Developmental Editing Services

Looking for a Professional Developmental Editor?

Writing a manuscript is an incredible achievement. At the same time, it's just the first step in bringing your work to publication. After you complete your draft, developmental editing is a vital step to evaluate the "big picture" of your work. A developmental editor ensures that your manuscript is engaging, compelling, and structurally sound before moving to copy editing.

What is Developmental Editing?

Developmental editing is a stage in the writing process where your editor works with you to address “big picture” issues in your manuscript. For fiction manuscripts, this includes structure, plot, story and character development, and pacing. For nonfiction manuscripts, your developmental editor can help structure your argument and make sure your content flows. This stage of editing helps you develop a manuscript that appeals to your target audience and adheres to the standards required for your audience.

Whether you will be self-publishing or publishing through traditional avenues, a developmental editor gives your manuscript a high-level review at the manuscript, chapter, and paragraph levels. Your editor will insert comments throughout the manuscript to identify areas that are unclear and/or need revisions. Developmental editing is sometimes called substantive, structural, comprehensive, or content editing.

Our developmental editing services are customized to your needs. Reach out to one of our developmental editors with any questions or for a free sample edit.

A Comprehensive Evaluation

Your manuscript will get a thorough evaluation by an experienced developmental editor with an eye toward making the work the best it can be for publication. You’ll receive a copy of your manuscript with in-depth, explanatory comments and tracked changes, including but not limited to those that address the following:

• Plot inconsistencies
• Character development
• Narrative flow
• Story development
• Author voice
• Pacing
• Content
• Structure

Benefits of Using a Developmental Editor

While you might consider self-editing your manuscript, there are significant benefits to professional developmental editing:

• Expert genre-specific guidance on structure, plot, character development, and pacing
• Fresh, objective perspective on your work's strengths and weaknesses
• Professional insights to help elevate your writing and storytelling
• Collaborative feedback that respects your vision while enhancing your work
• Publication-ready preparation that increases your chances of success

A developmental editor provides much more than surface-level corrections. They offer invaluable insights into how readers will experience your work, identify structural issues you may have missed, and suggest improvements that can transform your manuscript from good to exceptional.

Why Choose Our Developmental Editing Services?

Here at Editor World, we believe in comprehensive service. We connect writers with experienced developmental editors who can transform your manuscript into its best possible version. Our developmental editing services are designed for both fiction and non-fiction writers who want to take their work to the next level before publication.

Our experienced developmental editors are committed to quality, and our services are trusted by professional authors, major universities, and independent writers alike. With an exceptional client satisfaction rating, you can be confident your manuscript is in the hands of skilled professionals who understand your genre and publishing goals.

On-Demand Editing by Experts

We thoroughly review the credentials of every editor on our team, testing their skills before adding them to our team. This gives you access to a team of highly skilled editors. Pay only for the number of words you need your editor to review. For our developmental editing services, we offer the following:

• 24/7 access to experienced, tested editors
• Developmental editing of your manuscript by a native English speaker
• Direct communication with your editor
• Transparent prices and deadlines
• Confidentiality
• Your own copyright for the content

Customized Developmental Editing for You

The process of developmental editing can be stressful. Editor World’s expert editors can help. Our native-English professional editors help you with developing your manuscript quickly. Our developmental editing services also include copy editing.

Editor World’s team of expert editors provides services for clients around the globe. Our developmental editing clients include academic writers, authors, and others in need of high-quality written content.

We place high value on our clients and strive to provide exceptional customer service. Our prices for editing are transparent and there are no surprises. Our services are personalized to your needs and you choose your editor. After registering as a client, you can communicate directly with our expert writers and editors. Our editors have years (and sometimes decades!) of experience providing high-quality services.

Types of Manuscripts We Developmentally Edit

Our developmental editors work with a wide range of manuscripts, including:

Fiction:

• Novels
• Short stories
• Plays
• Screenplays

Non-fiction:

• Memoirs
• Autobiographies
• Biographies
• Self-Improvement
• Self-Help Books
• Academic Textbooks
• How-to Books
• Articles

Things to Consider

• Choose an editor with experience in your genre, and always feel free to request a sample or ask a question! You and your book deserve an editor who is the right fit.
• Keep an open mind. It’s hard to put yourself and all your hard work out there! Still, trusting a professional opinion can help make your creation be all you hope it to be.
• Be prepared to rewrite. Your developmental editor may suggest a lot of changes, requiring some rewriting and restructuring. Rewriting is an important part of the writing process. Don’t be discouraged!
• Remember that in the end, you are the author, and our job is to help you tell the story you want to tell.  

How It Works

Getting your manuscript developmentally edited is simple:

1. Register for an Editor World client account
2. Select a developmental editor with experience in your genre
3. Submit your manuscript with word count, turnaround time, and special instructions
4. Provide payment via our secure payment processing system
5. Work with your editor through the developmental process
6. Download your edited manuscript and revision notes

Client Testimonials

“I am totally satisfied with the detailed observation of the editor and the many comments given for the development of the paper.” -Lobsang

“I received my paper back and WriteAid went way above and beyond. She asked questions that had be going back to do additional research and make revisions that I knew without a doubt my law professor would have took off points. Great work!!!! She has the skillset to edit ANY paper, regardless of the discipline.” -Cecilia

Get a Quote

If you're ready to take your manuscript to the next level with professional developmental editing, get a free quote using the price calculator on our website. You can view our competitive prices and easily calculate the total cost of developmentally editing your book.

Register today and transform your manuscript with developmental editing from professionals who care!