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As a writer, completing the first draft of your manuscript is an incredible milestone. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your story, and now the question looms: What’s next?
For many writers, the answer is developmental editing—having someone read your manuscript to determine where it’s working and where it still needs further…well, development.
But how do you know if it’s the right step for you? Is your book really ready for a first look? Or is there still more you can do on your own?
Developmental editing focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript, such as structure, character arcs, pacing, and themes. It’s a collaborative process that helps elevate your story to its fullest potential.
However, diving into developmental editing before you’re truly ready can feel overwhelming and lead to frustration. So, how can you tell if you’re prepared to take this critical step?
Let’s explore five key ways to know if you’re ready for developmental editing and how this step can transform your manuscript.
You’ve Completed a Draft—Even If It’s Messy
The first requirement for developmental editing is simple: you must have a draft. Whether it’s a polished manuscript or a messy collection of ideas, developmental editing requires material to work with. Editors can’t help you shape a story if there’s nothing to shape!
Signs You’re Ready:
You’ve written “The End” on your first draft, even if you know it still needs work.
Your manuscript has a beginning, middle, and end, even if some parts feel incomplete or clunky.
You’re ready to hear constructive feedback and improve your draft.
If you’ve only written a few chapters or are still brainstorming, focus on finishing your draft first. Once you have a complete story, developmental editing can help take it to the next level.
You Have a Clear Vision for Your Story
Developmental editing is most effective when you have a vision for your story, even if it’s not fully realized. Knowing your themes, audience, and goals will give your editor the context they need to guide your revisions.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
What is my story about at its core? Can you sum up your theme or central conflict in one or two sentences?
Who is my target audience? Are you writing for young adults, mystery enthusiasts, or literary fiction fans?
What do I want readers to feel when they finish my book? Do you want them to laugh, cry, or reflect deeply?
If you’re unsure about your story’s vision, spend some time clarifying these elements before moving forward with developmental editing.
You’re Open to Constructive Criticism
Developmental editing is a collaborative process, and feedback is at its heart. A good editor won’t just tell you what’s working—they’ll also point out weaknesses and suggest ways to address them.
To get the most out of this process, you need to be open to honest feedback given with a desire to help your book reach your audience as best as it possibly can.
Signs You’re Ready:
You’re willing to set aside personal attachment to parts of your story if it serves the bigger picture.
You can approach criticism as an opportunity to grow, not a personal attack.
You understand that revision is part of the creative process, not a reflection of failure.
If you feel overly protective of your manuscript, that’s okay—it’s natural! You might consider taking a small step toward receiving feedback first, such as sharing a key scene or an excerpt from the book with a trusted friend or a writing group.
You’ve Taken Your Manuscript as Far as You Can on Your Own
Do you feel like you’ve hit a wall with your revisions? That’s often a sign you’re ready for developmental editing. Editors bring an outside perspective that can uncover blind spots you might not notice, such as pacing issues, flat characters, or inconsistent world-building.
Ask Yourself:
Have I identified areas of my story that need improvement? (e.g., a sagging middle, weak dialogue, or underdeveloped characters)
Have I worked through multiple drafts and still feel stuck?
Am I ready for a professional perspective to help me move forward?
If you’ve done everything you can but still sense your story isn’t quite there, it’s time to enlist an expert to guide you in your next steps.
You’re Ready to Invest Time and Resources in Your Manuscript
Developmental editing is a commitment—both in time and cost. You’ll need to work closely with your editor, respond to feedback, and revise your manuscript thoroughly. It’s a process that demands dedication, but the payoff is a stronger, more impactful story.
Questions to Consider:
Do I have the time to focus on revisions in the coming months?
Am I financially prepared to invest in professional editing services?
Do I view this investment as a step toward achieving my publishing goals?
If the answer is “yes,” you’re likely ready to take the plunge. Remember, developmental editing isn’t just about improving your manuscript; it’s an investment in your growth as a writer.
Still Need Evidence to Decide If You’re Ready?
Check out the Revision Scorecard!
This free tool breaks down the top six areas where first drafts tend to run into trouble and helps you rank them so you can determine which to focus on first.
No fumbling around trying to make a plan or getting sidetracked by working on an aspect of your manuscript that doesn’t need your attention while ignoring plotholes or weak characters.
Plus, you’ll receive a free bonus consultation to help you develop action steps so you can hit the ground running and make an informed decision about your book’s next steps.
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