What are the Benefits of Developmental Editing?

As both an author and ghostwriter, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to write a book. Even after completing a manuscript, the work doesn't stop there. The next crucial step in the writing process is editing, and one of the most important forms of editing is developmental editing.

Whether you are a non-fiction or fiction writer, the developmental editing process is the same: we analyze a manuscript's content, structure, and style to improve its overall effectiveness and clarity.

Clarity is a big one for me (just ask any of my previous clients). If the message in your non-fiction is lost or missing, a developmental edit will clear that up. Or if you’ve weaved in so many subplots into your Fantasy novel that it’s become confusing and borderline unreadable, a developmental edit will help you restructure your manuscript and get you back on track.

Ahhhhh… beautiful CLARITY!

So how is developmental editing different from copyediting?

Copyediting focuses on correcting grammatical errors and improving readability. A copyeditor is essentially your Grade 12 English teacher on steroids going over your work and marking it up with red, fixing your punctuation, grammar, and spelling. But developmental editing focuses on the big picture, ensuring that the story is compelling, the characters are well-developed, and the pacing is consistent.

One of the most significant benefits of developmental editing is that it can help authors refine their ideas and bring their stories to life. A developmental editor can provide feedback on a book's plot, character development, pacing, and style, helping authors identify areas where their manuscript can be improved. By working with a developmental editor, authors can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that their work is of the highest quality.

Where I’ve seen additional benefit to developmental editing that it can help authors improve their writing skills. Feedback often includes suggestions for improving sentence structure, using more effective descriptions, and refining dialogue, and I have personally seen, over time, that the authors who work with me develop stronger writing skills, benefiting their future work.

Finally, developmental editing can help authors save time and money. By identifying areas where a manuscript can be improved, a developmental editor can help authors avoid costly mistakes. You will avoid unnecessary revisions, reduce the time it takes to get a book published, and increase the chances of success in the marketplace.

Developmental editing is an essential step on the path to publishing, whether you’re considering traditional publishing or self-publishing. By working with a developmental editor, you will refine your ideas, improve your writing skills, learn to navigate the publishing process, and save time and money. Whether you're a first-time author or an experienced writer, developmental editing takes your work to the next level.