Developmental Editing

Developmental editing (also called substantive editing or structural editing) is a high-level analysis of your book. It is not concerned with grammar, spelling or punctuation, or with the nitty-gritty of each sentence. There’s little point in looking at these before the major structure of the book is in place! Instead, it looks at the big-picture issues, such as:

Genre
Theme
Plot and structure
Characters and characterization
Setting
Point of view
Writing style

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
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.

Although li ne editing and copyediting aren’t part of a developmental edit (they come later in the process, once the story is sound), I will make mention of any recurring issues to do with spelling, punctuation, grammar or writing style that may need attention.

At the end of the report I will outline a recommended course of action and may make suggestions for further reading and research.

I also offer your choice of a follow-up video call or email exchange, so you can ask questions and clarify anything you’re unsure about.

Do you need a developmental edit?

Not necessarily! If you’ve studied your craft (through taking classes and workshops, reading books, etc.), revised your manuscript, 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.

But if you feel you need comprehensive, step-by-step help, then a developmental edit could be just right.

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.

To advise, I’ll need to see your completed manuscript. I’ll also send you a client questionnaire, which will 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 on deadlines and a payment schedule.

Please contact me for a no-obligation quote, or to ask any questions.