And What Exactly Is Developmental Editing, Anyway?
Most writers don’t have unlimited budgets to hire every type of editor available, so it’s essential to understand which kind of editing your manuscript really needs—and when. One of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) types of editing is developmental editing.
So, what exactly is it, and how do you know when your book is ready for it?
📚 What Is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing—sometimes called structural editing, conceptual editing, or a manuscript critique—is the most in-depth and high-level form of editing available. It focuses on the big picture of your manuscript, not just the words on the page.
Unlike copyediting or proofreading, which refine grammar, spelling, and sentence structure, developmental editing looks at:
- Plot structure and pacing
- Character arcs and motivation
- Worldbuilding consistency (for fiction)
- Narrative flow and scene transitions
- Thematic coherence and voice
- Gaps, redundancies, or inconsistencies in content
A developmental editor helps you shape your story into the best version it can be—before it’s polished. They’ll likely provide detailed feedback, margin comments, and a comprehensive editorial letter, often with rewrite suggestions or restructuring ideas.
🚩 Signs You Might Need a Developmental Editor
So how do you know if it’s time to bring in a developmental editor? Here are some common signals:
- Your plot has holes, confusing leaps, or unresolved threads
- Characters feel flat, inconsistent, or lack motivation
- The pacing drags—or races—at the wrong times
- You’ve revised multiple times, but something still feels "off"
- Beta readers are giving you conflicting or vague feedback
- You’re not sure if the story resonates with your target audience There’s too much exposition or too little description where it counts
If any of this sounds familiar, a developmental editor can help you see your work with fresh, expert eyes—and guide you toward meaningful improvement.
📅 When to Hire a Developmental Editor
A good rule of thumb: hire a developmental editor when you've taken your manuscript as far as you can on your own. This means:
- You've completed your first (or second) full draft
- You've done a round or two of self-editing
- You've tightened up scenes and resolved obvious plot issues
- You're emotionally ready to receive feedback that might involve big changes
Developmental editing is not line-by-line editing. You’ll likely be rewriting chapters, cutting scenes, and reshaping the structure. This is why it’s smart to do developmental editing before hiring a copyeditor or proofreader—no point polishing a scene you may end up cutting!
💸 Why It's an Investment Worth Making
Developmental editing tends to be the most expensive kind of editing because it's also the most time-intensive. But if you’re only budgeting for one type of editing and your manuscript is still in early stages, this is the one to consider.
Here’s why:
- It saves time in the long run (fewer rewrites later)
- It improves your chances with agents, publishers, or readers
- It can prevent structural issues from derailing your book’s success
- It teaches you how to tell a better story—which improves future projects, too
In fiction, especially, developmental editing can be transformative. Think of it as professional storytelling coaching.
🧠 How to Choose the Right Developmental Editor
Choosing the right editor can make or break your experience. Here’s how to start:
- 📖 Research editors who’ve worked on books you admire
- 🛠️ Look at their portfolio and past client testimonials
- 🗣️ Ask for a discovery call or sample edit before you commit
- 💬 Be clear about your goals, genre, and audience
- 📑 Understand what their edit includes (do they offer an editorial letter? In-line notes? Follow-up calls?)
Above all, look for an editor who gets your voice and your vision—but isn’t afraid to challenge you with honest, constructive feedback.
📝 Final Thoughts
Hiring a developmental editor is a big step—and a big commitment—but it can elevate your novel from decent to publishable. It’s especially valuable if you feel stuck, unsure, or want professional feedback that dives deep into story mechanics.
If you’re serious about writing a book that connects with readers and stands out in a competitive market, a developmental editor might be the smartest investment you make.
📌 Pro Tip: Before hiring anyone, make sure your manuscript is as clean and complete as possible. This helps your editor focus on high-level improvements rather than simple fixes—giving you more value for your money.
✅ Ready to Hire a Developmental Editor?
A Quick-Check Guide for Fiction Writers
Before you invest in a developmental editor, make sure you’re in the best position to get the most value from the experience. Use this checklist to assess your readiness:
📘 MANUSCRIPT COMPLETION
- I’ve completed at least one full draft of my manuscript
- I’ve revised my draft to the best of my ability
- The manuscript includes a clear beginning, middle, and end
- I’ve tried to address pacing, plot flow, and character development on my own
- My manuscript is between 50,000–120,000 words (or appropriate for my genre)
✏️ SELF-EDITING & REVISION
- I’ve self-edited my manuscript more than once
- I’ve cut or rewritten scenes that didn’t work
- I’ve addressed basic issues like obvious typos or grammar mistakes
- I’ve considered beta reader feedback (if I’ve shared it)
- I’m no longer sure how to improve the manuscript on my own
🧠 MINDSET & EXPECTATIONS
- I’m open to constructive criticism, even if it means big changes
- I understand that a developmental edit may involve cutting or rewriting entire sections
- I want honest, expert feedback on story structure, characters, and pacing
- I know this is not a copyedit or a proofread
- I’m ready to invest time and energy into revisions after the edit
🔍 EDITOR SEARCH
- I’ve researched editors who work in my genre
- I’ve reviewed their portfolio and/or client testimonials
- I understand what their developmental editing package includes
- I’ve had a sample edit, discovery call, or email exchange to assess fit
- I have a realistic budget and timeline for the edit
💬 BONUS QUESTIONS
Ask yourself:
- Am I ready for a fresh, professional perspective on my story?
- Would I benefit from expert feedback on structure, characters, and pacing?
- Do I want my book to compete in a professional, publishable market?
📌 If you checked most or all of these boxes—you're likely ready to hire a developmental editor!
If you didn’t, consider revising your manuscript a little further or researching editors to get a better understanding of what to expect.