Developmental editing can turn your manuscript from “Well-written!” to “Oh, my! This is so beautiful! It reminded me of home and my mother!”
Who wouldn’t want that?
It can turn the proverbial yummy pumpkin to a luxury carriage fit for a queen. It can. I have seen the transformation in the work of some stellar editors I have learned from. They possess a magic wand. Nothing else can release the powerful alchemy they deploy at will. #truestory
Developmental Editing isn’t about correcting grammar or punctuation. In fact, most developmental editors prefer not dotting the Is and crossing your Ts or running after escaped articles or tightening your slack tenses or coaxing your verbs to remain in line with your subjects. All these things are vitally important and can derail a reading experience completely. But they still are not the focus of a developmental editor.
Their primary job is to refine and enhance your manuscript to ensure it resonates deeply with your readers. Since I cannot share the work of a client, I created an entirely fictional yet illustrative case study to demonstrate the impact of developmental editing.
Before we dive into the case-study, here’s a disclaimer. Developmental editing is more about teaching, coaxing and/or guiding you to enhance your narrative in the manner shown below. We don’t rewrite your story; we only point you to places where improvements are needed–and how to make them happen. If you aren’t able to quite get it, we might give you a demo rewrite sample so you know what we meant when we say, “Wakey wakey! You sent me to sleep here!”
Seasoned authors might need it less often, but since they have experienced the difference, they are more appreciative of the pointers—which is always a happy thing for yours truly. Anyhow, enough of digressing.
Lets get into it!
Anjali’s Manuscript: A Case Study
Anjali, a budding author from Pune, approached me with her manuscript titled “A Journey Through Monsoons.” Her story was a heartfelt narrative about her childhood experiences in rural Maharashtra, capturing the essence of the monsoon season and its impact on her family and community. The joys of the advent of monsoon was pivotal to the whole experience she wanted to create for her reader.
Anjali had poured her heart into the manuscript, but she was sure it could be made better. She felt it lacked that ‘spark’ which engages a reader deeply.
Before Editing:
“The monsoons were always a big event in our village. Every year, we waited eagerly for the rains. It was a time of happiness and relief for all. The fields would turn green, and we could finally start planting. The children loved playing in the rain, making paper boats and watching them float away. The adults were busy with their work, but they always had time to enjoy a hot cup of tea and some bhajiyas.”
While Anjali’s initial draft conveyed a sense of nostalgia, it lacked vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and a strong narrative structure. The story felt more like a series of observations rather than a compelling journey.
The Developmental Editing Process:
Developmental editing involves looking at the big picture elements of a manuscript—structure, plot, character development, pacing, and themes. For Anjali’s manuscript, I focused on:
- Enhancing Descriptive Language: Adding sensory details to bring the monsoon season to life.
- Deepening Emotional Impact: Highlighting the personal and communal significance of the monsoons.
- Strengthening Narrative Arc: Creating a more defined storyline with clear peaks and valleys.
Through several rounds of feedback and revisions, we worked on transforming Anjali’s manuscript into a more engaging and impactful narrative.
After Editing:
“Monsoons are the life-blood of villages. Their arrival is much awaited, and even more celebrated. We are 70% water. Monsoon reminds each drop of us that it is time to go home.
“As the first drops of rain kisses the parched earth our relief is palpable. Barren fields transform into verdant carpets, teeming with new life. For the children, the monsoons are boundless joy. Dancing in the rain, their laughter echoing through the village, they race paper boats on the swelling streams. For adults, the rains bring a mix of labor and leisure. They toil in the rejuvenated fields, their spirits buoyed by the promise of a bountiful harvest. Evenings are reserved for swapping oft-told stories over hot cups of tea and plates of crispy bhajiyas, their aroma mingling with the heady petrichor.”
The edited version of Anjali’s manuscript not only painted a more vivid picture of the monsoon season but also connected emotionally with the readers, making them feel a part of the village’s transformation.
Why Good Editing Matters:
Good editing is crucial for several reasons:
- Clarity and Coherence: Editing ensures that your ideas are communicated clearly and coherently, making it easier for readers to follow your narrative.
- Emotional Engagement: A well-edited manuscript captures the readers’ emotions, keeping them invested in the story.
- Polished Prose: Editing refines your language, enhancing the overall readability and professionalism of your manuscript.
- Structural Integrity: Developmental editing strengthens the structure of your manuscript, ensuring a well-paced and engaging story.
Editing activates the ‘turbo-mode’ for your manuscript. Developmental editing doesn’t only polish your narrative, it can make it unforgettable.
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Mother of three adult humans. An idealistic, outspoken woman of scrupulous integrity, in love with words. A storyteller who enjoys crocheting tales.
And a passionate bibliophile, of course.