What do Developmental Editors do?
And why you might need one
So, you’ve written your novel. You’ve edited and polished it until you can look at it no more. In fact, your eyes and brain scream every time the thought to read it “one more time” pops into your head. The truth is, you’re heartily sick of it.
Time to hand it over to an editor.
Now, as a traditionally and indie published author, even I had no idea what the different types of editors did. In fact, I didn’t even know there was anyone other than ‘an editor’ who could look at your book. I’d only ever worked with one editor and he did everything.
However, apparently there are four different types of editors who can help you with your manuscript.
[NB if you’re an indie published author, you don’t have to hire them all and you will find that some editors will do a bit of everything. If you are published via an publishing house, it’ll be up to them who you work with.]
Okay, so the different types of editors are: the copy editor, the proofreader, the developmental editor and the line editor. Today, I’m going to talk about what a developmental editor does.
A developmental editor, also known as a content editor or substantive editor, plays a crucial role in the publishing process, particularly with regard to books or manuscripts. Their primary responsibility is to provide feedback and guidance on the overall structure, content, and organization of a written work. Here are some specific tasks that a developmental editor typically performs:
1.Manuscript Evaluation
The developmental editor assesses the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, identifying areas that require improvement. They evaluate the work’s overall concept, plot (for fiction), argument (for non-fiction), pacing, character development, and other elements.
2.Structural Editing
This involves analyzing the manuscript’s organization and structure. The developmental editor ensures that the narrative or information flows logically, that chapters or sections are appropriately arranged, and that there is coherence throughout the work.
3.Content Development
The developmental editor collaborates with the author to develop and enhance the content. They may suggest additions or removals of chapters, sections, or paragraphs, and provide feedback on how to strengthen the material, improve clarity, or address any gaps or inconsistencies.
4.Character or Plot Development
For fiction works, developmental editors provide guidance on character development, including their motivations, relationships, and arcs. They may also assist with plot structure, pacing, and ensuring that the story is engaging and cohesive.
5.Style and Tone
The editor helps maintain consistency in the writing style, ensuring that it aligns with the intended audience and genre. They may suggest revisions to improve readability, adjust the tone, or refine the author’s voice.
6.Feedback and Suggestion
Developmental editors provide detailed feedback, often through written reports or tracked changes within the manuscript. They offer suggestions and recommendations to help the author strengthen their work and achieve their vision.
7.Collaboration with the Author
The developmental editor works closely with the author, engaging in discussions and providing ongoing support. They foster a constructive relationship, addressing the author’s concerns and answering questions throughout the editing process.
Please note that the specific responsibilities of a developmental editor can vary depending on which company they work for, if they work as freelancers and the individual project they agree to take on. All of them will work with you to ensure your manuscript is as good and as polished as it should be before you publish your work.
Indie authors, please don’t skip this part of the process. Editors provide vital feedback on your story and will pick up on errors in the storyline, grammar and spelling mistakes that you, despite reading and re-reading your text about a million times, won’t.
If you’re looking to hire an editor, I’d recommend getting one on Reedsy. https://reedsy.com/
If you’d like to read more writing advice from me, please follow me. See also: https://danelsonauthor.com/
Here are some links to my other articles on writing:
How to infuse personality and style into a novel
Seven tips for writing fiction
Three easy ways to start writing today
What people mean when they say write what you know
How to get started with your writing
How to overcome writers’ block
Five online tools to help you plan your novel
Ten of the best quotes when you feel like giving up on writing