As a writer, you know developmental editing goes hand-in-hand with getting your book out into the world. Whether you’re aiming for traditional publishing or self-publishing, at some point, you’ll probably want to bring in a Developmental Editor to help fine-tune your story. Today, I’m spilling the tea on developmental editing—what it’s all about and how to find the perfect editor to take your book to the next level.
What is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing is all about looking at the big picture of your story. Just like the name says, it focuses on the overall development of your novel—spotting areas that need a boost and fixing any big issues. A Developmental Editor dives into everything that makes your story tick: structure, pacing, setting, character arcs, worldbuilding, themes, symbolism, formatting, POV, plot holes, action scenes, dialogue—you name it. They’ll break down how all these elements work together, point out any weak spots, and give you actionable tips to make your story stronger.
When should you get Developmental Editing done?
The best time to get a developmental edit is after you’ve written your second or third draft, but before diving into any other types of editing. This stage is all about getting deep feedback that’ll likely lead to revising, cutting, and rearranging parts of your story. It’s super detailed and often brings up changes you might not have thought of on your own. Developmental editing is great if you’re feeling stuck, need help fixing a problem in your draft (even if you’re not totally sure what it is), or just want a fresh perspective. Just remember, it can get messy—so don’t invest in a copy edit, which is all about polishing, until you’ve tackled the changes that come from your developmental edit.
Thinking about finding a Developmental Editor? Don’t stress! Writing It Wells offers both Developmental Editing and Manuscript Critique services. You can find out the details here on my services page.
What’s the difference between Developmental Editing and Content Editing?
It can get a little confusing, so let’s clear it up. Developmental editing is all about doing a deep dive into a book’s content, while content editing usually focuses on things like blogs, websites, and business writing. That said, some editors call themselves “content editors” but work on books, and others call themselves “developmental editors” but only edit online content. Talk about a headache, right? The best way to figure out if an editor is a good fit for your novel is to do some research and ask questions about what they actually offer. Many editors will have their services listed on their website or can share a breakdown of their offerings if you ask.
What should you expect from your Developmental Editor?
Here’s what you can generally expect from a Developmental Editor. Most offer some kind of initial consultation—whether it’s a quick chat, a sample edit, or both. These are usually free, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re on the fence or comparing options. Once you’ve chosen your editor, you’ll agree on terms in a letter or contract that lays out what they’ll do, when it’s due, and the price. After that, you send over your manuscript and let the magic begin.
Developmental editing can take a month or more, depending on your word count, genre, and how much work your book needs. For example, an epic fantasy with lots of worldbuilding is going to take longer than a short, sweet romance. Most editors will give you in-document edits (usually using Track Changes in Word) along with a summary (known as an Editor’s Letter) of their suggestions and feedback. Once they’re done, you’ll get your final invoice, and then your edits and summary will be sent your way. It’s a pretty straightforward process!
What can you expect to pay for a Developmental Editor?
Developmental editing is easily the most expensive type of editing, and for good reason—it’s super time-intensive and requires a lot of effort. That said, the cost can vary a lot depending on your book’s word count, genre, and your editor’s experience. For example, a 15,000-word romance novella will cost way less than a 120,000-word fantasy novel. And the more experienced the editor, the higher their rates will likely be. If you’d like to further research what editing costs might be like for your book, I recommend looking at the editorial rates on the Editorial Freelancers Association website. It’ll give you the average rates that you can expect industry-wide.
While we can’t say exactly what your project will cost, you’re generally looking at anywhere from $500 to $3,000. Since the price depends on so many factors, it’s a good idea to figure out your budget first and then find an editor who fits, rather than the other way around. Don’t forget—you’ll likely need more than one type of editing, so keep that in mind when planning your budget!
How to find a Developmental Editor and know they’re right for you!
Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Finding your dream editor is a process, but it’s also one of the most important relationships you’ll build as an author. Look for someone who really gets your vision, clicks with your personality, and doesn’t leave you second-guessing your choice. Trust your gut! Watch out for red flags like unrealistically low prices, poor communication, or just an “off” feeling.
Read reviews, reach out to past clients (if possible), and ask the editor about their experience. Questions like how many clients they’ve worked with, how long they’ve been editing, what books they’ve worked on, and their editing approach can give you a good sense of whether they’re the right fit for you.
Finding the right developmental editor takes time, effort, and money, but it’s 100% worth it. They’ll help you identify weaknesses in your story, make it more cohesive, and take your book to the next level.
Reader Interactions