Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading. It can be difficult to understand the various stages of the editing process. Developmental Editing is one of the first steps in editing your book, so it’s important to understand this type of edit and its purpose in strengthening your manuscript and getting it ready for your readers.
Developmental Editing, also known as structural or content editing, is a type of editing that focuses on the content of your story. Your developmental editor provides feedback on areas to be improved and suggestions to help you tighten your manuscript and story elements to make your book the best it can be.
A Developmental Edit with KLS includes:
✨Close examination of your book’s “big picture” elements. These can include, but aren’t limited to, plot, characters, themes, pace, structure, and tone.
✨The opportunity for you to ask your editor specific questions, and the editor will offer options where appropriate to strengthen your manuscript.
✨Feedback and suggestions given through in-line comments and a detailed Developmental Editing Notes report.
We recommend that Developmental Editing come after Alpha and Beta Reading (if you choose to do those steps) but before Line and Copy editing. The edit can be completed during the drafting process if you feel like you need help with the direction of your story, but most authors choose to have the edit done on their entire first draft. At that point, the developmental editor can help guide your next round of editing since they have the “big picture” view.
At KLS, we value our clients and their words. We are committed to providing honest and clear feedback through the Developmental Editing process.
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