The Most Underestimated Type of Editing Writers Probably Don’t Think About

Skipping this type of editing could be detrimental to your writing career.

Photo by Diva Plavalaguna

“I need my story edited.”

As a writer, you may have said this to an editor at some point — literally, with no other context. Whether it’s checking for run-on sentences, misspellings, duplicated words or phrases, or missing punctuation, you need your story “edited”. Period. In cases like this, writers are usually referring to copy editing or proofreading. Yes, all of these issues need to be caught and fixed, but there’s one type of editing that reigns more supreme than your standard copy editing and proofreading.

That is developmental editing.  

Without it, the story can fall apart, readers will definitely notice something may be off, and when the writer finally realizes it, it might be too late.

Here’s a super quick breakdown of copy editing, proofreading, and developmental editing:

Proofreading checks for minor typographical errors and formatting issues.

Copy editing checks for grammar, spelling, punctuation, accuracy, word choice, and consistency, and focuses on syntax, sentence structure, and trimming (or adding) text for clarity.

Developmental editing, on the other hand, checks for plot issues, structure, POV, character development, completeness, forward movement, voice, tone, and readability. In other words, developmental editing looks at a manuscript as a whole. It examines the story for major holes in the story and answers questions, “Does this story make sense?” “Is this story engaging?” “Is the plot complete?” “What’s missing?”

Copy editing catches those grammatical and spelling errors, which usually stand out and are quickly noticeable. But with developmental editing, it takes a solid read-through and focus to catch plot issues that may have been hiding behind those more noticeable errors.

As a writer, you may not see major holes in the story initially because you are so engulfed in the writing process, which is completely understandable. You may be trying to get everything out of your mind and on paper (or whatever device you’re using). That’s why an editor with an extra keen eye is important; getting that editor to perform developmental editing is key in the writing process and a must for writers who are in the process of publishing their books.

Copy editing and proofreading are still important as well, of course. With spell checks and AI being some writers’ go-to for finding grammatical and spelling errors and maybe all things related to writing these days, you may not realize that these programs and apps out there don’t really catch what developmental editing can.

So, when the time comes to take your manuscript to the next level, don’t just say, “I need my story edited.” Specify the type of editing you may need. Maybe you or someone else combed through the story for the grammatical and spelling errors and now you just need developmental editing. Or maybe some proofreading is needed.  At the end of the day, find an editor who will perform a thorough edit of your book, including a heavy dose of developmental editing. Trust the process. And tread softly.

For more writing tips and strategies, visit BirdsLovePublishing.com.