The Developmental Editor – WTF Is That?!

Unlock the full potential of your manuscript with a developmental editor. Elevate your story, refine your voice, and captivate your readers.

A developmental editor is a literary professional who plays a crucial role in shaping and refining a manuscript. The developmental edit occurs during the early stages of the writing process, often at the completion of the second draft. Keep in mind the words of one of my fave authors, Anne Lamott, your initial effort will be a “shitty first draft”, and typically isn’t when you enlist a developmental edit.

The developmental editor focuses on the overall structure, organization, and content of a work, aiming to enhance its clarity, coherence, and effectiveness.

Here’s a breakdown of what a developmental editor offers:

1. Structural Analysis:

   • Plot and Story Development: Developmental editors assess the strength and effectiveness of the storyline, ensuring a compelling and engaging narrative.
   • Characterization: They evaluate the depth and consistency of characters, providing feedback on their development, motivations, and relationships.

2. Content Evaluation:

   • Theme and Message: Developmental editors analyze the underlying themes and messages of the manuscript. They offer suggestions to strengthen and communicate them effectively.
   • Pacing: They consider the pacing of the narrative. Developmental editors advise on where to heighten tension, speed up or slow down the storyline for optimal impact.

3. Consistency and Logic:

   • Fact-Checking: In non-fiction works, developmental editors verify the accuracy of information and ensure consistency throughout the manuscript.
   • Logical Flow: They examine the flow of ideas, transitions between sections, and the overall coherence of the manuscript.

4. Voice and Tone:

   • Authorial Voice: Developmental editors work to preserve and enhance the author’s unique voice while providing guidance on how to communicate more effectively with the target audience.
   • Tone Alignment: They help ensure that the tone of the manuscript aligns with the intended emotional impact and the expectations of the target audience.

5. Audience Consideration:

   • Reader Engagement: Developmental editors assess how well the manuscript might connect with your readers, offering suggestions to enhance audience engagement.
   • Market Relevance: Some developmental editors also provide insights into market trends and reader preferences to help the author tailor the work to its intended audience.

6. Collaborative Feedback:

   • Author-Editor Collaboration: Developmental editing is often a collaborative process. Editors provide constructive feedback and work closely with the author to address concerns and implement changes.
   • Encouragement and Guidance: They offer encouragement and guidance to help authors navigate the creative process, providing the support needed to bring out the best in their work.

Overall, the developmental editor serves as a critical partner in helping authors shape their manuscripts. They help you, the author, create a more polished, compelling, and market-ready piece of literature. Their expertise lies in identifying areas for improvement, offering constructive feedback, and guiding the author towards achieving the full potential of their work.