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# What Is Developmental Editing and What to Expect From One
- URL: https://brookevitale.com/blog/developmental-edit/
- Published: 2021-06-06T20:47:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-09T20:14:25.000Z
- Description: Developmental editing, also called line editing or structural editing, is a comprehensive and in-depth review of your manuscript. Here we discuss what to expect from one.
- Author: Andrew Vitale
- Tags: Editing

## What is a developmental edit?

A developmental edit—also called a line edit, structural edit, or substantive edit—is a thorough, line by line review of a manuscript. This comes after an [editorial assessment](https://brookevitale.com/blog/what-is-an-editorial-assessment/), and is the stage at which a book editor is finessing the actual language of a manuscript, with a focus on word count, page count, dialogue tags, narrative pacing, and more.

For a children's book, a developmental editor is also looking at page breaks (also called book pagination) and may be offering up art notes for the illustrator. All in all, the goal of the developmental is to make an author's language—and story—sing. So, what specifically goes into a line edit? Let's take a closer look!

## What does a developmental edit look for?

### Word choice

One of the biggest things a developmental editor is checking a book for is word choice. Is what the author is *trying* to say coming across properly? Do the words being used mean what an author thinks they do, or has an author made a word choice that *almost* means what they want to convey, but isn't quite right? Is there a better way to phrase something to make for stronger story telling? For example, if someone is grabbing something in a rush, do they pick it up or snatch it? “Snatched” conveys that urgency where “picked up” does not.

How about dialogue? Are dialogue tags being well-used or overused? If every sentence ends with a loud dialogue tag—cried, exclaimed, shouted, yelled, and so on—the reader is going to end up paying more attention to the way things are being said than the actual words being said. Similarly, if every sentence ends with the dialogue tag "he said," the story is going to feel redundant. A line edit will keep an eye on this, and will help mix the dialogue tags up so they read naturally. 

[![5 Tips to write dialogue effectively](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-use-dialogue-tags-cover.jpg)Related article5 Tips to write dialogue effectivelyDialogue is an essential part of any good story, and with that comes dialogue tags. These are your way of telling the reader who is speaking. But how can you use them wisely to make sure they don't take over your book?Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/how-to-use-dialogue-tags/) 

Word choice is even more important in a children's book, where the reader has a more limited vocabulary (or in the case of an early reader book, has a limited ability to decode text.)

A [developmental editor](https://brookevitale.com/developmental-editor/), and in particular a children's book editor, will ensure that an author is writing at a level kids can understand. They will find and correct words that are too big for the age range—or will help set them in the proper context so that the meaning can be deciphered. By the same token, an experienced children's book editor will know to fix words that may be too juvenile for the age range.

> For example: A character in a middle grade book likely wouldn't say they have a tummy ache.

A line edit will also keep an eye out for phrases or idioms that might confuse a child. Remember, young kids are very literal. While an adult understands the meaning of a phrase such as "It's raining cats and dogs," a young child will likely think it is LITERALLY raining cats and dogs. At the end of the day, a developmental editor's job on a children's book is to make sure the final book is something a child can understand and enjoy. A book that’s too hard will put a child off, but one that’s too simple will do the same. It’s a delicate balance that a developmental edit will help an author to find.

### Sentence structure

In writing a book, it's important not just to vary language, but to vary sentence structure. Take a look at the following passage:

> *Climbing the tree, he reached for the branch. Swinging, he kicked his feet up. Laughing, he dropped to the ground.*

Note how every sentence starts the same way? Using the same structure over and over starts to feel redundant. A developmental editor will keep an eye out for instances where changing the sentence structure will improve readability and flow. Take a look at the corrected text:

> *Climbing the tree, he reached for the branch. His fingers grazed the thin sliver of wood, and he kicked his feet up. A laugh filled his throat as he swung once and then dropped to the ground.*

Better, right? More interesting? Of course, a line edit is looking at more than just this. It is also making sure that an author isn't using too many short sentences in a row, or that a story doesn't have one giant paragraph that’s all one sentence.

### Past tense or present tense

One of the biggest things a line editor will check for is story tense. Is an author jumping between past tense and present tense? (It happens more than you might think!) And more importantly, is the story better served by being in past tense or present tense? (How in the moment is a story? Present tense works well when a character is experiencing events as they unfold, without major time jumps. Past tense works well when the story is less linear or is not being directly experienced by the character.)

### Character development

This is a big one. A good book is usually based on good character development—on understanding a character's motivations and why they act as they do. A line edit will look at whether the protagonist is acting out of character. It will assess whether the characters are fully developed, or if the concept of show versus tell is being well utilized. A developmental editor will also help an author to shape a character and look at the characters' language to make sure they are their richest selves possible.

[![Character Questionnaire: 180 Character Development Ideas](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/character-questionnaire-cover.jpg)Related articleCharacter Questionnaire: 180 Character Development IdeasA character questionnaire with180 character development questions to help authors build richer, more authentic, and more engaging characters.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/character-questionnaire/) 

### Word count

Different genres of books have different word counts associated with them. Picture books have a very specific word count: under 1,000 words. A developmental edit on a picture book will help you cut out the unnecessary words and bring a manuscript down to the right length.

[![5 Steps to Cut Text in a Picture Book](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-cut-text-in-a-picture-book-cover.jpg)Related article5 Steps to Cut Text in a Picture BookYou've written your picture book, but it's coming in well over 1,000 words. So what do you do now? How can you trim it down to an acceptable length when you think your book is perfect as-is?Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/how-to-cut-text-in-a-picture-book/) 

But picture books are not the only kinds of books with specified word counts. Chapter books, middle grade books, YA . . . they all have basic guidelines to follow. 

[![Children's Book Target Audience: Age Range, Page Counts, & Themes](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-determine-your-audience-cover.jpg)Related articleChildren's Book Target Audience: Age Range, Page Counts, & ThemesWriting a children's book can be challenging, but so can figuring out which book format category it falls into. Is your book a picture book? An early reader? A chapter book? Figure it out with this easy-to-use cheat sheet!Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/childrens-book-target-audience/) 

A developmental edit will look at the word count and help an author fine tune the story to only have the words that are really needed!

### Story pacing and art notes

Not every children's book editor will do this, but when I do a developmental edit on a picture book, I always finish off by making suggestions for story pacing—what text should go on each page and where page breaks should go. I also include suggestions for art notes (what the illustrations should look like on each page).

Often when writing art notes, I find that my suggestions for several pages look the same. When that happens, I will usually go back and shift the page breaks or re-edit the text. (Many pages that look the same may mean that there is too much text, or that there are story moments that aren't needed!) 

[![A Template for Children's Book Layout, Pagination & Design](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-paginate-a-picture-book-cover.jpg)Related articleA Template for Children's Book Layout, Pagination & DesignThis easy-to-follow children's book layout template will guide authors through picture book layout and story pacing, with sample 32 page picture book template.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/childrens-book-layout/) 

## What *doesn't* a developmental editor do?

Developmental editing is all about whipping a story into shape. But that doesn't meant that there won't be any typos, nor does it meant the grammar will be perfect. While many developmental editors have a good grasp on grammar, and they will do their *best* to deliver back a clean manuscript, making sure it's perfect isn't their job. That falls to a copy editor, who has been thoroughly trained in all things grammar and stylistic decisions for books. 

[![What's The Difference Between Copy Editing and Proofreading?](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/what-is-copy-editing-cover.jpg)Related articleWhat's The Difference Between Copy Editing and Proofreading?Copy editing. It’s one of the more confusing editorial services. Why? Because it’s often mistaken for line editing or developmental editing. As a new author, it’s hard to know exactly what editorial service is needed and at what stage. So let’s take a look at what copy editing is and where it fits into the editorial process.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/what-is-copy-editing/) 

That last set of eyes on a book should never be the same person who did a line edit on a book. That's because they're so in the weeds on the intricacies of a story, they are likely to miss little things. Their eyes will gloss over a typo because they will see what they EXPECT to see. A copy editor comes in with clean eyes and no expectations, and as such is better suited to find those last changes.

[![What Is Proofreading: the Most Misunderstood Editing Service](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/what-is-proofreading-cover.jpg)Related articleWhat Is Proofreading: the Most Misunderstood Editing ServiceProofreading is a review of designed book pages against a copy edited manuscript. A proofreader is looking primarily for formatting issues, but will also read for spelling and grammar mistakes. Proofreading is the last editorial step before a book goes to the printer.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/what-is-proofreading/) 

A developmental edit may take one round of review, or it may take five. It all depends on the kind of book and how many changes are needed. Once the developmental edit is complete, it is time to move on to the next stage in the book-publishing process.

### Do you need to hire a book editor?

[![How to Find a Book Editor: 5 Steps to Hire the Right Editor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-hire-a-book-editor-cover.jpg)Related articleHow to Find a Book Editor: 5 Steps to Hire the Right EditorThis 5-step process will teach you how to hire the best editor for YOUR book. Whether a children's book or novel, get your book ready to publish or query.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/how-to-hire-a-book-editor/) 

> Pro Tip: And remember, any professional you hire should provide a contract that outlines what they will do for you. Not only will terms be set, but you'll know you're protected. Not sure what to expect from a contract? Check out my [sample editorial contract.](https://brookevitale.com/content/files/2026/10/sample-contract.docx)

### Do you need to hire an illustrator?

[![How to Find an Illustrator: Hire an Illustrator in 10 Steps](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/when-should-i-illustrate-my-book-cover.jpg)Related articleHow to Find an Illustrator: Hire an Illustrator in 10 StepsThis 10-step guide will teach you how to find an illustrator, prepare a children's book for illustration, and hire an illustrator that's right for your book.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/hire-an-illustrator-for-a-childrens-book/) 

### Do you need to write a query letter?

[![How to Get Manuscript Requests by Writing a Killer Query Letter](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-write-a-query-letter-cover.jpg)Related articleHow to Get Manuscript Requests by Writing a Killer Query LetterA step-by-step guide to writing a query letter that will get literary agents and editors requesting your manuscript. With query letter examples and templates.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/query-letter/) 

### Do you need to get a literary agent?

[![Top Children's Book Agents Accepting Submissions 2024 | Agent Query Guide](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/how-to-find-a-childrens-book-agent-cover.jpg)Related articleTop Children's Book Agents Accepting Submissions 2024 | Agent Query GuideLiterary agents are the gatekeepers to getting a manuscript acquired by a book publisher, and they are all looking for the next big book. Below are the top 35 children's book literary agencies accepting submissions. For illustrators seeking representation, there are several illustrator agencies listed as well.Read the article →](https://brookevitale.com/blog/how-to-find-a-childrens-book-agent/) 

Whichever developmental editor you choose to use, and however you find them, you'll be glad you took the time to get a set of professional eyes on your book!