Some manuscripts need significant structuring or restructuring through a process called developmental editing.
What is developmental editing?
Developmental editing (also called structural editing or substantive editing) looks at a manuscript through a ‘big picture’ lens. This kind of editing supports the author in shaping and refining the core elements of their work – whether it’s fiction or non-fiction – before copy editing begins.
Developmental editing goes beyond surface-level fixing of grammar or punctuation. It addresses foundational aspects such as structure, clarity, pacing, character development (for fiction), argument strength (for non-fiction), and the overall coherence and effectiveness of the manuscript.
Doctor Edit’s developmental editing addressed the following aspects:
1. Structure and organisation
- Ensuring the manuscript flows logically
- Recommending restructuring of chapters, scenes or sections
- Identifying gaps in content or areas of unnecessary repetition
2. Plot and story development (fiction)
- Strengthening the plot or narrative arc
- Analysing pacing, tension and stakes (the potential consequences of the narrative)
- Enhancing character development, dialogue and motivation
- Spotting plot holes, inconsistencies, or underdeveloped subplots
3. Argument and clarity (non-fiction)
- Improving clarity, coherence and logical flow
- Helping develop a strong thesis or central argument
- Ensuring ideas are well-supported and clearly explained
4. Audience and market considerations
- Advising whether the manuscript meets reader expectations for its genre or category
- Offering insight into target audience engagement
- Suggesting tone or style adjustments
5. Feedback and collaboration
- In-line comments within the manuscript
- Working collaboratively with you through calls, emails or drafts
- Asking clarifying questions to deepen content
6. Vision and voice
- Preserving your unique voice while refining clarity and impact
- Helping you align the manuscript with their intended vision
7. Revision strategy
- Suggesting possible next steps or revision plans
- Guiding you through multiple rounds of revision, if necessary
What it doesn’t typically involve
- Correcting grammar, spelling or punctuation line-by-line (that’s copy editing)
- Formatting the manuscript for publication
- Fact-checking (unless specified)
- Rewriting large portions (developmental editing is advisory and collaborative, not ghostwriting)
Frequently asked questions
1. What’s the difference between developmental editing and copy editing?
Developmental editing focuses on the big picture: structure, content, clarity and storytelling. When this level of editing is completed, copy editing comes next, which deals with language mechanics like grammar, spelling and consistency. See section 2.53 of The Chicago Manual of Style for a neat summary of the different levels of editing.
2. Will a developmental editor rewrite my book for me?
No. A developmental editor provides suggestions, guidance and feedback – but the author does the rewriting to maintain their voice and intent.
3. When should I hire a developmental editor?
After completing a full draft (sometimes called a ‘first draft’ or ‘discovery draft’ but before copy editing or proofreading.
4. How is developmental editing different from ‘beta reading’ or ‘critique partners’?
Beta readers give reader reactions; critique partners may offer informal feedback. A developmental editor provides professional, structured, detailed guidance grounded in industry standards and craft knowledge.
5. Will the editor help me get published?
Developmental editing strengthens your manuscript, increasing its chances of publication – but it doesn’t guarantee publication or include agent pitching services unless stated.
6. Can I skip developmental editing?
You can, but if you’re serious about publishing – especially traditionally – developmental editing helps elevate your work to a professional level.
7. What will I receive after developmental editing?
- An editorial letter outlining big picture feedback
- Comments within your manuscript
- Sometimes a revision plan or follow-up calls
8. Will a developmental editor preserve my voice?
Yes. I’ll enhance the clarity and impact of your manuscript without erasing your authorial style or voice.
9. How long does developmental editing take?
Depending on length and complexity, anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Differences between developmental editing and ghostwriting
| Aspect | Developmental editing | Ghostwriting |
| Core purpose | To help the author shape, structure, and elevate their existing manuscript or draft while preserving their voice and ownership. | To write (or sometimes heavily rewrite) a manuscript on behalf of someone else, based on their ideas, story, or expertise. The ghostwriter does most of the writing. |
| Ownership of words | The words are primarily the author’s – the editor revises, suggests, guides. | The words are primarily the ghostwriter’s – shaped from the author’s ideas or interviews. Author gets the byline. |
| Level of author involvement | High involvement. The author does the writing and revising, guided by feedback. | Variable. Sometimes high (interviews, collaboration), sometimes minimal (ghostwriter writes entire draft alone). |
| Deliverables | An editorial letter, margin comments, structural suggestions, rewrite guidance, or chapter-by-chapter feedback. | Usually a full written manuscript, ready for revision or submission, delivered by the ghostwriter. |
| Process | Feedback-based: the editor identifies strengths, gaps, and issues; the author rewrites. | Creation-based: the ghostwriter gathers information, outlines, drafts, revises, and often polishes the entire manuscript. |
| Voice and style | Preserves the author’s natural voice but strengthens clarity, pacing, structure, and impact. | Adopts or mimics the author’s voice but filters it through the ghostwriter’s skill and style. |
| Cost | Usually less expensive than ghostwriting because the author does the writing work. | Typically more expensive due to time and skill involved in writing from scratch. |
When developmental editing, I’ll work with your material to:
- Restructure messy drafts
- Identify missing pieces
- Enhance pacing and flow
- Develop characters or scenes
- Strengthen themes
- Clarify the narrative arc
- Help the author stay true to their voice
Ghostwriting, in contrast, is a collaborative writing partnership
As your ghostwriter, I’ll take raw material (interviews, notes, outlines, rough drafts, transcripts) and turn them into a fully written book. Ghostwriting often includes:
- Conducting interviews
- Shaping messy stories into compelling narratives
- Writing entire scenes or chapters from scratch
- Crafting dialogue, reflection, or description
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Adapting to the author’s desired voice or tone
A personal trainer vs a tailor
Hiring me as a developmental editor is like hiring a personal trainer. They don’t lift the weights for you – they teach, guide, correct form, and push you to do your best work.
Hiring a ghostwriter, on the other hand, is like hiring a tailor to make you a custom suit. They take your measurements (ideas, stories, values) and craft something polished that fits your vision.
Developmental editing strengthens your writing. Ghostwriting provides writing for you.
Both processes require trust, clarity of roles, and good communication – but they serve different kinds of writers and needs.
Let’s collaborate to realise your vision
By bringing a big picture focus, I can I help you develop a vision for your book or report, for example. I can then support you chapter by chapter in realising that vision.
As you might expect, developmental editing is the most intensive level of editing. The manuscript will usually move between us a few times as it evolves, and regular conversations might be needed to keep us both on track.
After developmental editing, your manuscript will be ready for the next step in the editing process: copy editing.
