Description

Many authors seek copyeditors for projects that simply aren’t ready for prime time. A copyeditor isn’t equipped to address weak structures, shaky arguments, or rough prose. That’s where developmental editing comes in. This comprehensive service can help an author improve their manuscript in a holistic way, getting it in the best shape possible before the copyedit. Authors may not even know they need developmental editing until their copyeditor tells them—but when they learn what a good dev edit can do for a manuscript, you’ll be their hero.

This 90-minute presentation, geared toward nonfiction copyeditors but open to editors at any level of experience, will introduce you to developmental editing for nonfiction books. Whether you’re hoping to offer this as your primary service or adding it to your repertoire, you will learn how developmental editing differs from copyediting, what developmental editors look to improve in different nonfiction manuscript types, what it takes to be a great developmental editor, and how to start honing your developmental skills or finding other pros to partner with. With these tools in your toolbox, you’ll be equipped to save the day.

Ally Machate, founder & CEO of The Writer’s Ally, is a bestselling author and expert publishing consultant leading serious authors toward success since 1999. Ally leverages a background in “Big Five” publishing to lead a diversified team of professionals in helping serious authors to write, publish, and sell more high-quality books through both traditional and independent channels with a variety of services and support.