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Developmental editing is a critical phase in the editing of an author’s work designed to elevate said work. It focuses on the overall content of an author’s manuscript. During a developmental edit, the editor's focus extends beyond identifying spelling errors and incorrect word usage. They assess whether the content is logically structured. Essentially, a developmental editor evaluates the entire picture: the story's structure and organization, plot gaps, character development, pacing, inconsistencies, contradictions, dialogue issues, and more.
The Process: Developmental editing is the most detailed, comprehensive, and thoughtful editing package offered by Amma Edits, LLC. During a developmental edit, your manuscript will be deconstructed and rebuilt in the most critical of cases, but in general, I will offer ideas to further develop your plot, in addition to detailed plot hole notes. Full chapters might be moved or deleted, paragraphs will be rewritten, moved, or deleted entirely. Characters might be tamed, given a makeover, or killed altogether. The dialogue will be refined or given some personality.
Here are a few things that developmental editing focuses on:
Story structure and organization – Does the overall story or narrative flow logically and clearly, and does it make sense? Is it well organized or are the author's thoughts scattered?
Plot consistency – An author’s narrative falls apart when the plot lacks consistency. Is your story made up of a series of plots that leave the reader asking, “what happens next?” Or did you make a wrong turn and leave them asking, “so what? That doesn’t even make any sense.”
Pacing – Ever heard a reader say a book fell flat? This happens when the author neglects to properly pace their story. Good pacing builds up emotion and leads a reader to keep turning the page. Poor pacing leaves them disappointed.
Character arc/development – Who are your characters? Do they have depth, personality, and clear motivations? Nail these three dimensions of character development and you will leave readers uniquely connected to your characters.
Point of View (POV) and narration – Who is telling the story? Is it your character (first person), you, the author (third person), or readers (second person)? Once you’ve established who your narrator is, make sure to use the right point of view to tell your story.
Tone and voice consistency – Unless you have different characters with different personalities and voices, your tone as an author must be consistent. This is a tricky point in storytelling that can be best polished with the help of a developmental editor.
Once a manuscript has been through the developmental editing stage, it is time for line editing/ copyediting and proofreading before sending it off for publication.
Overall, developmental editing is an incredibly involved process that requires great collaboration between editor and author. Because of the amount of time and discussions (back and forth) invested in developmental editing, we will either be friends by the time the project is over or great enemies. I have made no enemies thus far, only friends whom I respect and admire. Therefore, developmental projects are some of my favorite projects.
Hi, my name is Amma, and I have spent almost two decades guiding authors through the book editing process. My developmental editing feedback, with actionable suggestions, will guide you through the rewriting process and help you think about your book's big picture.
Does your book start strong and fall flat midway through? (Pacing)
Have you invested enough truth and authenticity in your characters' personalities to make their actions realistic and believable? (Character Development)
Does your book have flow and clarity? (Plot)
As part of your developmental editing feedback, you'll receive a manuscript marked up using track changes (with some line editing), with suggestions, and embedded comments. With projects requiring a deeper level of developmental editing, I will include an editorial letter outlining and suggesting how to restructure the book. Then we will work together to piece together the missing pieces.
To submit your manuscript to me for a free sample edit, send about four (4) pages of your manuscript that do not include the front matter and/or the first few chapters. Preferably, pick the sample from the middle of your book. Submissions must be sent in industry-standard format (with 1-inch margins, double-spaced, Times New Roman, or Courier font).
I am a skilled developmental editor who has worked on several projects, and I'm here to help you make your story come alive!
"Amma was very helpful in both the line editing and developmental work. She spent a good deal of time and thought into her suggestions (most of which I used). It was a very collaborative effort. I would strongly recommend using Amma and I will do so again."
Phillip Landry - Author of Cancer Free!
Rates: Rates for developmental editing depend on the number of words, the amount of work involved and agreed upon, and the number of passes required to complete the work. Contact me for a personalized rate and payment plan.
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