Developmental Editing

● Big-picture editing that focuses on story structure, plot, character development, themes, and organization.

● Involves suggesting major revisions to improve the overall flow, coherence, and effectiveness of the manuscript.

● For fiction, it examines pacing, world-building, dialogue, character arcs, and narrative tension.

● For nonfiction, it ensures logical flow, clarity of argument, and strong organization.

● Often results in rewrites, restructuring, and significant content changes.

Example: If a novel lacks tension in the middle, a developmental editor might suggest adding a subplot or increasing conflict.