Writing Lite Tip 34: Get a developmental edit once your manuscript is finished

Writing Lite Tip 34: Get a developmental edit once your manuscript is finished.

You’ve finished your manuscript! You’ve polished and edited and rewritten it five times. You’re ready to publish, right? 

Wrong. If you want to be a professional, hire a developmental editor. Yes, it costs money, but that investment will show you where the manuscript’s strengths are, and where there is still room for improvement.

A good developmental editor will look at characterization, plot, and setting to see if they’re consistent, credible, and cogent. A great developmental editor will look at your prose as well. I’ve published 11 novels, and I always use a developmental editor. I never leave home without one. 

BTW, your spouse or mother or cousin does not qualify.

You can see all my Writing Lite tips thus far here on Pinterest.