Developmental Editing

The Big Picture

Developmental editing looks at the bigger picture of your manuscript. It is ideal if you have a completed draft but are unsure whether the plot, structure, pacing or character development is working as effectively as it could. Your editor will assess the manuscript as a whole, focusing on:

• Structure and plot development to ensure the story is cohesive, engaging and logically developed.
• Character arcs and motivation to strengthen character development, relationships and emotional depth.
• Pacing and tension to maintain reader engagement and ensure the story progresses effectively.
• Scene and chapter purpose to identify areas that need expanding, restructuring or removing.
• Narrative voice and point of view to strengthen the storytelling and maintain consistency.
• Themes and underlying messages to assess how effectively they are developed throughout the manuscript.
• Genre expectations to ensure the story meets reader expectations while retaining its originality.
• Identifying strengths and areas for development to establish where revisions will have the greatest impact.

Rather than correcting individual sentences, developmental editing focuses on identifying what is working, what needs further development and how to strengthen the manuscript as a whole.

You’ll receive detailed editorial feedback alongside a clear, practical revision plan, helping you understand what to address first and why. Throughout the process, you can discuss the feedback with your editor by email or video call, brainstorm solutions and ask questions as you work through your revisions.

As part of working with Scott Editorial, you’ll also receive support with your synopsis or blurb, guidance on cover direction, a tailored marketing plan, a writer’s page on our website, promotion across our channels, and a call with Amy Scott to discuss your publication options.

If you would like to see if a developmental edit is the best editing decision for your book, submit your first 5 pages for a free sample edit.