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Development Editing: What It Is and How It Can Benefit Your Writing

Developmental editing is a type of editing that focuses on the big picture of a written work, such as its structure, plot, characterization, and themes. It's a comprehensive edit that addresses not only the surface-level issues such as grammar and syntax, but also the underlying elements that make a piece of writing compelling and effective.


Table of Content

  1. What Does a Developmental Editor Do?

2. What are the Benefits of Developmental Editing?

3. Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs

4. Conclusion

5. Syndication

6. Related Articles

7. Related Searches


Developmental editing is often performed during the early stages of the writing process, before a final draft is complete. The goal of this type of editing is to help writers improve their work and make it the best it can be.


What Does a Developmental Editor Do?

A: A developmental editor works closely with writers to help them achieve their creative vision. They provide feedback and suggestions on the strengths and weaknesses of a written work, and offer recommendations for improvement. Some of the tasks a developmental editor may perform include:

  • Analyzing the plot and structure of a written work

  • Offering suggestions for character development

  • Providing feedback on pacing and tension

  • Assisting with themes and symbolism

  • Ensuring the writing is clear, concise, and effective

  • Offering advice on how to strengthen the narrative and make it more engaging for readers

What are the Benefits of Developmental Editing?

A: Developmental editing offers numerous benefits for writers. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Improved storytelling: A developmental editor can help writers identify areas of weakness in their plot and structure, and provide guidance on how to make the story more compelling and engaging.

  • Enhanced characterization: A developmental editor can provide feedback on the depth and complexity of characters, and help writers make them more relatable and believable.

  • Improved themes and symbolism: A developmental editor can help writers explore the deeper meaning of their work, and ensure that themes and symbolism are effectively integrated into the story.

  • Better pacing and tension: A developmental editor can offer advice on how to maintain reader interest and build tension throughout a written work.

  • Stronger narrative: A developmental editor can help writers make their writing clearer, more concise, and more effective, leading to a stronger overall narrative.





Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between developmental editing and line editing?

A: Developmental editing focuses on the big picture elements of a written work, such as plot, structure, and characterization, while line editing focuses on the more surface-level elements, such as grammar, syntax, and punctuation. Line editing is typically performed after a piece of writing has gone through developmental editing and has been revised accordingly.


Q2: Is developmental editing necessary for all writers?

A: While developmental editing can be incredibly helpful for many writers, it may not be necessary for everyone. Some writers have a natural talent for crafting compelling stories and well-rounded characters, while others may benefit from the guidance and feedback of a developmental editor. The decision to work with a developmental editor is ultimately up to the individual writer.


Q3: How much does developmental editing cost?

A: The cost of developmental editing can vary depending on the editor and the length of the written work. On average, developmental editors charge between $50 and $150 per hour, but this can vary depending on the editor's experience and level of expertise. It's important to research different editors and their fees, and to choose one that is a good fit for your needs and budget.


Conclusion

Development editing is a type of editing that focuses on the content, style, and overall coherence of a piece of writing. It involves making suggestions and revisions to improve the narrative, characters, pacing, and other elements of the work to create a more engaging and impactful piece. By working with a development editor, writers can gain valuable feedback and guidance on how to refine their work, and ultimately create a stronger, more compelling final product. Development editing can benefit writers by helping them to better connect with their readers and achieve their creative goals.


Syndication:


Related Articles:

Related Searches


Developmental Editing: Find the Right Developmental Editor https://reedsy.com › editing › developmental-editing Related questions What is the difference between developmental editing and copyediting? What is the role of developmental editor? What is developmental vs substantive editing? Is developmental editing worth it? Editing Essentials: What Is Developmental Editing? - 2023 https://www.masterclass.com › articles › what-is-develo... Aug 16, 2021 — The developmental edit occurs before the publication of a manuscript, and focuses mainly on improving big picture story elements. Developmental editing - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Developmental_editing Developmental editing is a form of writing support that comes into play before or during the production of a publishable manuscript, in both fiction and ...

The work of developmental... · ‎Textbooks · ‎In the setting of academic... Developmental Editing - The University of Chicago Press https://press.uchicago.edu › Misc › Chicago At the University of California Press in Berkeley, we define developmental editing as intervention that moves content from one chapter to another, or rearranges ... What Is Developmental Editing? The Writer's Guide to ... https://thewritepractice.com › Blog Developmental editing, also called substantive editing, involves feedback on the big picture of a novel, nonfiction book, or other writing piece. A ...

What is developmental editing? · ‎What is developmental editing... Before You Hire a Developmental Editor - Jane Friedman https://www.janefriedman.com › Blog Dec 15, 2022 — To me, developmental editing is any editorial feedback that helps the author strengthen and develop their manuscript between the initial draft ... What Is a Developmental Editor? What Can You Expect? https://www.janefriedman.com › Blog Sep 8, 2014 — Developmental editors (DEs) are concerned with the structure and content of your book. If your manuscript lacks focus, your DE will help you ...

How to get started in developmental editing ⋆ Club Ed https://www.clubedfreelancers.com › get-started-develo... Developmental editing of fiction is the art of helping novelists improve their stories. It may be other things as well, but fundamentally, developmental ... What is developmental editing? - BubbleCow https://bubblecow.com › what-is-development-editing Feb 27, 2023 — Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of a manuscript, such as plot, characterization, structure, and style. Copyediting, on the ... What does a developmental editor do? What does a developmental editor do? A Quick Guide to Developmental Editing, Proofreading, and ... https://prowritingaid.com › art › all-about-development... Mar 10, 2020 — A developmental edit is the first stage of the editing process. As such, it will be the broadest edit of your manuscript. Depending on the ...

Developmental editing is a specific style of editing that is concerned with the content, structure, and discourse of a manuscript. Developmental editors usually ...

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What Does a Developmental Editor Do? - Beth Jusino https://bethjusino.com › resources › developmental-editor A developmental editor evaluates, critiques, guides, and helps shape your work while you're still writing it. Dev editing is sometimes also called substantive ...

How to Tell if Your Book Needs Developmental Editing https://www.kristencorrects.com › Blog Developmental editing looks at the book as a whole and focuses on improving character development, overall story structure (including fixing loose ends), ...

What Is Developmental Editing? - Fresh Ink Book Editing https://freshinkbookediting.com › news-1 › 2016/12/14 Dec 14, 2016 — Developmental editing refers to editing that aims to improve the content and structure of a manuscript. Developmental editing is very ...

What is Developmental Editing? - FirstEditing https://www.firstediting.com › Writers Blog It is best to seek a developmental editor after a draft or two of your work. Difference between developmental editing and copyediting. Copy editing is a ...

What is Developmental Editing? - Ghost Book Writers https://www.ghostbookwriters.org › blog › developmen... Apr 26, 2021 — A developmental editor is like a mentor for the author. They help and guide the writer from the first paragraph till the project is out of the ...

What Is Developmental Editing? (With Definition and Tips) https://www.indeed.com › ... › Career development Feb 3, 2023 — Developmental editing is an in-depth review of a piece of writing. This is the stage in the book editing process when an editor looks at a ...

Developmental Editing vs Copy Editing: What's the Difference? https://grammarist.com › editing › developmental-editin... A developmental edit is an editing process where editors fix the plot, flow, focus, and other book elements. As the name suggests, developmental edits are the ...

Developmental editing or copyediting: Which do you need? https://www.lisapoisso.com › 2016/10/29 › content-vs-c... Oct 29, 2016 — What if you can't afford both a developmental edit and a copyedit? ... Developmental (story) editing ensures that your story is strong and ...

10 Tips for Developmental Editing Your Fiction https://independentbookreview.com › 2020/02/18 › de... Feb 18, 2020 — Developmental editors work with books and stories regularly. They read widely and pride themselves on understanding what makes a certain story ...

Developmental Editing: What It Is & Where To Get It https://jerichowriters.com › developmental-editing-what... Well, the standard solution in trade publishing is to do what is euphemistically called a 'development edit'. What that actually means is that an editor takes ...

Developmental Editing Course - UCLA Extension https://www.uclaextension.edu › course › developmenta... Developmental Editing. WRITING X 451.2. Learn to review written works to suggest line edits and substantial thematic revisions in this introductory course.

Developmental Editing - Definition & How to Find an Editor https://www.blurb.com › Home › Planning & Creating And overlooking those can have far-reaching consequences. What is Developmental Editing? Developmental editing is an in-depth edit of your manuscript. It comes ...

Top 39 Developmental Editors - ServiceScape https://www.servicescape.com › Editing Services ServiceScape developmental editors can help refine your manuscript so that it is ready for publishing. Any grammar, spelling, punctuation, or syntax errors will ...

Developmental Editing: A Handbook for Freelancers, Authors ... https://www.amazon.com › Developmental-Editing-Fre... Scott Norton defines developmental editing as "a significant structuring or restructuring of a manuscript's discourse" and observes that unlike copyediting it ... Part of series: Chicago Guides to Writing, Editi... Publisher: University of Chicago Press Rating: 4.5 · ‎115 reviews · ‎$30.00 · ‎30-day returns · ‎In stock

The Six Types of Editing: Knowing Which Is the Right One https://www.thewritersforhire.com › Blog Apr 28, 2021 — Developmental editing entails “significant structuring or restructuring of a manuscript's discourse.” Therefore, developmental editing ...

Hire a Developmental Editor - Book Editing Associates https://www.book-editing.com › developmental-editing Developmental editors look at all aspects of the novel, including plot, setting, characters, voice, tone, theme, point of view, dialogue, structure, pacing, ...

Mary Kole Editorial | Book Editor | Editing Services ... https://marykole.com Book editing services and developmental editing from manuscript editor and former literary agent Mary Kole. An experienced book editor specializing in ...

Difference Between Line Editing, Copyediting, and ... https://amnet-systems.com › Publishing Jun 25, 2020 — Developmental editing assumes significance especially in self-publishing because it gives first-time and indie authors insights on plot, setting ...

The Foundry: Developmental Editing - The Darling Axe https://darlingaxe.com › pages › the-foundry Free sample edit & quote In a developmental edit, we take a close look at your ... The Foundry—Developmental editing, manuscript critique, novel evaluation.

How Developmental Editing Improves Your Writing https://www.writingforward.com › Better Writing Feb 2, 2023 — We usually think of editing as a process that cleans up our grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. But developmental ...

What is Developmental Editing? Does Your Story Need it? https://katiemccoach.com › Blog 2 Developmental editing may be an unfamiliar term to some writers and authors. This is, in the most basic of definitions, is editing that enhances your story.

Developmental Editing of Nonfiction https://www.the-efa.org › product › developmental-edit... Developmental Editing of Nonfiction is an online eight-week class for editors interested in working with nonfiction authors. Each week, students will submit ... $379.00 · ‎In stock Developmental Editing of Fiction: Beginning, Sept. 25 to Oct ... https://www.the-efa.org › product › developmental-edit... Developmental Editing of Fiction: Beginning is an online class for editors interested in working with novelists to develop their work. $215.00 · ‎Out of stock

24 Best developmental editor Services To Buy Online | Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com › gigs › developmental-editor Best developmental editor freelance services online. Outsource your developmental editor project and get it quickly done and delivered remotely online. Free delivery

Developmental Editing - 2Nimble https://2nimble.com › product › developmental-editing-... Developmental Editing. $5.04. – per page* (min. $60). Applying the Chicago Manual of Style, an editor will read your unfinished or first-draft manuscript to ... $5.04 · ‎In stock

Specialization in Developmental Editing https://www.pce.uw.edu › specializations › developmen... In this one-course specialization, you'll learn key developmental editing skills. You'll work on projects you'll encounter as a developmental editor, including ...

Developmental Editing vs. Line Editing - Megan Harris https://mharriseditor.com › Editor Blog Jan 10, 2023 — What is Developmental Editing? · Analyzing manuscript content to suggest and implement structure changes · Identifying plot holes, theme, premise, ...

What Is Developmental Editing? | TypeRight Editing https://typerightediting.com › developmental-editing The goal of a developmental edit is to point out issues with the book so that you can address them yourself. You have the final say, and if you strongly ...

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