What Authors Can Expect in a Developmental Sample Edit

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​If you have spent time researching a developmental editor for your novel or nonfiction book, you probably know that each editor is different. Each developmental edit is different. And unless you take time to talk to prospective editors ahead of time, you may find that what you thought you were getting isn’t what you ended up with.

Why is that?

Editing is an unregulated industry, and as such, the depth of what a developmental edit entails is subjective to the editor. Those differences are related to the editing courses they took and the instructors and mentors they learned from. That being the case, it is beneficial for every author preparing their manuscript for a professional edit to do their due diligence. Ask your prospective editor what type of edits they offer and what each edit entails.

I offer my clients developmental edits or manuscript evaluations. You can learn more about the difference and what is best for your book in the article What Type of Editing Do I Need?

But you may be asking, How do I know which developmental editor is right for me?

That’s a great question. And while not all developmental editors offer sample edits, for those that do, comparing sample edits to your preferences and needs can be a great way for you to find an editor who matches your style.

So, what would a developmental sample edit look like? Let’s take a few minutes to dive in so you will know what to expect and what to look for.

Submit a Sample of Your Book
I think it goes without saying, but when you ask a developmental editor for a sample edit, you should be prepared to provide them with a sample (usually one chapter or about 1000 words) of your book. Editors have different preferences in word count and chapter number when they are asking for a sample.

Some editors prefer the first chapter of your book. Others prefer something from the middle. There are benefits to both, and honestly, each editor knows what they need to gain the greatest understanding of your style and your book’s needs.

Personally, I request a one-thousand-word sample from the middle of your book. I believe it gives me the truest sense of your talents, style, message, and areas of opportunity. And getting to know a bit about you and your book is the goal of a sample edit.

In turn, you will get to know me, my experience, skills, and editing style through the feedback you receive. So, what will that feedback include? Let’s take a look.

What Type of Feedback Can You Expect?
The type of feedback your editor provides will depend on the type of book you are submitting. For example, if you are submitting a fiction novel, you can expect feedback on basic fiction writing techniques.

Did you make good use of active voice?
Does your character have agency?
Are your character’s motivations authentic?
Is your setting realistic?
Do you use sensory details?
Do you have a good understanding of POV?

If you submit a nonfiction sample, you can expect feedback regarding logic, flow, and readability.

Is your message clear?
Can the reader follow the points of your message easily?
Do you connect with your target audience?

You may also receive feedback on the type of edit you need. For instance, you may think you need a developmental edit, but your editor realizes that you would benefit more readily from book coaching instead. This is valuable feedback to uncover during a sample edit. It will save you both time and money, keeping you from wasting resources on an edit that won’t provide your book with what it truly needs.

Finally, you may receive some feedback regarding sentence structure since developmental edits and line edits can, at times, overlap.

What You Won’t Find
Just as important as it is to know what you will receive is knowing what you won’t. Don’t be surprised if you don’t find feedback on your story structure or character arcs in a sample edit.

“But isn’t structure, plot development, and character development an integral part of the developmental editing process?” you might ask.

Yes, it is. However, these components of the story span the entire book, and therefore, can be very difficult to evaluate in one thousand words or less. That doesn’t mean your editor couldn’t point out a plot hole if something doesn’t make sense. But for the most part, those issues will be addressed when the larger edit has taken place.

Conclusion: Maximizing a Developmental Sample Edit
It’s true that not every editor offers a developmental sample, but it may be worth asking potential editors if they will consider providing one. And while they aren’t strictly necessary for securing a great editor, if you do receive one, the benefits can go beyond simply finding the right person to partner with on your publishing journey.
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They can save you time and money, provide you with wonderful insight, and offer you direction and guidance as you take the next step to share your story with the world.
 

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