuscript (either through traditional means or self-publishing), and (2) to understand that the audience will receive the final product and want something that catches (and keeps!) their attention.*
A Word of Caution: When an author faces guidance from their editor to remove or alter parts of their story (even if they disagree), the best advice for all parties involved is to keep an open mind. An editor is not trying to change the story to something they prefer; editors want to help you rework the material to create a more robust and well-executed final product.
*Note: Authors should know that developmental editing can occur at any time, just like the manuscript critique. However, while there is overlap between the processes, authors must remember the following essentials:
- A manuscript critique works on a broad and overarching level. The purpose is to ensure the story is worth telling and helps the author assess the strengths and weaknesses of the story. The recommendations typically result in revisions, but the process is more straightforward. (This stage is not an actual “editing” step authors must have but is highly recommended.)
- A developmental edit is in-depth, views the same elements as the manuscript critique on a more detailed level, and typically requires significant rewrites once complete. (This stage is crucial as the changes enacted after the edit result in substantial material alterations).
Must Have Information
Why Consider a Developmental Edit?
Developmental editing is among the most essential types of editing your manuscript can receive before publication. Here are reasons to consider having a developmental edit on your manuscript:
Bring your characters and their story to life. A creative and compelling tale keeps your readers’ attention. A developmental editor can help illuminate the characters who tell the story, ensure each element of your plot is present to help move the story forward and guide you on bringing out vital nuances within each scene, dialogue, and setting.
Help ensure the setting is just as intriguing as the characters and dialogue. Each scene’s environment (or location) is just as important as the folks who tell the story and what they say. A developmental editor helps the author figure out (or sometimes helps create) vivid backdrops that complement the characters’ situation.
Make sure genre elements are present in your story. Authors draft manuscripts with a general idea of which genre they ideally want to work within (or are sometimes unsure when they begin). A developmental editor can help figure out your primary and secondary genres (if one is present) and advise you on including the features readers expect to find.
Restructure the manuscript for publication purposes. Traditional publishing houses want an attractive, logical, and accurately paced story to sell to the public (and readers want the same for self-published manuscripts as well). A developmental editor can help you achieve this to increase your chances of publication (or higher readership through various platforms).
The Developmental Editing Process
The developmental editing process has seven (7) stages, each helping to deliver an improved manuscript. Atwood LLC process is as follows (with in-line commentary added using Microsoft’s Track Changes program):
First Read. The first read is to take general notes for the style sheet on how the plot unfolds, how the characters evolve from the introduction to the last moments, and the type of supplementary information the author includes to round out the story.
Second Read. The second read is more thorough, where the editor expands her original thoughts about the fundamental components and includes in-line commentary.
Book Map. The editor creates the Book Map, a chapter-by-chapter outline of the story.
Style Sheet. The editor completes the style sheet.
Letter of Transmittal. The editor creates the letter of transmittal, which explains the information the author is receiving, how to use it, and the next steps for a follow-up conversation.
Complementary Review. A final review once the author completes the revision process, with added notes when necessary.
Final Polish. The editor returns all editing files to the author in preparation for the next editing phase.
Elements of Interest for Developmental Edits
Like the manuscript critique, a developmental edit evaluates the larger picture (although specific details are addressed when necessary). The primary areas of focus include:
Ambiguity
Audience
Character Development
Character Motivations
Clarity
Continuity
Pacing
Plot Holes
Point of View (POV)
Presentation
Reader Expectation
Story Arcs
Structure
Tense
Use of Dialogue
Worldbuilding
And More!
Developmental Edit Style Sheets
Editors include a style sheet (or record of editorial changes) for all phases of the editing process they complete. Everyone from the author to the proofreader obtains a copy to ensure each part of the manuscript stays consistent as it nears publication.
The information found on the style sheets will differ depending on the editing your manuscript receives. Atwood LLC evaluates the following areas for developmental edits:
- Summary
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Character Evaluation
- Example Passages
- Setting Suggestions
- Structural Assessment
- Thematic Observations
- Voice Pointers
- Writing Guidance
- Recommendations Moving Forward
Why Consider a Developmental Edit?
The author can expect to receive the following items from the editor:
Original manuscript. Editors never touch the original and always make a working copy, so the author can easily reference the suggested revisions.
Edited manuscript with in-line commentary. Comments, queries, and examples appear and reference the style sheet if more information or explanation is needed.
Style Sheet. A full breakdown of the elements of interest and the suggested revisions.
Book Map. A chapter-by-chapter outline of the story.
Letter of Transmittal. A brief explanation for (1) what the author is receiving, (2) how to use the style sheet, (3) how to use the book map, and (4) instructions for when to return the revised manuscript for review and final cleanup.
How It Works
Pricing & Plans
Are you Looking for a Quick Sample Edit?
We are happy to complete a sample edit (up to 1,000 words) for your manuscript. Please select and upload your file; I will return the edited information within 24 hours.
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Each Package Includes
2-Hour Response Time
Availability Between 8-5 PST
Complementary 45-Minute Kickoff Meeting
Confidentiality & Professionalism
Dedicated US-Based Assistant
Transparent Billing
Weekly Detailed Progress Report
Weekly Timesheet Report
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
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