What is developmental editing?
Developmental editing is a phase in the book publishing process where editors work with authors to address “big picture” issues in their manuscripts, including structure, form, plot, and character. In the realm of nonfiction, a developmental editor can also help you streamline your argument in individual chapters and across the book. Across genres, developmental editing will bear your target audience in mind and assess your work in relation to industry standards and expectations.
While finishing your manuscript, this is the most essential step of the editing process. Whether you plan to traditionally query or self-publish, a professional developmental editor can help make sure your manuscript starts with a bang, maintains narrative momentum, and fully develops its premise.
On Reedsy, meet developmental editors with years of experience as literary agents and Big 5 editors. They understand story arc, character development, and other craft essentials — and they know what readers in your genre expect and love.
Michael B.
Available to hire
I have many years experience of editing Open University materials - Spanish, education, history, music and ELT. I now edit fiction as well.
Michael M.
Available to hire
Editor and consultant. Theology, spirituality, philosophy, and literary works (poetry, fiction, sci-fi/fantasy). Worked with Angelico Press.
Ellie W.
Available to hire
A children’s author, editor and publisher with over 17 years' experience who can help shape your idea into a beautiful children's book.
Michael T.
Available to hire
Experienced and empathetic New York editor with a decade at major publishers like Penguin Random House, W. W. Norton, and Simon and Schuster
Eric S.
Available to hire
Eric is a literary agent and Young Adult author who has worked on award-winning and New York Times bestselling books.
How to choose a developmental editor
We handpick our editors for their industry experience: our editors have worked with authors like Suzanne Collins, Danielle Steel, and Emily St. John Mandel. No developmental editor on our marketplace is definitively better than the rest — each professional has a unique set of experiences, skills, and working styles that make them better suited to certain authors and projects.
Assemble your team
Request quotes from up to 5 professionals in your genre with a free Reedsy account.
Here are a few things to consider when searching for your editor.
- Shortlist editors based on their specialty genres. A developmental editor with ten bestselling memoirs to their name might not be the best person to tackle your paranormal romance novel.
- Browse their portfolio to get a sense of their experience. Do you prefer editors who have worked with famous authors? Or do you need someone who’s successfully worked with first-time authors?
- Determine what style of critique you respond best to. Some writers need editors who are positive and encouraging. Others prefer a more direct style of feedback. After you make a request, interested editors will provide sample edits — these can help you get a sense of their style.
Developmental editing is subjective, and each editor works a little differently, but the bottom line is that no writer works alone: books are collaborative creations, regardless of how you publish or how experienced you are.
Tips for working with a developmental editor
While most freelance developmental editors will do their best to accommodate a client’s needs, there are still things writers can do to get the most out of their editing experience.
- Be as flexible as possible. Don’t wait until the month before your launch date to hire an editor. If you do manage to find an editor who's ready to start immediately, they may raise their quote to account for the tight deadline.
- Fix your typos and grammar first. Basic spelling mistakes will distract even the most focused editors. If prospective editors discover that your manuscript is hard to read, many of them will also adjust their quotes to compensate. At the very least, pass your manuscript through spellcheck before hiring an editor.
- Make sure you’re both on the same page. Before your editor starts their developmental edit, you both need to agree on the direction that your book will take. The editor might later return with suggestions for where your manuscript could go — but if they don’t understand your initial vision, that’s a recipe for disaster.
An editor’s honest critical feedback can only be successful if an author is open to critique and revision. By doing your research and following a few simple tips, you can find a developmental editor who’s perfect for your project (at a price that fits your budget).
How much does a developmental editor cost?
The cost of a developmental edit depends on your manuscript's word count. On average, developmental editing costs 3.05¢ per word. That means that, for a 60,000-word novel, you’ll pay $1704 for developmental editing. However, keep in mind that developmental editor rates will vary based on the genre of your book and the specific editor you choose to work with.
On Reedsy, editors are free to set their own rates. While editors charge 3.05¢ on average, an editor who has worked on several bestsellers across a decades-long career will likely charge more than a new editor.
Likewise, some editors may offer combination packages. Some may recommend one-on-one meetings as part of the process; others are happy to combine developmental editing with copyediting. Make sure you understand exactly what’s included in an editor’s quote.
FAQs
What does a developmental editor do?
Should I get an editorial assessment first?
What is the difference between developmental editing and copy editing?
