by Amy Bennet, editor

As a writer, I get it. You’ve worked hard on your book. You just want to know if it’s good, and if there are things you can do to make it better.

You have options when it comes to editing. Developmental editing, also called content editing or substantive editing, is a natural first step for writers who want support with character development, pacing, plotting, worldbuilding, language, and marketability, and you’ll generally get a detailed editorial letter as well as a marked-up manuscript. A beta read or critique is generally a less intense version of a developmental edit, and can either be just an editorial letter, or a letter and a marked-up manuscript. Then there’s copy editing, which focuses on language and continuity, and proofreading which is concerned with spelling, grammar, and formatting.

I’m a developmental editor, and what I do is to help writers get the most bang for their readers’ buck. I want my clients’ manuscripts to grab readers, entertain them, make them think, make them feel, and make them stay up late. It’s rare that I see manuscripts that can’t benefit from tighter pacing, deeper characters, and more narrative tension. Developmental editing focuses on plot and character development, and with science fiction and fantasy manuscripts, I’m also paying attention to the worldbuilding. I pride myself on spotting ways to strengthen writers’ stories while keeping their voice intact. Sometimes the revisions can be relatively small and surgical, and sometimes the developmental edit process can go deeper. I also do beta reading, including a work-in-progress option for writers who want support finishing a novel.

Choosing what level of editing is right for your manuscript is often best done after you’ve consulted with several editors, to get a better sense of what kinds of suggestions they’ll make. You might consider doing a sample chapter with an editor you like, to make sure it’s a good fit. If you’ve just finished your novel and you’re eager to reach readers, developmental editing generally provides the highest return on investment in creating a compelling novel. The key to getting the most out of a developmental edit is to make sure you’re emotionally open to consider making changes on a draft you have likely spent a lot of time and energy creating. Congratulations on how far you’ve come, and you’ve found qualified editors on this site who can help you with your next steps.

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Amy Bennet is an editing pro who can help you with your manuscript.