Elevate Your Book: The Crucial Role of Developmental Editing

What is Developmental Editing?

Developmental editing, also known as substantive editing, is a big-picture edit of your manuscript. Unlike copy editing or proofreading, which deal with grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, developmental editing deals with:

• Plot and pacing
• Character and consistency
• Themes and narrative arc
• Point of view and voice
• Overall flow of ideas

Why is Developmental Editing Important for Self-Published Authors?

• Objective Feedback: As an author, you’re too close to your work. A developmental editor brings fresh eyes to identify things you might have missed.
• Better Story Structure: A developmental editor can help strengthen your plot so your story flows and keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
• Better Characters: They can help you make your characters more complex, believable, and relatable.
• Clearer Themes: A good developmental editor will help you clarify and strengthen the themes in your work so your book has more impact.
• Market Positioning: Developmental editors often have a good sense of the market and can help you position your book to your target market.
• Competitive Advantage: In a crowded self-publishing market, a well-edited book stands out and competes with traditionally published books.
• Learning Opportunity: Working with a developmental editor can help you grow as a writer and teach you skills for future projects.

When to Get Developmental Editing?

Ideally, developmental editing should happen early in the writing process, after you’ve completed a first or second draft. This way, you can make big changes without the frustration of rewriting a polished manuscript.

How to Find a Developmental Editor

• Ask other self-published authors or writing groups for recommendations.
• Look for editors who edit your genre.
• Check professional associations like the Editorial Freelancers Association.
• Ask for sample edits before committing to a full edit.

Developmental editing takes time and money, but can make a huge difference to your self-published book. By addressing the big issues of story, character, and structure, developmental editing ensures your book not only reads well, but also resonates with your target audience. In a crowded self-publishing market, this extra step can be the difference between a book that disappears into the ether and one that finds its readers and has an impact.