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What Is Developmental Editing?

What is developmental (content) editing?

Developmental editing focuses on the core of your story. It's the characters, plot, structure, and themes. This process can be as simple as taming the plot bunnies or patching plot holes. In some cases, it can lead to a complete restructuring of a novel. No matter the extent of my editing, your story is still yours. As an author myself, I would never try to remove your voice. I only offer suggestions to polish your manuscript and make it the very best version while preserving your vision.

What are some of the things I do as a developmental editor?


I use Word for their track changes and commenting capability. Every comment or suggestion is just that: a suggestion. I leave all accepting/rejecting to the client. 


  • Assess flow
  • Check for consistency
  • Pacing
  • Researching or fact checking when necessary 
  • Character growth
  • Plot holes
  • World building
  • Comments throughout the story
  • Highlighting areas with ideas for possible improvements or problems
  • Overall thoughts

What I don't do:

  • Rewrite your manuscript for you
  • Ghostwrite
  • Line edit
  • Belittle
  • Bully
  • Lie

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