Ever wondered what a developmental editor does? Not even sure what developmental editing is? This episode breaks down my entire process as a fiction developmental editor - covering what developmental editing is, how I work through a project, and why developmental editing matters to you as a fiction writer. Let’s dive in!

Links Mentioned:

• Subscribe to the Better Writer Weekly newsletter here: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/better-writer-newsletter
• Check out my services here: https://oliviahelpswriters.com/services
• Learn more about my new revision course here: https://readerreadyrevisions.com
• Find an editor via the Editorial Freelancer’s Association here: https://the-efa.org
• Find an editor via Reedsy: https://reedsy.com

Key Takeaways

• The vast majority of readers DNF (DNF = did not finish) books because of developmental issues - boring stories, characters they don’t like, nonexistent plotting, and more!
• Unlike other forms of editing that focus on line-level issues, developmental editing is all about fixing the big-picture elements of your story - the story elements that keep readers hooked.
• My developmental edits are built around the four step revision process: prioritize, analyze, strategize, and revise. I do steps 1-3, so you can focus on step 4.
• My edit starts before I ever see your manuscript. First, I need to understand your genre, target audience, publishing goals, and story vision, so I know what to prioritize.
• Then, I analyze your manuscript by commenting on your work and creating a book map (structural overview of your story).
• Step three is to strategize by crafting an editorial letter full of revision suggestions you can use on your own.
• My goal as an editor is to empower you with multiple revision choices, not hand out a set of mandates.
• I don’t work with every genre because I’m not an expert in every genre, but if you think I’m the right person to help you write a great book, get in touch!

For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/5