Developmental Editing

Evaluation editing, also known as manuscript critique or structural edit, is a critical step in the writing process that helps authors assess and strengthen the overall structure and content of their manuscript. It involves a high-level analysis of the story’s plot, characters, pacing, and narrative flow. Here’s a comprehensive guide to evaluation editing, including its importance, key elements, and best practices:

What is Evaluation Editing?

The purpose of Evaluation editing is to provide authors with constructive feedback on their manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses.

It helps identify potential areas for improvement, such as plot holes, inconsistent character arcs, pacing issues, and structural challenges. The editor’s goal is to offer insights that will guide the author in enhancing the story’s impact and readability.

Engaging a Qualified Editor: To ensure a valuable evaluation, authors should hire a qualified editor with experience in their genre. Look for an editor who understands the conventions and expectations of your target audience. It’s essential to find someone who can provide insightful feedback while respecting your creative vision.

Manuscript Assessment:The editor begins by thoroughly reading the entire manuscript to gain a comprehensive understanding of the story and its themes. During this initial assessment, they consider the overall coherence and effectiveness of the narrative.

1. Evaluating Plot and Structure:

The editor evaluates the manuscript’s plot to ensure it has a clear and compelling arc. They look for engaging openings, rising tension, and a satisfying resolution. If any plot points or subplots are unclear or underdeveloped, the editor will point them out and suggest improvements.

2. Character Analysis:

Characters play a vital role in any story, and the editor assesses their depth, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative. They look for consistent character behavior and compelling relationships between characters. The editor will also highlight any instances where characters may lack development or need further exploration.

3. Pacing and Narrative Flow:

A well-paced story keeps readers engaged, and the editor evaluates the manuscript’s pacing to ensure it aligns with the genre and target audience. They look for sections that may be dragging or rushing, and offer suggestions to maintain a balanced and engaging narrative flow.

4. Identifying Themes and Subtext: An editor helps authors explore the underlying themes and subtext of their work. They can offer insights on how to strengthen these elements to create a more resonant and impactful story.

5. Addressing Structural Issues: Evaluation editing may uncover structural issues, such as the need to rearrange chapters, add or remove scenes, or revise the story’s timeline. The editor will provide guidance on how to organize the manuscript for maximum impact.

6. Balancing Show vs. Tell: Editors help authors strike a balance between showing the story through vivid scenes and telling important information. They advise on when to delve into character emotions and sensory details and when to summarize information concisely.

7. Providing a Comprehensive Critique:

Upon completing the evaluation, the editor provides a detailed critique that addresses all aspects of the manuscript. The feedback should be constructive, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

Collaborating with the Author: The editing process is a collaborative one, and authors are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification on the feedback. Open communication between the author and editor is essential for achieving the best possible results.

Implementing Revisions: After receiving the critique, authors can revise their manuscript based on the editor’s suggestions. They have the flexibility to accept or reject changes and make further adjustments to strengthen the story.

Finalizing the Manuscript: Once the author has completed the revisions, the manuscript is ready for the next stages of the editing process, such as line editing and proofreading.

Difference Between Evaluation and Developmental Editing

Evaluation editing and developmental editing are both high-level manuscript assessments that focus on improving the overall structure and content of a book. However, they differ in their scope and approach:

1. Scope:

• Evaluation Editing: Evaluation editing, also known as manuscript critique or structural edit, provides a broad assessment of the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. It focuses on the story’s plot, characters, pacing, and narrative flow. The goal is to identify potential issues and offer insights to guide the author in enhancing the overall structure and impact of the story.
• Developmental Editing: Developmental editing is a more comprehensive and in-depth process that goes beyond structural evaluation. It involves working closely with the author to address issues with character development, dialogue, writing style, tone, and other elements that affect the manuscript’s quality. Developmental editors often provide specific suggestions and revisions to help the author strengthen the narrative on a more detailed level.

2. Level of Detail:

• Evaluation Editing: In evaluation editing, the editor provides a higher-level analysis and critique of the manuscript, focusing on its broad elements. They may not delve into specific sentences or paragraphs, but instead, offer feedback on the overall storytelling and plot progression.
• Developmental Editing: Developmental editing is more granular and involves a line-by-line analysis of the manuscript. The editor examines each sentence, paragraph, and scene to provide detailed feedback on language, structure, and coherence. They may make suggestions for rewrites or revisions to enhance the writing and storytelling.

3. Focus on Revision:

• Evaluation Editing: The primary goal of evaluation editing is to provide the author with insights to guide their revisions. The editor identifies areas that need improvement and offers general suggestions for enhancing the story’s impact.
• Developmental Editing: Developmental editing is a collaborative process that involves ongoing communication between the author and editor. The editor not only provides feedback but also works closely with the author to help them implement revisions and improve the manuscript at a more profound level.

4. Timing in the Editing Process:

• Evaluation Editing: Evaluation editing is often one of the first steps in the editing process. It helps authors assess the overall strengths and weaknesses of their manuscript before proceeding with more detailed edits.
• Developmental Editing: Developmental editing typically occurs after the evaluation editing stage. Once the author has received the broad feedback and made initial revisions, they may engage in developmental editing to further refine and polish the manuscript.

In summary, evaluation editing focuses on providing a high-level assessment of the manuscript’s structure and storytelling, while developmental editing is a more extensive process that involves detailed feedback and collaboration with the author to improve the manuscript at a deeper level. Both forms of editing are essential for enhancing the overall quality of a book and preparing it for further stages of editing and publication.