Developmental Editing

Updated June 2025

What Is Developmental Editing?

Developmental editing is an in-depth, big-picture review that focuses on plot, pacing, structure, theme, and character arcs. Rather than polishing individual sentences, your editor diagnoses why a scene drags, where motivation falters, and how the entire narrative can be reshaped so the story grips readers from the opening page to the final line. If you’d like help fine-tuning style and flow after structural edits, explore our line editing services.

Ready to get professional feedback on your manuscript? Submit your sample here.

Why This Stage Matters

Most readers abandon books for structural—not grammatical—reasons. A flawless sentence cannot rescue a sluggish midpoint, a confusing flashback, or an anticlimactic ending. Thoughtful developmental guidance repairs those core issues first, shielding you from one-star reviews, costly downstream edits, and agent rejections that often stem from unresolved story logic. If you’re still shaping your ideas and want high-level feedback first, manuscript critique offers an overview without deep revision planning.

What a Developmental Editor Examines

During the review, your editor studies the causal chain of events, the rise and release of tension, the credibility of character decisions, the clarity of point-of-view shifts, the rhythm of scene lengths, and the way your themes echo through the narrative. Each finding is explained in plain language and paired with actionable suggestions, so you know exactly how to revise rather than guessing at the problem.

What You Take Away

By the time your developmental edit is complete, you’ll have a clear path forward—and the confidence that comes from working side by side with a professional. You’ll understand how each scene and character contributes to your story’s momentum, where adjustments will have the greatest impact, and how to strengthen your manuscript in a way that feels true to your voice.

Instead of just receiving notes, you’ll engage in an ongoing conversation with your editor to explore solutions, refine your ideas, and build a detailed revision plan together. Every insight and suggestion is tailored to your goals, so you feel supported, informed, and inspired to take your book to the next level. After developmental editing, many authors schedule copy editing to ensure consistency and polish before publication.

How the Process Works at Authors’ HQ

At Authors’ HQ, developmental editing is a true partnership. From your first inquiry, you’ll work directly with an experienced editor who takes time to understand your goals, your story, and your unique voice.

After you select an editor—or ask us to recommend someone—you’ll connect one-on-one to explore your manuscript in depth. Together, you’ll discuss your vision, define priorities, and agree on the best approach for strengthening your draft.

Throughout the process, your editor becomes your trusted collaborator: offering big-picture insights, brainstorming solutions, and helping you navigate revisions step by step. You’ll have regular conversations to review progress, clarify ideas, and keep your momentum strong.

All communication, revisions, and milestones happen transparently between you and your editor, giving you complete control, support, and confidence from start to finish. Learn more about our complete range of book editing services to find the right support for your project.

Editors You Can Trust

Our developmental editors are more than skilled professionals—they’re dedicated partners in your creative journey. Many have backgrounds as acquisitions editors, literary agents, or published authors, bringing decades of experience shaping manuscripts for traditional publishers and indie success stories alike.

They combine deep knowledge of story structure, pacing, and character arcs with a passion for helping authors find their strongest, most authentic voice. From the first conversation to the final round of revisions, your editor is there to guide, encourage, and collaborate with you every step of the way.

When you work with Authors’ HQ, you gain a trusted partner who is fully invested in helping you transform your manuscript into a compelling, publication-ready book.

Ready to connect with an editor who will be your partner through the revision process? Get started here.

Quick Answers

Can I request developmental and line editing at the same time?

We recommend finishing structural revisions first. Once the story framework is solid, line editing can refine voice and flow without the risk of rewriting chapters that may later be cut.

Do you work with memoir or nonfiction?

Yes. Developmental principles apply to all narrative forms. Memoir and narrative nonfiction receive guidance on thematic through-lines, pacing of revelations, and maintaining factual accuracy while engaging readers.

How long should my draft be before developmental editing?

A complete manuscript yields the most precise feedback, but a solid first act—about a quarter of the book—can reveal structural trends and help you steer the remainder of the draft.

Who This Service Is For

Developmental editing is ideal if you’ve completed a draft of your manuscript and want clear, actionable guidance to make it the strongest version possible. Whether you’re preparing to self-publish or submit to an agent, professional feedback at this stage saves time and frustration later. Once your revisions are complete, proofreading ensures your manuscript is publication-ready.