Our developmental editing services show you what is working in your manuscript, what is not, and how to fix it before you spend money on polishing. An experienced editor reads the whole book, assesses structure, pacing, characters or argument, and gives you a clear plan for the next draft.
Developmental editing is the first stage of professional editing, which makes it the most important. It is part of our professional book editing services, which continue through line editing, copy editing and proofreading.
What a developmental editor looks at
For fiction, your editor looks at plot structure, pacing, character arcs, point of view, stakes, openings and endings, and the consistency of your world. For non-fiction, the focus is the argument, the order of chapters, who the book is for, gaps and repetition, and whether the book delivers what its opening promises. The question behind all of it is the same: does the book work for its reader?
Novel developmental editing and non-fiction compared
Novel developmental editing is about story. An editor tests whether events build, whether characters change in believable ways and whether the ending pays off the setup. Non-fiction developmental editing is about clarity and usefulness. An editor checks that your ideas follow a logical path and that each chapter earns its place. Our editors are matched to your genre or subject so the feedback speaks to your readers.
Structural editing services: what you receive
You typically receive an editorial letter that explains the main strengths and problems in your book and suggests how to address them, along with comments in the manuscript where specific passages need attention. Your quote states whether a review of your revised draft is included.
When to hire a developmental editor
Hire a developmental editor once you have finished a full draft and revised it at least once, ideally with feedback from beta readers. Do it before line editing, because there is no point polishing sentences in chapters that may be cut or rewritten. If you are not sure what level of help you need, a manuscript critique is a good starting point.
The editorial letter and manuscript notes
A developmental edit usually comes as an editorial letter and notes in the margins. The letter explains the major strengths and problems, ranks them in order of importance and suggests ways to fix each one. It might say that the middle of the book loses momentum, that a motive is unclear or that a non-fiction argument needs a stronger opening. Margin notes show where in the text the issues arise, so you can see exactly what the editor means.
Revising after a developmental edit
Start by reading the letter twice, with a day between. Then make a plan, working from the largest issues to the smallest. Fix structure first, because changing it affects everything below. Rewrite scenes or chapters, then read the whole book again. Do not start line-level polishing until the structure works. If something in the letter is unclear, you can ask questions, and we can review the revised draft if you want a second look.
Developmental editing for series and long books
Longer books and series bring special problems. Subplots must pay off, foreshadowing must connect and facts must stay stable. For a series, the editor looks at how book one prepares readers for what follows, and at what must be established early. We can help you build a short story bible with names, places and timelines, so you stay consistent as the series grows.
Developmental editing or a rewrite on your own
Some authors can see the problems in their own draft and fix them without help. Others have worked on a book for so long that they cannot judge it, and an outside view saves months of guessing. If you have shared the manuscript with readers and the same issues keep coming up, or if you cannot say what the book is missing, an editor is a good investment. If you are early in the draft, a lighter manuscript critique can show whether a full developmental edit is needed.
Questions about developmental editing
How long does developmental editing take?
It depends on word count and the depth of the edit. It takes longer than other editing stages, because your editor reads the whole book and writes detailed feedback. Your quote includes a timeline.
Will the editor rewrite my book?
No. A developmental editor diagnoses problems and recommends solutions. You make the changes in your own words and your own voice.
Do non-fiction books need developmental editing?
Often, yes. Structure, flow and a clear promise to the reader matter as much in non-fiction as plot does in a novel.
What do I need to send?
A complete manuscript, plus a short note about your audience and goals. If you have only part of a draft, ask about a manuscript critique first.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on word count and the depth of the edit. Tell us about your manuscript and we send a free, fixed quote within one business day.
How is developmental editing different from a manuscript critique?
A critique assesses the book and tells you what to do. A developmental edit goes deeper, with detailed notes and guidance on solving the problems. See manuscript critique.
Will the editor rewrite my book?
No. The editor tells you what to change and why. You do the rewriting, which keeps the book in your voice.
Can I get a second look at my revision?
Yes. Many authors add a review of the revised draft, and we can include it in your quote.
Do I need a finished manuscript for developmental editing?
A finished draft is best, because structure can only be judged as a whole. If your draft is unfinished, a critique may suit you better, and we advise which route fits the stage you are at.
Related services
Why authors work with us
- You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts
- You receive a written scope and a fixed price before any work starts
- You approve every file before it moves to the next step
- One project manager keeps you informed at every stage