Know the Difference - Developmental Editing

What is Developmental Editing?

Developmental editing, also known as substantive editing, is the first step in publishing your book after you have finished at least the second or third draft of your manuscript. This stage of editing is meant to examine the entire manuscript, helping to refine your ideas, ensure the dialogue sounds natural, that your characters have depth, and propose solutions for any issues noted. It looks at what does and doesn't fit in the world you've created.

This type of edit delves into:

- The overall story
- Keeping your voice and tone consistent
- The genre you are writing in
- Pacing (e.g. rushed scenes)
- Scenes that lack necessary tension
- Issues with the structure or narrative
- Organization of the story
- Setting & World-building
- Research & Fact-checking (when needed)
- Descriptive inconsistencies

- Incomplete scenes
- Maintaining continuity through the book or series
- Any big picture issues (e.g. plot holes)
- Out of place or implausible parts
- If elaboration is needed
- Repetitive sections
- Character development, interactions and dialogue

The cost of developmental editing is reflective of the degree of work that should be brought into it. The average rate for this kind of service starts out at $0.03 - $0.039/word for fiction*. For a 70,000 word manuscript you are looking at $2,100 - $2,730, minimum. That's a major investment for your book. With price tags like this, it is vital for an author to find the best editor, so he or she doesn't have to repeat this process in the future.

Here are a couple of tips to help with finding the right developmental editor for your book.

1. Cheaper isn't always better.
   There are a lot of editors who claim they can do a developmental edit on your book for 0.005/word - that's half a penny - to 0.01/word. All that work for 1/3 of the price of other editors sounds like an amazing deal, right? Unfortunately no. Most of those editors either don't have any experience, lack genre knowledge, or will simply run your manuscript through an AI program to keep their 'labor' costs down.
   
   
2. Find an editor with experience in your genre. 
   Developmental editing is an experience, creative, suggestive based style of editing, so having an editor who knows the ins-and-outs of your genre will give you the most value for your money. It'll also help when they suggest a change to your novel and they can back up their suggestion with said experience and research (that's my favorite part!).
   
   
3. Interview the editor.
   Editing in general costs a pretty penny, so the right fit for you and your book is important. Ask for a video chat prior to hiring them, if they don't offer it already. Some editors don't offer a video chat, but they will be happy to answer any question you have. Some have credentials to back their experience while others have learned on-the-job. One does not necessarily trump the other, except maybe in the price tag, so focusing on their experience, their knowledge of the genre, and if they understand what you are trying to do with your book is the most vital part of the interview process. Ask the editor how the editing process works, as well. Lastly, not every editor will offer the same things, (e.g. how many revisions will they do & will it cost extra depending on the shape of my manuscript?), so comparing those aspects also can help you decide which editor is best for you.
   
   

Now that you know what makes developmental editing different, the work that is put into each manuscript and tips on how to find the best editor for you, go find them! I, of course, hope that I am the best editor for you and your book, but if I'm not, I still want you to put your best book forward.

Write without fear. Edit without mercy.

- Joanna, Owner/Developmental Editor/Line Editor

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*Standard editorial rates are based on rates provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association 2020 survey.