Authored by UNG Press Intern, Jocelyn Hatcher
A publisher was impressed by a query for a manuscript and accepted it. Now it is time for the first stage in the publishing process: developmental editing. But what is developmental editing? What does it do? What does it look at? And most importantly, what are its benefits? With a deeper look into developmental editing, these questions and more can be helpful for both authors and editors, new and seasoned. Have a look below to learn the ins and outs of the premier editing stage.
What does developmental editing look at?
Developmental editing is the first of four editing stages that happen before print. It has the broadest coverage of any stage and lays the groundwork for everything after. Developmental editing looks at the manuscript’s story structure as it appears to readers. Oftentimes, developmental editors review the complete manuscript through the lens of a reader, not as an editor (Jewell). In broad terms, it assesses what aspects of the story do and don’t work, or what is missing that could make it more compelling. In more concise detail, the editor looks at story elements such as pacing, character growth and development, organization, argument, and more (TWS, Proofreading). Because it is the most expansive stage, it is often considered the most demanding (TWS).
How does developmental editing differ from other stages?
While developmental editing focuses on the structural aspects of a manuscript, line editing and copyediting focus on linguistic aspects, and proofreading focuses on the mechanical elements. Linguistic aspects focus on sentence structure and grammar. Line edits look at writing style, tone, and clarity (Olsen). Copyediting is more concise, with word use, consistency, grammar, and spelling (TWS). Proofreading operates as the final look at formatting or spelling errors before the manuscript goes to print. Because of the technical and more focused aspects of line editing, copyediting, and proofreading, developmental editing is the last opportunity to make substantial edits to the story (Goforth).
What are the benefits?
Despite how nerve-wracking it can feel to receive criticism on something so personal, developmental editing is designed to be beneficial for both the editor and author. Its top priority is to make sure the manuscript reaches its full potential for the book’s designated audience. For newer authors, developmental edits can improve plot direction or characterizations that strike the audience harder than before (McArthur). For experienced authors, this stage can strengthen the readers’ bond to characters, improve arcs, or simplify a complex plot (McArthur). For writer Yvonne McArthur, developmental edits “[sparked] breakthroughs, growth, and edits that transformed my story.”
How do authors and editors collaborate?
In developmental editing, the editor collaborates more closely with the author than in any other stage of editing. It is a team effort to transform the book into the best version it can be for its intended audience (Goforth). Oftentimes, developmental editors highlight the story’s strengths and weaknesses to avoid overwhelming authors with negative feedback about their work. While the developmental editor is meant to assist with questions or concerns and offer advice during editing, the author maintains the final say in what is changed or not in their story (Jewell). Maintaining the story’s heart and originality for the author is important.
Conclusion
The developmental stage of editing is an important tool toward improving the story structure of a manuscript. Receiving constructive feedback from an editor can be stressful, but a developmental editor is there to help transform the manuscript into the best version it can be for readers. They’ll maintain the author’s vision while guiding them to strengthen character details, transform a complex plot into a concise plot, and more. For more information about editing, check out the UNG Press’s Notions blog.
Sources:
Goforth, Jennie. “Academic Book Publishing: Making Edits During Each Stage of Production.” Center for Engaged Learning, 13 Dec. 2022, https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/making-edits-during-production/.
Jewell, Dawn. “What Is the Role of a Developmental Editor?” Media Associates International, 18 Oct. 2016, https://maiglobal.org/what-is-the-role-of-a-developmental-editor/.
McArthur, Yvonne. “The Benefits of a Developmental Edit.” Yvonne McArthur, 28 Jan. 2026, https://yvonnemcarthur.com/the-benefits-of-a-developmental-edit/.
Olsen, Chris. “Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copy Editing and Proofreading Explained.” Publish HerTM, 12 Mar. 2024, https://publishherpress.com/developmental-editing-line-editing-copy-editing-and-proofreading-explained/.
Proofreading, Cambridge. “What Is Developmental Editing? Cambridge Proofreading.” Cambridge Proofreading, 31 Oct. 2024, https://proofreading.org/learning-center/what-is-developmental-editing/.
TWS Editorial Team. “Developmental, Line, Copy and Proofread: The Four Types of Editing Explained.” TWS Publications, 4 Aug. 2026, https://twspublications.com/blogs/articles/types-of-editing-explained.
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