Preparing Your Manuscript for Developmental Editing: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Victoria Krouse
- Apr 18
- 6 min read
Getting ready for developmental editing is an exciting milestone in your writing journey! This stage is about deepening your story, strengthening your structure, and making sure every character arc and plot twist contributes to a cohesive, impactful narrative.
But before you send your manuscript to a developmental editor, taking a few steps to prepare will help you make the most of their feedback.
Here’s a guide to setting up your manuscript and mindset for a successful developmental editing experience.
1. Complete a Full First Draft (And Let It Sit)
First and foremost, make sure your manuscript is complete. Developmental editing is most effective when your editor has the entire story, allowing them to analyze overarching themes, plot structure, and character arcs. Even if you plan to add or cut scenes, start with a draft that has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Once your draft is done, take a break from it for a few days or weeks if you can. Distance gives you fresh eyes for a final read-through and allows you to catch any glaring issues before the editor even sees it.
2. Do a Self-Edit (Or Two . . . Or More . . .)
While your editor will help you with big-picture issues, going through one or more self-edits will make their work even more impactful. Here are a few things to focus on:
Pacing: Ensure each scene has a purpose and moves the story forward. Remove or shorten scenes that feel repetitive or slow.
Characters: Double-check that each main character has a distinct arc, motivations, and goals. Ensure they’re consistent in voice and behavior.
Plot Consistency: Look for plot holes or threads left dangling. Even if you’re not sure how to resolve them, identifying inconsistencies will allow your editor to focus on providing solutions.
Style: While developmental editors don’t focus on grammar or sentence structure, if there are repetitive phrases or confusing transitions, it’s a good idea to revise those beforehand. It will make your manuscript easier to read, allowing the editor to focus on the core issues.
Once your self-edits are done, you’ll have what I like to call the “final draft.”
3. Clarify Your Genre and Audience
Knowing your genre and target audience is crucial for a developmental editor to provide relevant feedback. Different genres come with different expectations for pacing, character development, and plot progression. Identify your genre and intended audience so your editor can assess whether your story aligns with market expectations and reader expectations. If you’re unsure, you can discuss this with your editor, who can help you refine these details during the editing process.
4. Identify Your Story’s Core Message or Theme
One of the most valuable elements an editor can help strengthen is your story’s theme or message. If you can, jot down what you believe your story’s central theme is—whether it’s about resilience, love, freedom, or revenge. Having a clear theme will help the editor provide feedback that aligns with your vision, ensuring every plot and character decision supports your story’s emotional impact.
5. Outline Specific Concerns You Have
Do you feel uncertain about your ending? Or maybe you’re not sure if a particular character arc works? Identifying and sharing your main concerns allows the editor to focus more intently on these areas. Here are some common questions authors often have for their editor:
Is the protagonist’s motivation clear and compelling?
Are there any weak points in the pacing?
Do all character arcs feel satisfying by the end?
Does the climax feel impactful enough?
6. Prepare a List of Characters and Settings
Developmental editors look at your story holistically, analyzing character development and world-building. Providing a list of main characters, key settings, and their relationships to each other can make it easier for your editor to track these elements. You might even consider including short character bios, motivations, and how they evolve over the story. This also helps the editor spot inconsistencies or underdeveloped aspects more efficiently.
7. Be Ready for Big-Picture Changes
Developmental editing involves making your manuscript stronger at a foundational level, which means that the changes suggested can sometimes be significant. This could include cutting scenes, adding new plotlines, or reimagining entire character arcs. Being open to large-scale feedback will allow you to get the most out of your editor’s expertise.
8. Make a Note of Any Relevant Backstory or Series Information
If your manuscript is part of a series or contains complex backstory elements, it’s helpful to provide a summary of these details for context. Backstory information can help the editor understand the motivations and choices of your characters, while series information can ensure that any feedback aligns with overarching storylines.
9. Format Your Manuscript for Easy Reading
While developmental editors don’t typically require any specific formatting, making your manuscript easy to read will help the editor focus on the content rather than the layout. Here are some simple formatting tips:
Use a standard font like Times New Roman in 12-point size.
Double-space your manuscript.
Number your pages for easy reference.
Put breaks between each scene. This could be done with *** or a break line. Make it consistent throughout the manuscript.
10. Prepare Yourself for Feedback
Finally, the developmental editing process can be intense. You’ve put your heart into this manuscript, so it’s natural to feel attached to certain scenes, characters, or plot points. But remember, your editor’s feedback is there to support your story’s best possible version, even if it means making tough cuts or significant changes. Approach feedback with an open mind, a willingness to experiment, and a focus on your story’s long-term impact.
11. Think About Your Budget & Look For Professionals
Editing is an investment—not just in your manuscript, but in your growth as a writer. When thinking about your budget, it’s important to look for professionals who offer not only experience and skill, but also a collaborative, intentional approach that aligns with your needs. If you're not sure what the average for editing prices are, I recommend looking at EFA's average reported rates for the United States and CIEP for Europe.
A qualified developmental editor will provide thoughtful, in-depth feedback and help you clarify your story’s structure, pacing, and character arcs. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, and instead, seek someone whose values, communication style, and offerings feel like the right fit. Your story deserves that level of care—and so do you.
Here is a list of editing certificates professional editors may have taken to sharpen their skills and expand their expertise:
Editing Fundamentals & Copyediting
Copyediting Certificate – University of Chicago Editing Certificate Program
ACES Certificate in Editing – Poynter/ACES (American Copy Editors Society)
Editorial Freelancer's Association - Multiple editing certificates offered.
CIEP - Editing courses.
Developmental Editing Specific
Developmental Editing Certificate for Fiction – Club Ed Editorial Training
Fiction Editing: Story-Level Revisions – Editors Canada
Author Accelerator Book Coach Certification – Author Accelerator
These are just a few programs. There are other ones out there.
Ready to Make the Most of Developmental Editing?
Preparing your manuscript for developmental editing will help you and your editor make the most of the process. By taking the time to self-edit, outline your concerns, and provide helpful materials like character lists and backstory details, you’re setting the stage for a smooth and productive editing journey. Developmental editing is about uncovering the heart of your story, strengthening its impact, and aligning it with your vision. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to dive in and take your manuscript to the next level.
Looking for a Developmental Editor?
Looking for a developmental editor who will treat your story with the same care and dedication you do? You’ve found her. I specialize in helping authors like you shape your manuscript into its most powerful, intentional form—without losing the heart of what makes it yours. I don’t just give feedback; I become your thought partner, guiding you through plot twists, pacing struggles, and character arcs with clarity, compassion, and a deep respect for your voice and your story. If you’re ready for an editor who will meet you where you are and help you bring your vision fully to life, I’d be honored to walk that path with you.
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