Development editing for independent authors
In development editing (sometimes described as project editing), the editor takes an overview of the whole work.
A development editor can be involved before the writing begins, when the author is developing an idea, or during the writing, if the author has become stuck and is unsure how to complete the project.
As a development editor, I work on the structure, content and targeting of the book. I work with the author to clarify aspects such as:
A development editor can be involved before the writing begins, when the author is developing an idea, or during the writing, if the author has become stuck and is unsure how to complete the project.
As a development editor, I work on the structure, content and targeting of the book. I work with the author to clarify aspects such as:
- What is the intended market for the book? Who is your ideal reader?
The more specifically you can answer this, the more clarity and purpose your work will have. If you write for children, what specific age group are you targeting? Are you writing a story book for beginner readers? A self-help book for teenagers? A create-your-own-science-experiment manual for 9- and 10-year-olds? - What is the tone of your writing?
If you are writing a book on the history of the Romans in Britain, what tone do you want to take? This will be closely linked to your intended market. You could take a humorous, irreverent tone; an authoritative but lively tone to open up an abstruse subject to a general readership; or a rigorous academic approach. - How will you structure your work?
Planning a book is not only essential for fiction writers. Having an overarching outline for your book is vital; you should break down the content chapter by chapter, section by section. Every element in the book should have a purpose. Decide how long you want the book to be and whether you will support the text with illustrations and photos. - How I can help
If you have written a book and want to raise it to a professional standard, I can help you with copyediting or proofreading.
If you are not certain which service you would most benefit from, and what sort of fees are involved, I can review a sample first and give you feedback.