Editing Your Book Part II - Developmental Editing: the 50,000 Foot View

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SallyHamer

Tips for editing your book.

As I mentioned in the Part I of How to Edit Your Book, there are four basic types of editing:

• Developmental Editing
• Substantive Editing
• Line Editing
• Copy Editing

Each type of editing offers an opportunity to look at a manuscript from a different place. So, let’s start with Developmental Editing (DE).

DE goes far beyond just changing words or commas. Most writers have an idea of how a book will end before they write it, as they probably should, but stories change as we go. Some take off in a completely new direction, and we follow along helplessly as our characters do things they weren’t supposed to do. Even well-established writers have this problem – consider a good example: Herman Melville.

Pop quiz (trick question): What is Moby Dick about?

Take your time. I’ll wait. (Jeopardy music playing in my head.)

Okay, time’s up.

It’s about a white whale and a one-legged man with a vendetta, right? So, why does Melville go on and on about a guy named Ishamel for three or so chapters before Ahab steps onto the deck? We hear about cetology (the study of whales) and are introduced to about a dozen characters before Ahab shows up. Then, of course, the story starts revolving around the real protagonist and we go along for the ride.

I think that Melville didn’t know the book was going to be about Ahab until that angry, obsessed, almost insane character appeared and, for whatever reason, he didn’t go back and edit out most of the pages before that. Maybe people who study those sorts of things will disagree with me but how many commercially-viable books in 2017 wait for three chapters to introduce the protagonist?

We meet Katniss Everdeen on the first page, as she comforts her sister.

Anastasia Steele self-consciously examines herself in a mirror.

The orphaned Harry Potter is dropped on his uncle’s doorstep.

Could it be Melville started with Ishamel and then discovered a more fascinating character?

Happens all the time to the best of us. Developmental Editing is designed to take care of that sort of problem.

Two Types of Developmental Editing

1. Before the book begins

If you’re a pantster (writing by the seat of your pants), you’re already backing away, slowly, hoping I don’t make you plot. I won’t, I promise. Some people just don’t plot. Period. Nothing wrong with that.

Others (plotters) spend a lot of time getting ready to write and DE works perfectly for them. Writers can create blueprints with their nebulous ideas and write smart. Doesn’t mean the story can’t change along the way – witness Melville. But knowing where you’re going saves a lot of time and effort and words.

2. After the book ends

Once it’s done, DE—whether by the writer or a hired editor—is an evaluation of the book from start to finish. Does the story hang together and hit all the right points? Does the story emphasize the right character, and does that character have a solid goal, motivation, and conflict to carry the story? How about a character arc?

Here are some other things to look for:

Story-telling skills

Is the story believable?

Is it logical?

Are sub-plots properly set up and followed through?

Plot

Is there rising and falling action?

Strong tension? 

A great beginning, middle and end?

Structure

Are there strong plot points?

Does the protagonist grow throughout the story (character arc)?

Theme 

Is what the story is about clear?

Is there a profound moment when the reader understands what the story is about?

Pacing

Are there tension-filled times juxtaposed with calmer times (scene/sequel)?

Does the pacing fit the genre?

Global Point of View

Who is telling the story?

Who has the most to lose?

Style

Is the style consistent?

Does it fit the target market?

Developmental Editing is like looking at a story from 50,000 feet up. Pre-planning can help to set your story up but, whenever it’s done, a good hard look at your core story-telling skills can make the difference between a mediocre story and a great one.

And, all of our stories should be the BEST we can make them!

How’s your editing going? Do you have any tips you can add to mine? Worst bug-a-boos?

Next month, we’ll look at Substantive Editing!

TWEETABLES

Editing your book, Developmental Editing, the 50,000 foot view - @SallyHamer (Click to Tweet)

Developmental editing can make the difference between a mediocre story & a great one - @SallyHamer (Click to Tweet)

Don't miss the other posts in this series!
Part I, How to Edit Your book
Part II, Developmental Editing
Part III, Substantive Editing
Part IV, Line Editing

Sarah (Sally) Hamer is a lover of books, a teacher of writers, and a believer in a good story. Most of all, she is eternally fascinated by people and how they 'tick'. She’s passionate about helping people tell their own stories, whether through fiction or through memoir. Writing in many genres - mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, medieval history, non-fiction – she has won awards at both local and national levels, including two Golden Heart finals.

A teacher of memoir, beginning and advanced creative fiction writing, and screenwriting at Louisiana State University in Shreveport for over twelve years, she also teaches online for Margie Lawson at www.margielawson.com. Sally is a free-lance editor and book coach, with many of her students and clients becoming successful, award-winning authors.

You can find her at www.sallyhamer.blogspot.com or on Twitter @sallyhamer.

I wish to express gratitude to the giants whose shoulders I stand on, from whom I learned the craft of writing. I would list every one, if it were only possible.