What Is the Difference Between Developmental Editing and Copyediting?

 Understanding the difference between developmental editing and copyediting is crucial for any writer aiming to publish a high-quality book. Though both are forms of editing, they serve distinct purposes, happen at different stages of the manuscript process, and focus on entirely different elements of your writing. Choosing the right type of editing at the right time can make the difference between a good book and a truly great one.

This guide breaks down the definitions, goals, focus areas, timing, outcomes, and costs of developmental editing vs. copyediting, so you can determine which one your manuscript needs and when.

---

1. Definition of Developmental Editing

Developmental editing (also known as substantive or structural editing) is the first major stage of professional editing, focusing on the content, structure, and overall narrative of your manuscript. It involves analyzing the story or message as a whole—often suggesting big changes to the plot, chapters, characters, flow, or organization.

Think of it as an architectural revision of your book.

Developmental Editing is for:

• Fiction (novels, short stories)

• Nonfiction (memoirs, self-help, instructional, academic)

---

2. Definition of Copyediting

Copyediting is a later stage of editing that focuses on language mechanics, consistency, and correctness. It's about cleaning up the manuscript technically—ensuring proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and stylistic consistency.

Think of it as the polishing phase—refining what’s already built.

Copyediting does not fix plot holes or reorganize your structure; it assumes your content is already in its final form.

---

3. Primary Focus of Each Editing Type

Aspect	Developmental Editing	Copyediting
Purpose	Shape and refine the core structure and content	Polish and correct language usage and style
Focus Areas	Plot, pacing, characters, flow, logic, big ideas	Grammar, punctuation, word usage, consistency
Questions Answered	Does the book work? Is it clear, engaging, logical?	Is the writing clean, professional, and error-free?
Changes Made	Structural revisions, content cuts/additions	Sentence-level corrections, factual checks
Editor’s Deliverables	Editorial letter, in-text comments	Tracked changes, style sheet, corrections

4. What Developmental Editing Includes

A developmental editor typically:

• Analyzes the structure of your book (beginning, middle, end)

• Evaluates plot coherence and pacing

• Identifies character weaknesses, inconsistencies, or underdevelopment

• Assesses whether your message or theme is clear and impactful

• Suggests cutting or rewriting entire chapters or sections

• Recommends where content needs expansion or reduction

• May return a detailed editorial letter summarizing major issues

• Provides in-line comments with ideas and questions

Example for fiction: Your protagonist lacks a clear motivation. A developmental editor might suggest adding scenes that build internal conflict.

Example for nonfiction: Your chapters feel disorganized. The editor might suggest a new chapter sequence to build logic and flow.

---

5. What Copyediting Includes

A copyeditor typically:

• Corrects grammar, punctuation, and spelling

• Fixes sentence structure or awkward phrasing

• Checks consistency in style (e.g., capitalizations, hyphen usage, numerals)

• Ensures tense and POV consistency

• Maintains adherence to a style guide (Chicago Manual of Style, APA, MLA)

• Flags minor factual inconsistencies (names, dates, terminology)

• Provides tracked changes and a style sheet

Example: Fixing a misplaced comma, correcting “affect” vs. “effect,” changing “e-mail” to “email” for consistency.

Copyediting does not suggest deleting characters, changing plotlines, or rewriting entire chapters.

---

6. Timing in the Editing Process

Editing Stage	When It's Done
Developmental Editing	First, after the manuscript is complete but still raw
Copyediting	After structural edits and rewrites are finalized

If you copyedit before developmental editing, you risk wasting time fixing grammar on sections that may later be cut or rewritten.

---

7. Time Commitment and Depth

• Developmental editing often takes 3 to 6 weeks or more, depending on length and complexity. The editor reads deeply and may suggest multiple rounds of revision.

• Copyediting typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, focusing on technical accuracy. It’s more detailed per line but less time-consuming than structural editing.

---

8. Cost Comparison

Costs vary depending on editor experience, manuscript length, and complexity.

Editing Type	Typical Cost (USD)
Developmental Editing	$0.03–$0.08 per word (70,000 words = $2,100–$5,600)
Copyediting	$0.01–$0.03 per word (70,000 words = $700–$2,100)

Developmental editing is more expensive because it requires deep involvement, analysis, and sometimes extensive communication with the author.

---

9. Who Provides These Services?

You can find developmental and copyeditors through:

• Reedsy (vetted publishing professionals)

• Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

• Upwork, Fiverr (less consistent, but more budget-friendly options)

• Writing communities or author networks

Always ask for a sample edit and verify if they specialize in your genre.

---

10. Can One Editor Do Both?

Some editors offer bundle packages that include both developmental editing and copyediting. However:

• They typically edit in stages, not simultaneously.

• Many professional editors specialize in one or the other.

You may prefer different editors for each stage based on expertise. For example, a developmental editor might have strong storytelling instincts, while a copyeditor may be a grammar perfectionist.

---

11. Which One Do You Need First?

Ask yourself:

• Is my story or structure solid?
  If no, go for developmental editing first.

• Have I revised it based on feedback or rewrites?
  If yes, move on to copyediting.

Skipping developmental editing and jumping straight into copyediting can result in:

• A technically clean book with structural flaws

• Ineffective pacing, weak characters, or lack of clarity

• Higher costs later if major rewrites are needed

---

12. Final Results and Deliverables

Developmental Editing Output	Copyediting Output
Editorial report/letter	Style sheet (punctuation, capitalization, etc.)
In-line comments or suggestions	Tracked changes for grammar and punctuation
Potential reorganization recommendations	Consistent formatting and clean prose
Guidance on content improvement	Final pre-proofreading version

Conclusion

Developmental editing and copyediting serve very different purposes in the book editing process. Developmental editing is about big-picture storytelling, clarity, and structure, while copyediting is about technical precision, grammar, and consistency.

As an author, your editing journey should follow this logical order:

1. Developmental editing – Fix the foundation.

2. Line editing (optional) – Refine the prose.

3. Copyediting – Polish the language.

4. Proofreading – Final error check.

Knowing the difference between developmental and copyediting will help you hire the right professional at the right time—and ultimately create a better book for your readers.