Developmental Editing Services
Developmental editing is the big-picture edit: it looks at your book's structure, argument or plot, pacing and gaps, not its sentences. At Harmony Publishing a comprehensive developmental and editorial review (up to 80,000 words) is included in our Rockstar package and above; we don't sell it on its own.
Included from Rockstar
The review comes with everything else your book needs to publish: cover, interior, ISBN, printing and distribution. Compare the packages and prices, or find your package in four questions.
Talk to us about your manuscriptWhat a developmental edit looks at
Structure
Does the order of chapters work? Does each part earn its place, and does the book build to its ending or conclusion?
Argument or plot
For non-fiction: is the promise of the book kept, step by step? For fiction: do the plot, stakes and turning points hold together?
Pacing
Where does the book drag, rush or repeat itself, and what can be cut or moved?
Gaps and clarity
What will a reader not understand, or need to know sooner? Which examples, scenes or evidence are missing?
Audience and voice
Is the book pitched at the reader it is for, in a voice that stays consistent?
Does your book need a developmental edit?
- You have a complete draft but aren't sure it works as a whole.
- Early readers lose the thread, or say the middle drags.
- You can't say in a sentence what each chapter is for.
- It's your first book and you want to fix the shape before polishing the sentences.
If none of these sound like your book, start with copyediting instead.
Developmental editing vs line editing, copyediting and proofreading
| Edit | Works on | When |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental review | The whole book: structure, content, pacing | First, once a full draft exists |
| Line editing | Each paragraph and sentence: flow, clarity, tone | After the structure is settled |
| Copyediting | Correctness and consistency: grammar, spelling, style | When the text is final |
| Proofreading | The typeset pages: last typos and layout slips | Last, before printing |
All four, and which package includes each: book editing services. See also line editing and proofreading.
Developmental editing FAQs
What is developmental editing?
Developmental editing looks at the whole book rather than the sentences: its structure, argument or plot, pacing, gaps and audience. The editor tells you what to change and why, so the next draft works as a book.
Do you sell developmental editing on its own?
No. A comprehensive developmental and editorial review (up to 80,000 words) is included in our Rockstar package and above, together with the rest of the publishing work.
How much does developmental editing cost?
With us it isn't priced on its own: it comes with the Rockstar package and above. See the packages page for each package's price and what it includes.
Do I need developmental editing?
Get one if you're unsure the book works as a whole: readers lose the thread, the middle drags, or you can't say what each chapter is for. If early readers are happy with the shape of the book, copyediting may be enough.
What's the difference between developmental editing and line editing?
Developmental editing works on the book's structure and content; line editing works on how each sentence reads. Do the developmental work first, so no one polishes a chapter that is later cut.
How long does it take?
Developmental work is part of a full publishing package, which takes 4–6 weeks standard; occasionally up to 8 weeks.
Ready to publish your book?
Compare what each package includes, or send us your questions on WhatsApp.