On Writing:
A Memoir of the Craft

I could not have wished for a better editor. Boundless enthusiasm,
meticulous attention to detail and responses to my seemingly endless
queries without ever any complaint.

Jonathan Lee, author

Write for yourself, by all means; but if
you intend to publish, always write
for the reader as well.

Click to see an example of a development editing.

BOOK DEVELOPMENT EDITINGDevelopment editing (also known as content editing) is the highest level of editing. Basically, while copy-editing is limited to polishing language, development editing looks at every other aspect of a book – areas like structure, sense and pace – and works on improving the book in its entirety. Development editing is a hands-on, top-level service that aims to get the very best from your book. Book Specialist development editors have been editing for years and are highly experienced in publishing and in editing.

WHY HIRE A BOOK DEVELOPMENT EDITOR? A book development editor holds back nothing in their edit, incorporating all their experience, expertise and skill to get the very best from your writing, while remaining respectful of your writing style. When an editor has free-reign to look so intensively at text, it's a recipe for a book you'll be proud of.

HOW DEVELOPMENT EDITING WORKS The development editor looks at all aspects of a book, including the plot, characterisation, content, structure and overall writing style, and works to make changes (small and large scale) to really make the best of the book. Depending on the client's preference, development editing can be restrained (just dealing with the major issues) or intensive; hands-on or comments-based. Development editing can also, at the highest level, move into ghostwriting – where you trust the editor to get stuck in to revising your material.

Please note: Development editing is not for the faint hearted – it's a very detailed and invasive exploration of your writing. If you'd like an editor to give some general guidance on content, but without going quite as far as development editing, my intelligent copy-editing offers a good compromise: a very light development edit combined with thorough copy-editing. Alternatively, you may decide to commission a budget book critique or comprehensive book critique prior to an edit to get a feel for what development may be required.

DEVELOPMENT EDITING SAMPLE To get a feel for development editing, please view my development editing example.

BOOK DEVELOPMENT EDITING TERMS Book development editing costs from £12.50 to £25.00 per 1,000 words. Standard turnaround is between four and eight weeks, depending on the length of the book. I offer an express service, for an increased fee, if required.