Applying Developmental Edits for the First Time: A Comprehensive Guide
Frustrated by the scarcity of information on how to apply developmental edits as a writer, I embarked on a quest for knowledge. While I found numerous editor's perspectives, my search for a method of implementing developmental edits from my side of the table left me high and dry – save for one promising video (but more on that later).
This predicament felt reminiscent of constructing a grandiose cathedral, only to have the master architect (developmental editor) point out missing elements, like the vestry, hidden within a solid wall. Adding these elusive structures to cohesively blend with the existing structure seemed impossible, yet here I am with my own method to share.
So, without further ado, I present six tips for writers tackling developmental edits for the first time:
- Create a Roadmap: Take your editor's requests and transform them into a checklist document. This comprehensive document will guide you through the editing process, keeping you organized and providing a clear bird's-eye view of your story's evolution.
- Prioritize Feedback: Once you've compiled the checklist, focus on the "big picture" issues first. Break down each large-scale change into more manageable, section-specific tasks. By prioritizing, I discovered a sense of direction, ensuring a clear understanding of the story's big-picture changes.
- Utilize the Frankenstein Method: Adopt the Frankenstein method suggested by Jessica Brody – open three documents: your original manuscript, a blank file, and a revision notes document. Copy the sections you wish to keep into the blank file, and annotate with revision ideas within brackets. Once you've annotated the entire manuscript, stitch the bracketed areas back into your original work, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.
- Embrace Ugly: This method provides a protective barrier for your original work while highlighting the correction points. It allows you to write loosely and experiment in ways that lead to more effective, polished prose. Embracing this ugliness helped me focus on completing the revision process rather than striving for perfection in the early stages.
- Pace Yourself: Do not rush the revision process. Take breaks to work on separate projects or activities to maintain a fresh perspective and avoid burnout. Imposter syndrome and extreme stress were quieting my editorial instincts, making it crucial to find a balance between work and time off.
- Seek Second Opinions: Share the revised manuscript with mentors, colleagues, or peers, ideally those who have closely followed the story's original development. Gaining a fresh perspective on changes made will help you assess if the developmental edits align with your vision.
In conclusion, developmental editing is an essential aspect of revising manuscripts, ensuring they meet genre and audience expectations. Writers must adopt a structured approach to managing large-scale changes, employ methods such as the Frankenstein method, embrace the value of imperfect drafts, and learn to trust their instincts in the editing process. Good luck, fellow writers!
Engaging in education-and-self-development, I embarked on a learning journey to master developmental edits as a writer. Through personal-growth and continued learning, I discovered effective strategies like creating a roadmap, prioritizing feedback, adopting the Frankenstein Method, embracing the messy first draft, pacing myself, and seeking second opinions to improve my writing.
