Like any skilled profession, editing in the changing landscape of publishing is multifaceted. Authors and publishers must sift through multiple editing processes to refine a manuscript into a finished product ready for publishing. Developmental editing and copyediting constitute some editorial services. The author’s knowledge about the difference between developmental editing and copyediting will help writers determine appropriate editorial help at different parts of their manuscript process.
The Fundamental Difference Between Developmental Editing and Copyediting
Developmental editing and copyediting share different areas of responsibility during publishing because of their distinct operations and schedules of engagement. The two types of editing dedicate their efforts toward other aspects of manuscript composition despite aiming to enhance manuscript quality.
What Is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing stands as the most thorough editing procedure that starts during the early stages of preparing a manuscript. This type of editing addresses the “big picture” elements of a book, focusing on:
- Structure and organization
- Plot development and consistency
- Character development and arcs
- Pacing and narrative flow
- Theme exploration and development
- Point of view and voice consistency
- Overall coherence and effectiveness
A developmental editor works closely with authors to help shape their manuscripts at a fundamental level. Rather than simply correcting what’s on the page, this editor asks challenging questions and provides suggestions that may result in significant revisions, including rewriting or reorganizing entire sections.
What Is Copyediting?
Copyediting, by contrast, occurs later in the publication process after the developmental concerns have been addressed. The difference between developmental editing and copyediting becomes apparent when examining what copyeditors focus on:
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Sentence structure and clarity
- Consistency in style, terminology, and formatting
- Adherence to style guides (Chicago, AP, etc.)
- Fact-checking basic information
- Eliminating redundancies and wordiness
- Formatting citations and references
The primary task of a copyeditor includes proofreading a finalized manuscript to identify and fix individual lines instead of proposing major structural modifications. The editor performs final checks on text to keep it consistent with writing standards yet preserves both authorial voice and original content meaning.
Key Differences Between Developmental Editing and Copyediting
Multiple essential points differentiate developmental editing from copyediting, which we will review before understanding these fundamental editorial procedures better.
1. Timing in the Publication Process
One significant difference between developmental editing and copyediting is when they occur in the publication timeline:
Developmental Editing:
- Takes place early in the manuscript development
- Often follows the completion of a first or second draft
- It may involve multiple rounds of revision
- Precedes other forms of editing
Copyediting:
- Occurs after developmental issues have been resolved
- Usually, one of the final steps before proofreading
- Happens when the content is finalized, chiefly
- Prepares the manuscript for layout and design
2. Depth of Intervention
The depth of editorial intervention represents another crucial difference between developmental editing and copyediting:
Developmental Editing:
- Makes substantial suggestions for revision
- May recommend reorganizing entire chapters
- Might suggest adding or removing content
- Could recommend reconsidering character motivations or plot points
- Often includes lengthy editorial letters or inline comments
Copyediting:
- Makes surface-level corrections
- Works at the sentence and paragraph level
- Focuses on technical accuracy rather than content changes
- Maintains the author’s voice and style
- Generally uses standardized markup or track changes
3. Skill Sets Required
The professionals who perform these different types of editing bring distinct expertise to the table:
Developmental Editors:
- Have deep knowledge of storytelling and narrative structure
- Understand genre conventions and reader expectations
- Possess strong critical thinking and analytical skills
- Can identify thematic inconsistencies and logical flaws
- Often have experience as writers themselves
Copyeditors:
- Have exceptional knowledge of grammar and mechanics
- Maintain awareness of style guide requirements
- Pay meticulous attention to detail
- Possess strong research skills for fact-checking
- Understand how to maintain consistency throughout a document
When to Choose Developmental Editing vs. Copyediting
Understanding the difference between developmental editing and copyediting helps authors determine which service they need at various stages of their writing journey.
When to Pursue Developmental Editing
Authors should consider developmental editing when:
- They’ve completed a draft but feel it has structural problems
- Feedback indicates issues with plot, pacing, or character development
- They’re struggling with the overall direction or focus of the book
- The manuscript feels uneven or incomplete
- They want guidance on making their book more marketable
When to Pursue Copyediting
Authors should seek to copyedit when:
- The structure and content of the manuscript are finalized
- They want to ensure technical accuracy and readability
- They need to adhere to a specific style guide
- They’re preparing to submit to agents or publishers
- They’re getting ready for self-publication and need a polish
Cost Considerations: Developmental Editing vs. Copyediting
Another practical difference between developmental editing and copyediting involves cost. Developmental editing typically commands higher rates than copyediting due to the following:
- The extensive time investment required
- The specialized knowledge and experience needed
- The potential for multiple rounds of feedback
- The higher level of collaboration with the author
While still requiring expertise, copyediting tends to be more straightforward and often follows established guidelines, resulting in somewhat lower costs. However, both services represent valuable investments in a manuscript’s quality and marketability.
The Complementary Nature of Developmental Editing and Copyediting
The professional relationship between developmental editing and copyediting exists as a collaboration rather than an opposition. A manuscript achieves its maximum improvement through proper consideration between the development and copyediting stages. Trying to copyedit manuscripts with major developmental issues resembles painting problematic house structures because the exterior work will not solve fundamental structural problems. Every manuscript requires copyediting services, even when developmentally ready because it needs to maintain professional clarity.
Professional Editorial Support for Your Manuscript
Understanding the difference between developmental editing and copyediting empowers authors to make strategic decisions about their publishing journey.
Rather than viewing editing as a single step, successful authors recognize it as a multi-stage process that helps transform raw ideas into polished, publishable work.
Expert Editing Services from Book Publishing LLC
Book Publishing LLC has specialized services for each stage of the editorial process, subscribing to the essential difference between developmental editing and copyediting. Their team of skilled editors assists authors in all genres, helping manuscripts reach optimal potential.
Book Publishing LLC aids authors from story structure guidance to the final steps before publication with editing services supported by comprehensive solutions tailored to fulfill extensive publishing requirements. With professional editing support, authors can and will refine their manuscripts into polished books suitable for an ever-evolving competitive market.