What is a Developmental Edit and When Do You Need One

In this weekly series, I’ll be breaking down the different types of editing that a manuscript should go through for its best chance at being polished. Stay tuned in the coming weeks to learn all about manuscript critiques, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading.

We’re starting this week with developmental editing as this is the type of editing that should come first, once you’ve finished several drafts and rounds of self-editing.

A developmental edit, also known as a content edit or substantive edit, is a “big picture” review of your manuscript. Some even refer to it as an “eagle-eyed view” of it. It’s meant to help you improve the structure, content, and flow of your story, shifting it into one cohesive piece. This is usually the first stage of editing.

A developmental editor provides detailed feedback and suggestions for revisions in the form of inline comments and an editorial letter. This type of edit involves multiple rounds of review and revision to ensure the manuscript reaches its full potential.

What does a developmental edit look at?

• Structure: A developmental edit ensures the manuscript has a clear and logical structure. This includes evaluating the overall plot, chapter organization, pacing, and scene transitions.

• Character development: A developmental edit will assess the depth and development of characters. This involves ensuring characters have clear motivations, that the narrative backs up their actions, and that their character arc is progressing along with the story.

• Plot and subplot: A developmental edit also evaluates the main plot and any subplots for coherence, consistency, and engagement. This includes identifying plot holes, ensuring a logical sequence of events, and balancing subplots with the main narrative.

• Theme and tone: A developmental edit ensures the theme and tone are consistent and effectively conveyed throughout the manuscript. This includes aligning the tone with the intended audience and genre.

• Dialogue: Review of the dialogue for naturalness, authenticity, and effectiveness in revealing character and advancing the plot.

• Setting and world-building: Evaluation of the effectiveness and vividness of the setting or world in which the story takes place.

• Point of view: Analysis of the chosen point(s) of view and their consistency and effectiveness in telling the story.

• Voice and style: A developmental edit assesses the author’s voice and style for consistency and effectiveness. This involves ensuring the writing style aligns with the genre and that there are no odd shifts throughout the narrative.

• Pacing and flow: The editor will review the pacing of the manuscript to ensure it maintains reader interest. This includes addressing any sections that may be too slow or too rushed, or any scenes or content that may be superfluous.

• Audience engagement: Ensuring the manuscript engages its intended audience. This involves evaluating how well the content resonates with readers and meets their expectations.

• Consistency and continuity: Checking for consistency and continuity within the manuscript. This includes ensuring there are no contradictions or inconsistencies in plot, character, or setting.

• Marketability: Insights into the manuscript’s potential marketability, including its fit within the target genre and audience, and any areas that may need improvement to enhance its commercial appeal.

Examples of situations that may come up in a developmental edit:

• Suggesting moving a chapter around because it works better in a different place.

• Finding inconsistencies such as a character that went up the stairs in chapter 5 and was suddenly never mentioned again.

• Re-aligning an intended lighthearted story that suddenly turns gory.

• Adjusting the pace in chapters and sections where the story moves slowly. Brainstorming how to cut and rewrite for more swift pacing.

• The inline comments feature of this edit will help the writer see with precision where the issues lie.

A developmental edit is usually suggested for writers who’ve finished several drafts and some self-edits but still feel that their story is structurally incoherent, who suspect that there may be issues that they’re still overlooking. This type of edit is usually also the lengthiest with turnaround times ranging anywhere from 4 – 6 or even 8 weeks depending on the length and the complexity of the manuscript.

At The Intuitive Desk, I offer developmental editing for a range of genres. If this is something you’re interested in, be sure to reach out! Let’s set up a consultation call and see how I can best assist you with your novel!