Book Editing Developmental Editing

Question 1

What is the primary focus of a developmental editor?

Accepted Answer

Big-picture structure, plot, and character development

Answer

Developmental editors focus on big-picture elements like structure, pacing, plot, and character arcs rather than line-level corrections.

Question 2

Which document does a developmental editor typically produce to summarize major revision needs?

Accepted Answer

Editorial letter

Answer

An editorial letter outlines the major structural and content concerns a developmental editor identifies for the author to address.

Question 3

At what stage of the publishing process does developmental editing typically occur?

Accepted Answer

Before copy editing

Answer

Developmental editing occurs early in the process, before copy editing, because it may result in significant content changes.

Question 4

What is 'scene-by-scene analysis' used for in developmental editing?

Accepted Answer

Assessing pacing, purpose, and dramatic tension in each scene

Answer

Scene-by-scene analysis helps a developmental editor evaluate whether each scene advances plot, character, or theme and maintains appropriate pacing.

Question 5

Which of the following is a red flag a developmental editor would flag in a novel?

Accepted Answer

A plot hole where a character knows information they couldn't have

Answer

Plot holes—such as characters possessing impossible knowledge—are structural issues that developmental editors identify and flag for revision.

Book Editing Practice Test