Developmental Editing: What Every Self-Publisher Needs to Know

You’ve finished your first draft and you’re ready to edit. Wonderful! But where to start? Start revising the big picture with developmental editing.

Developmental editing goes by many names. Structural and content editing are (in general) interchangeable with developmental editing. I’ve even seen it referred to as line editing, but in my opinion, that’s a different discipline. Whatever you call it, the overall goal of a developmental edit is the same. This first edit analyzes the main structure of a novel.

This phase of editing works on the big picture. Does the story make logical sense from start to finish? Are there plot holes or problems with character continuity? Does the overall setting work with the story you’re trying to tell? A developmental editor analyzes the principal elements of your work and provides feedback on what works and what doesn’t. A developmental edit may also address some issues on a more micro level, like flow and sentence structure, but that’s not the main goal here.

Do You Really Need a Developmental Editor?

Not every self-publisher chooses to get a developmental edit by a professional. Not every manuscript needs it. Experienced self-editors may have no problem seeing the significant issues in their own work. And if you’re REALLY new to writing, investing in a service like author coaching might help you more in the long run.

Self-publishers on a budget don’t always have the funds for developmental editing, either. Developmental editors have extensive knowledge of the writing craft. Some genres may require an editor to have experience with recurring tropes or specific reader expectations. This type of edit may take a lot of heavy-duty restructuring. Because of this, developmental editing is generally the most expensive editorial phase. Take a look at the Editorial Freelancers Association’s list of common rates for each stage of editing. It’ll give you an idea of what a freelance developmental editor charges on average.

Why developmental editing is good for your book

The developmental editor might be the first person who’s laid eyes on your manuscript who isn’t a close friend or family member. That’s huge. Why? Well, for two big reasons.

Your professional editor probably isn’t your pal.

People we’re close to aren’t always in the best position to give us honest and sometimes uncomfortable critiques. They may mean well, but you’re risking falsely positive feedback. Unless they’ve got a critical mind like an editor (and are happy to express those thoughts), they may not tell you what you need to hear. Friends and family may only tell you what’s already solid in the interest of maintaining your personal relationship.

But don’t get me wrong, having close friends and family read your manuscript is valuable. Sometimes, though, those close to us do not give us the constructive criticism we need to be our best. Your editor will know how to communicate the uncomfortable stuff—hopefully with some tact.

Your editor works on behalf of your readers.

One of the primary jobs of an editor is to experience your book from a reader’s perspective. If they’re confused by something, your readers will likely be confused, too. This doesn’t apply just to developmental editing, but every other stage, as well.

There is a lot of value in self-editing; in fact, it is a necessary part of a book’s journey. But many authors find it difficult to successfully edit their own writing because they are too familiar with the story. They know their created world inside and out. And that’s great because it means they have built an engaging story, full-bodied characters, and a world dripping with details.

Unfortunately, it could also mean they can’t see whether those vital elements have transferred to the page effectively. A developmental editor identifies the rough patches, like plot holes, missing character information, and confusing timelines.

Developmental editing is a critical time for your manuscript, literally and figuratively. Receiving candid feedback can be a painful experience for some new (and veteran!) authors. A developmental edit might cut one of your favorite scenes because it doesn’t work with the overall story. That doesn’t necessarily mean the scene isn’t good—but it might mean the book is better without it.

The verdict on developmental editing

If you’re a new author without much writing experience, your story will benefit from a developmental edit. In the same vein, seasoned authors tackling an unfamiliar genre can take advantage of an editor’s targeted expertise. But, as always, it is up to you whether you get help at the developmental stage or go it alone.

Until next time,
Jenna

Jenna Justice is a fiction editor and proofreader for independent authors. She specializes in speculative genres, including fantasy and sci-fi, for adult, middle-grade, and young adult readers. She is a proud member of ACES: The Society for Editing.

Visit Jenna’s website at Justice Serves Proofreading, and say hi on Twitter at @justice_proofs.