Before You Hire a Developmental Editor, Do This First
Finishing your manuscript is a big deal.
You’ve written the thing. You’ve survived the thing. You’ve questioned your sanity at least twice.
And now you’re ready for developmental editing, which means you’re officially in your “let’s make this book actually good” era.
But before you hit send on your manuscript…
Let’s make sure you’re not wasting your time (or money).
Because the better prepared your manuscript is, the better and more useful your feedback will be.
1. Finish the Entire Manuscript (Yes, All of It)
I know. Revolutionary advice.
But developmental editing works on big-picture story structure, which means your editor needs to see:
the beginning
the messy middle
and the ending you may or may not have rushed
If your manuscript isn’t complete, it’s impossible to properly evaluate:
pacing
character arcs
romantic development
So before anything else: finish the book.
Even if it’s imperfect. Especially if it’s imperfect.
2. Do a Basic Round of Self-Editing
Developmental editing is not the time to send in a chaotic first draft full of typos and half-formed sentences.
Can your editor technically read it? Yes.
Should they have to decode it? No.
Before submitting, clean up:
obvious grammar and spelling errors
repeated words or sentences
confusing scenes
clunky dialogue
This isn’t about perfection, it’s about making your manuscript readable enough that the focus stays on story structure and character development, not avoidable distractions.
3. Take a Hard Look at Your Story Structure
Before handing your book over, do a quick (and honest) check-in with your plot.
Ask yourself:
Does my story have a clear inciting incident?
Does the middle actually build tension?
Does the climax resolve the main conflict?
Does the story feel complete?
You don’t need perfect answers.
But thinking about these questions helps you:
understand your own story better
get more targeted, useful feedback
4. Strengthen the Romantic Arc (Or At Least Be Aware of It)
This is a romance novel. The relationship is not a side plot. It is the plot.
Before submitting, ask yourself:
Why are these two people attracted to each other?
What’s stopping them from being together?
Does the romantic tension actually build?
Does the ending feel earned or convenient?
If you’re unsure, that’s fine.
Just… know that this is where a lot of developmental feedback will land.
5. Make a List of Questions for Your Editor
Want to get really good value out of your developmental edit?
Don’t just send your manuscript. Send your doubts.
Ask things like:
Does the pacing work throughout the story?
Are the character motivations clear?
Is the romantic tension strong enough?
Does the ending deliver emotionally?
This helps your editor focus on what you care about, not just what they notice.
6. Format Your Manuscript Like a Functional Adult
Formatting won’t make your story better, but bad formatting will make the process harder than it needs to be.
Stick to standard manuscript formatting:
double-spaced text
readable font (Times New Roman, 12 pt)
one-inch margins
page numbers
Clean formatting = easier reading = better feedback.
Simple.
7. Be Open to Feedback (I Beg You)
Developmental editing is not light feedback.
This is:
“this isn’t working”
“this needs restructuring”
“this character arc needs more depth”
It’s not personal. It’s professional.
If you go in expecting only praise, you will have a bad time.
If you go in open to learning?
This is where your story levels up.
Why Preparation Actually Matters
The more prepared your manuscript is, the more your editor can focus on what really matters:
story structure and pacing
character development and emotional arcs
romantic tension and chemistry
overall reader experience
Instead of pointing out things you could’ve fixed yourself in one focused afternoon.
We want depth. Not distraction.
Ready for Feedback? Let’s Make This Easy.
If you’ve done the work and you’re ready for honest, useful feedback (the kind that actually improves your story), here’s where to go next:
Choose Developmental Editing if you want a deep dive into your plot, pacing, character arcs, and romance structure
Go for a Manuscript Critique if you want a clear, high-level report without the full intensity
Try Beta Reading if you want to understand how your story feels from a reader’s perspective, with real-time reactions
