Developmental Editing

Most manuscripts from new writers and writers for whom English is a second language benefit from a developmental edit. First, the editor will read through your entire manuscript to gain an understanding of the content, identify areas of need, and outline a plan of action. At this point the author and editor should talk and agree on the plan, timeframe, and terms.

The editor may decide that several rounds of editing are necessary, and ask the author to respond at each stage. The first stage often involves returning notes to the author that ask her to clarify specific passages, add material, and even rearrange whole sections or chapters.

Once the author has incorporated the first round of suggestions, the editor begins a substantive line-edit, rewording the text for clarity, consistency, tense, and active voice, among other issues. In addition, the editor may change formatting to bring out key points by adding new headings, bulleted lists, sidebars, or simple paragraph breaks.

The editor will also correct basic errors of usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Caution: A developmental edit does not take the place of copyediting or proofreading. Another set of eyes should always do the final polishing after a developmental edit.

A substantive edit is a thorough line-edit during which the editor addresses issues like clarity, tone, consistency, tense, grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation. Substantive editing is similar to developmental editing, but does not include structural work. As with developmental editing, substantive editing does not take the place of copyediting or proofreading.

Take a look at editing definitions and rate guidelines from the following resources:

• Bay Area Editor's Forum
• The Writer's Market
• Editorial Freelancer's Association

We edit electronic documents using the Track Changes feature of word processing software. You receive edited files via email with red-line changes shown so that you can easily reject or accept each change. We also send a clean copy of the file so you can do a cold read of the text with edits already accepted.

How do I order developmental or substantive editing?

• Click on a button above to add services to your cart.
• Update quantity with the number of document pages (minimum total: $10).
• Check out and include any notes or instructions needed for our editors.
• Email electronic files to meldridge@ edocdesign.com.
• Send your hardcopy items via snail mail to:  3612 South Sterling Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 with a copy of your order page.
• If you have a high-quality fax, you may choose to send hardcopy via fax to: 813-433-2425
• We will return your electronic files via email. You may also order a CD-ROM. Allow 1 business days per 10 pages.

Not sure what you need? Margaret Eldridge, Executive Editor, would be happy to discuss your project. Simply fill out the form on our contact page. Save our catalog and price list to browse through later.