The Developmental Edit: What Happens Before Line Edits Begin

You have finished your draft. Now you are ready for an editor. But which kind? Many first-time authors jump straight to line editing or proofreading. In most cases, though, the first step should be a big-picture edit. In this guide, we explain what a developmental edit is, what happens during one and how to get the most from it.

What Is a Developmental Edit?

A developmental edit is a big-picture edit. It looks at your book as a whole, not at single sentences. Your editor asks whether the story works, whether the structure holds and whether readers will stay hooked.

For fiction, that means plot, pacing, character arcs, point of view and theme. For nonfiction, it means your argument, the order of your chapters and how clearly you explain your ideas. In both cases, the goal is the same. Your editor helps you build the strongest version of your book before anyone polishes the prose.

Why the Developmental Edit Comes First

Imagine paying to polish every sentence in a chapter, then cutting that chapter a month later. That is what happens when authors skip this stage. Line edits on a book with structural problems waste time and money.

So the order matters. First comes the developmental edit. Next comes line editing and copyediting. Finally comes proofreading. Each stage builds on the one before. As a result, you only polish words you plan to keep.

What Your Editor Looks For

Every book is different, but most developmental editors focus on a few key areas.

Structure and Plot

Does your story start in the right place? Does the middle keep its tension? Does the ending pay off the promises you made early on? Your editor maps your plot and shows you where it sags or rushes.

Pacing

Some scenes move too fast, while others drag. Your editor notes where readers might skim or lose interest. Then they suggest where to cut, expand or move scenes around.

Characters

Readers follow people, not plots. So your editor checks what your characters want, what stands in their way and how they change. They also flag moments where a character acts in a way that does not feel true.

Point of View and Voice

Your editor checks that your point of view stays clear and consistent. They also look at whether your narrative voice suits your genre and your readers.

Argument and Flow in Nonfiction

For nonfiction, your editor tests each chapter's purpose. Is the order logical? Do your examples support your points? Will a reader finish each chapter knowing more than when they started?

What You Receive

Most of these edits include two main parts. First, you get an editorial letter. This is usually 10 to 20 pages long. It explains the biggest issues in your book, why they matter and how you might fix them. Second, you get comments in the margins of your manuscript. These point to specific moments that show each issue in action.

Many editors, including ours, also offer a call. That way, you can ask questions and talk through ideas before you start revising.

How to Prepare

A little preparation helps you get far more value from your edit.

• Finish a full draft first. An editor needs to see the whole story.
• Revise it once on your own. Fix the problems you already know about.
• Write a short summary of your book and its main characters.
• Note any worries you have, so your editor can focus on them.
• Tell your editor who your ideal reader is.

Developmental Edit or Manuscript Critique?

You may also hear about a manuscript critique, sometimes called an assessment. It is a lighter option. In a critique, the editor reads your book and writes a shorter report on its main strengths and weaknesses. However, there are usually no notes in the margins.

A critique costs less and works well if you want a quick sense of where your draft stands. In contrast, a full big-picture edit goes deeper. It gives you detailed notes and a clear plan for revision. So if you are unsure, start with a critique. Then move on to a full edit once you know what needs work.

How to Revise After Your Edit

Your editorial letter can feel like a lot at first. That is normal. So take a few days before you dive in. Then read the letter again and make a plan.

Start with the biggest structural changes, because they affect everything else. After that, work through smaller issues chapter by chapter. Remember, you do not have to accept every suggestion. It is still your book. However, if your editor flags a problem, take it seriously, even if you choose a different fix.

Once your revision is done, your book is ready for copyediting and line editing. After that comes a final check with our book proofreading services.

How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?

Most take three to five weeks. The price depends on your word count, your genre and how much support you want. Because every manuscript is different, it is best to ask for a quote. For general guidance on editing rates and practices, the Editorial Freelancers Association is a useful resource.

Ready for Your Developmental Edit?

A strong developmental edit can be the turning point for your book. Our editors work across every major genre, as well as memoir and nonfiction. Learn more about our developmental editing services, or browse all our book editing services. When you are ready, contact Ordwick for a free quote.