What is a developmental edit?

A developmental edit (also called a structural or substantive edit) looks at the book as a whole rather than its sentences. For fiction, the editor examines plot, structure, pacing, character arcs, point of view, stakes, world-building and whether the ending pays off what the beginning promised. For nonfiction, they look at the argument, organisation, audience, evidence and whether each chapter earns its place.

The result is usually an editorial letter — a detailed report on what is working and what is not — often with comments in the manuscript. A developmental editor generally does not rewrite the book; they diagnose problems and suggest solutions, and you do the revision.

It comes first in the editing sequence because it can lead to big changes: cutting chapters, merging characters, reordering sections or rewriting the ending. There is little point paying for line edits or proofreading on text that may be deleted.

It is also the most expensive and time-consuming kind of edit, so some self-publishers substitute or supplement it with a manuscript critique (a shorter report), critique partners or beta readers. When hiring, ask for a sample, check the editor's experience in your genre, and agree scope, fee and turnaround in writing.