Developmental Editing
Developmental editing (also called substantive editing or structural editing) is a high-level analysis of your book which looks at how the story works as a whole.
With a developmental edit, you receive detailed feedback on issues such as:
- Plot and structure
- Narrative arc
- Setting and worldbuilding
- Characters and characterization
- Dialogue
- Point of view
- Writing style
It is not concerned with grammar, spelling or punctuation, or with the nitty-gritty of each sentence. There’s little point in making these detailed edits before the major structure of the book is in place!
What you’ll get
Different editors take their own approach; there is no one standard definition of a developmental edit.
With my service, you’ll receive:
- a comprehensive editorial report on the entire book, with step-by-step guidance and recommendations
- edits and comments throughout the manuscript itself. These may highlight points made in the report or give suggestions for improving specific techniques. I might edit certain passages of the manuscript to demonstrate how one of the issues discussed in the report could be addressed. I won’t rewrite your work.
What happens after a developmental edit?
When you receive the edit and report, you will need to go through my recommendations and decide what action to take. When you’ve had a chance to do this, I offer your choice of a follow-up video call or email exchange, so you can ask questions and clarify anything you’re unsure about.
You’ll almost certainly need to make some changes to your book, such as structural edits or rewriting certain parts.
Afterwards, your manuscript may need further developmental editing; or, if you feel it is now structurally sound, the next step is line and copy editing.
Do all books need a developmental edit?
Not necessarily! If you’ve studied your craft, carried out your own edits and revisions, made use of beta readers and so on, you may feel confident that your book’s structure is sound and you’re ready to go straight to line and copyediting.
If you’d like some feedback, but not a full developmental edit, then a manuscript evaluation may be the thing. This is also a big-picture look at your book, but it is less extensive and doesn’t include in-text edits.
Not sure? Then do contact me to discuss. I’m more than happy to work with you to help you decide. I certainly won’t try to push you to a developmental edit if I don’t believe your manuscript needs one. There may be other services more suitable.
Cost and timescale
Because a developmental edit is so thorough and comprehensive, it is also time-consuming, and the cost reflects that. My developmental editing rate ranges from £14 to £17 per 1,000 words, depending on the level of work involved. I usually quote a project rate, so we both know the cost up front, and I offer payment in instalments.
This cost is for one round of editing. If you would like further developmental editing afterwards, that would constitute a separate service, costed according to the scope of the work.
Before finalising your booking, I’ll ask you some questions to help me understand your aims for your book and how I can tailor my report and advice specifically to you.
You will normally need to book your edit in advance so that we can agree deadlines and a payment schedule.
Please take a look at my Terms and Conditions for more information about working with me, and contact me for a no-obligation quote, or to ask any questions.