Developmental Editing definition

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Developmental editing is a comprehensive editing process that focuses on the content, structure, and overall organization of a manuscript. It involves working closely with the author to refine their ideas, enhance narrative flow, and ensure consistency throughout the work. Developmental editors assess elements such as character development, pacing, plot structure, theme, and tone. They may suggest significant changes to the manuscript, such as reorganizing chapters, deepening character arcs, or clarifying ideas, with the goal of improving the manuscript's effectiveness and ensuring it resonates with its intended audience. This type of editing typically occurs in the early stages of the writing process, before line editing or proofreading takes place.