Developmental Editing of a Fiction Manuscript

Developmental or substantive editing is a heavy editing pass. It takes a comprehensive look at the overall intent and feel of the text, helping the author create content that makes sense, has clarity and accuracy, and is structurally correct.

The editor suggests improvements in imagery, setting, foreshadowing, context, point of view, proportion, characterization, dialogue, plot, and general readability. Expect feedback on tone, continuity, structure, organization, and layout.

The substantive editor may reorganize paragraphs and sentences, and rewrite segments to improve readability and presentation. Other authors prefer the editor to merely make suggestions or comments in the margin about what changes are recommended.

Copy Editing

Copy editing or line editing checks the text for adherence to your style of choice, e.g., AP, CMOS, MLA, or APA. The following grammar and sentence structure elements are examples of what the editor also checks and corrects when in error:
• Subject-verb agreement
• Punctuation
• Syntax
• Minor language repetition
• Spelling

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