Do You Really Need a Developmental Editor?
I’ve seen a lot of posts lately on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads debating whether or not authors really need a developmental editor.
My short answer—in my opinion—is yes.
The longer answer is more nuanced, because every book is different, every writer is different, and where you are in your career matters. But if you’re newer to writing or publishing, this is one of those topics where clarity can save you years of frustration.
What a Developmental Editor Actually Does
A developmental editor looks at the bones of your book:
Plot and structure
Character arcs and motivation
Pacing
Stakes and tension
Theme and cohesion
They are not fixing commas.
They are helping you learn how to tell the strongest version of your story.
That distinction matters.
How Developmental Editing Changed My Writing
When I wrote and published Soul Jumper nearly six years ago, I hired a developmental editor and she was incredible.
I learned more from her edits on that book than I could have learned from a dozen craft books. She didn’t just tell me what wasn’t working; she explained why.
I hired her again for my next two books, The Man Before You and Encampment.
By the time I turned in Encampment, she told me it was my best writing yet.
Not because I magically became a better writer, but because I paid attention.
I took her feedback from Soul Jumper and The Man Before You and applied it before Encampment ever reached her inbox. I learned. My writing improved.
That’s the goal.
When I Didn’t Use a Developmental Editor
When I wrote the Grand Mesa series, I didn’t hire a developmental editor.
My longtime editor, Laura, was retiring, and by that point I felt ready to move straight to proofreading. I found a proofreader I loved, and she worked on all four books in the series.
That decision made sense for where I was at the time.
And that’s an important point: what your book needs can—and will—change.
There’s More Than One Way to Get Professional Eyes on Your Book
When I wrote Heart of a Killer, I wanted more than a proofread but less than a full developmental edit. It was my first dark romance, and I specifically wanted feedback on plot, pacing, and overall effectiveness.
So instead, I had a manuscript evaluation done.
This is essentially a professional, in-depth beta read. And in my experience, it is vastly different from unpaid beta feedback.
I absolutely believe in free beta readers—and I have wonderful readers who beta for me. But free beta feedback often looks like:
“I liked it!”
“This part felt a little off.”
That’s helpful—but it’s not the same as professional analysis.
If you’re expecting detailed, actionable feedback, paying for it matters.
Editing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s the part newer writers really need to hear:
Every single book is different.
You have to be honest about what this book needs.
If it’s your first book: get the developmental edit.
If you’ve published a few and feel ready: try a manuscript evaluation or structural critique.
No matter what stage you’re at: do not skip proofreading.
That final pass for typos, grammar, and small errors makes an enormous difference in how professional your book feels.
I don’t think there’s ever a good reason to skip a proofreader.
“But Developmental Edits Are Expensive”
They are.
And they’re worth it.
Many editors offer payment plans. Many will work with you to make the process manageable. This is one area where I don’t believe cutting corners serves you in the long run.
There are a lot of excellent free resources for indie authors—but editing should not be where you try to save.
Good editing doesn’t make you a bad writer.
It makes you a better one.
Final Thoughts for Newer Writers
Editing is part of the creative process.
The right editor will teach you how to see your own work more clearly. Over time, you’ll need less intensive editing—not because you’re skipping steps, but because you’ve learned.
That growth doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens when you let someone help you make your book what it’s truly capable of being.
If this was helpful: I’m always happy to talk editing, process, and publishing decisions—especially with newer writers trying to figure out their next step. You’re welcome to leave a comment or reach out privately at shalanabattles@gmail.com.
