Seven Story Publishing

Everyone can agree that all writers should most definitely have a copy editor ready when they finish their first draft and do their own edits. As much as we think we get all the errors in our work, there’s always one word on page 55 that’s misspelled or a weird sentence on page 202 that we noted we were gonna fix but completely forgot about.

Everyone understands the value and importance of a copy editor, but, the question is whether a developmental editor is necessary for our work. Now, most authors get beta readers for feedback after the first draft and, more often than not, that feedback suggests that the writing needs more work.

However, do we really need developmental editors after our first draft? What is developmental editing? And what constitutes needing one after that first draft is completed?

Firstly, developmental editors are invaluable to a story, especially for an author that’s going the traditional route. However, they are expensive for someone who decides to take their fate into their own hands with self publishing. A developmental editor for your work may not be necessary if you get beta readers that provide detailed feedback and constructive critique because it’s the readers you’re trying to get to, not the editors.

Whichever route you choose, you as the author are the final authority on your story and how it is presented which makes getting a developmental editor a judgment call rather than an objective requirement for a great story.

No question a developmental editor will only help you and take your story to greater heights; however, if it is your first writing and you don’t have the funds required for a detailed editing process, it may be best to pass on a developmental editor, only in the beginning. Later on, when your writing gains some traction, not getting a developmental editor would be nothing short of foolish.

Second, a developmental editor is someone who looks at your story and helps you flesh out the storyline, plot, characters, imagery, and world-building aspects. A developmental editor’s job is to ensure your story is presented at its full potential as to mesmerize the reader and make them read it in one sitting.

The developmental editor is the one that will not only catch some of those weird sentences but also tell you where you can beef up your story as well as where to cut back to preserve the mystique to keep the reader intrigued.

Developmental editors also help you as a writer by way of the process, where you learn countless lessons about how to write a bestseller and techniques you can use to keep the reader interested throughout all your writings. All in all, developmental editors are extremely valuable which is also why they are just as expensive, and justifiably so.

So, how do you know if you need a developmental editor? Well, again, it’s more of a judgment call than an objective requirement but here are a few signs:

1. You feel like your story is missing something but you don’t know what.
2. There are too many things left unsolved and you’re indecisive on what to keep and what to leave out.
3. Certain parts of your story look skimpy while other parts seem to have too much and you don’t know how to even everything out.
4. There are too many inconsistencies in the feedback of your beta and ARC readers leaving you unsure of how to best accommodate that feedback.
5. You feel like your story can be better but you have absolutely no idea on how to make it more interesting; plus, it feels like you’ve done everything you could but it’s not enough.

These are just a few things to indicate that you may need a developmental editor to help take your story to the next level. Remember, this is a judgment call that centers around how you view your work and whether the feedback you receive is overall positive or constructive.

If you feel confident in your story and your ability to bring out its full potential, then you can pass on the developmental editor.

However, if you’re not sure about your story, are a perfectionist, or you simply have no idea what you’re doing in the writing world, then a developmental editor is going to be your saving grace.

Remember, it is up to you as the author how far you want to take your story and don’t let anyone tell you different.

Hope this helps.