Understanding the different levels of editing can be confusing—sometimes they come with different names, sometimes things can get mushed together. But at it’s core, developmental editing is a type of creative problem-solving that takes a hard look at the big picture issues affecting your story.
Let’s bust some myths about this service.
Things I DON’T do in a developmental edit:
Correct all of your grammar.
The goal of a dev edit is big-picture feedback on elements like characters and pacing, so it’s way too early in the process to copy edit or proofread. (Although if I notice a repetitive issue, I’ll flag it so you can look out for it yourself.)
Rewrite your story.
This is YOUR story, not mine. In a developmental edit, I’ll make suggestions as a reader and as an expert in the craft of storytelling. I’ll even offer examples and things to consider. But I won’t write (or rewrite) your manuscript.
Give only critical feedback.
You requested my services to find out what’s not working, but you also need to know what resonates. (Plus, cheering you on is the best part of my job!)
Offer suggestions without an explanation.
Context is as important as feedback. Knowing why I recommend certain changes helps you to improve as a writer—and you might have other ideas for addressing an issue.
What you CAN Expect
Want to know what you can expect from a developmental edit? Read up on the service and reach out to me with your questions.
