Developmental Editors: What to Look for and How to Vet Candidates
Hiring a developmental editor? Learn how to review sample edits, assess style match, and set editorial contracts.
Julian Thorne
Senior Managing Editor
"A developmental editor refines your story structure, pacing, and character arcs. Finding the right editor requires vetting portfolios, analyzing feedback samples, and aligning expectations."
Core Key Takeaways
- Reviewing Portfolio Experience and Genres
- Vetting Editors with Paid Sample Edits
- Setting Editorial Contracts and Deliverables
1. Reviewing Portfolio Experience and Genres
Choose an editor who specializes in your specific genre. An editor experienced in business guides will not understand the pacing rules of a science fiction novel.
- Look for editors with active portfolios in your specific subgenre.
- Ask for testimonials or links to books they have edited.
- Confirm their familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.
2. Vetting Editors with Paid Sample Edits
Request a paid sample edit of 1,000 words. Review their feedback style to confirm their notes are constructive and improve sentence clarity.
Build a High-Converting Author Platform & Digital Hub
Custom author websites, newsletter reader magnets, and direct-to-reader digital storefronts that sell books on autopilot.
3. Setting Editorial Contracts and Deliverables
Draft a contract detailing the deadline, payment terms, and exactly what is included (e.g., editorial letters, follow-up calls).
The Takeaway
Editorial collaboration sharpens your writing. The managing editors at Golden Ivory Publishing provide developmental reviews to polish your story.
Build a High-Converting Author Platform & Digital Hub
Custom author websites, newsletter reader magnets, and direct-to-reader digital storefronts that sell books on autopilot.
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