Developmental Editing
What is it?
According to Scott Norton's Developmental Editing A Handbook for Freelancers, Authors and Publishers developmental editing is “Significant structuring or restructuring of a manuscript’s discourse."
Developmental editors (DE) guide writers who are in need of structural support. We begin with a bird's eye view of the entire project and keep the writer's ultimate goal in mind: to get the finished product to the reader. DE actively listen and offer feedback on all manner of concerns within a project. See list below for a more detailed breakdown of what to expect in a session.
There are two types of developmental editing services. One helps to develop a broad vision for the book, while the other goes in depth with the prose itself. Depending on what you have and what your goals are, you can receive both types of DE services.
What does developmental editing entail?
Developmental editing sessions include, but are not limited to:
- honing in on the thesis of the work
- drafting a timeline of the work
- considering the main argument (CNF)
- mapping out chapters
- adjusting the balance of the work
- refining tone, voice and style
- suggesting revisions
- brainstorming
How long does the DE process take?
It depends on where you are at in the writing process. If you already have a rough draft written, developmental editing might be right for you. If you are starting from scratch, I recommend coaching.