The point of a developmental edit (also known as a structural edit) is to produce the most engaging story for your reader, and make sure that everything on the page belongs, and belongs where it is.
Developmental Editing (Dev Edit) should come after you’ve completed your manuscript, but before any copy/line editing.
A Dev Edit does not conduct a line by line correction of spelling and grammar – that’s a Copyedit. It’s not that I don’t care if your commas are in the right place, it’s just that I’m not looking for misplaced commas – I’m looking at your story as a whole.
As a Dev Editor, I have one goal; to help you improve your story and become a better storyteller.
A Dev Edit involves a deep-dive review of all the separate elements of your story:
How long does it take, I hear you ask? Well, it takes as long as it takes!
I’ll usually do two or even three reads of the full manuscript, making notes and comments as I go – so a Dev Edit takes time. I’ll keep in touch and give you updates as I go, but I won’t give any spoilers!
After a developmental edit, you’ll receive:
You will also get the opportunity to ask me questions directly – every Dev Edit includes a 1hr video/phone call to discuss specific points, after you’ve had a chance to fully review the manuscript and the Editorial Report. (Must be booked within one month of completion of the Dev Edit, so the story is still fresh in my mind.)
“I didn’t know what to expect going into our association… but I don’t think I’ll ever write another novel without a developmental editor.
Jim Felli, Author and Game Designer
And, with luck, it will be Jane.”
It’s also possible to get a HYBRID EDIT – which involves a developmental edit AND a simple copyedit. This takes longer still, and you’ll probably have to copyedit again after you’ve made revisions, but it gives you a good idea of repetitive issues with grammar, punctuation and syntax.
Get in touch and let’s have a chat about your story!
