Developmental Editing, Second Edition: A Handbook for Freelancers, Authors, and Publishers

Scott Norton is an expert in developmental editing and offers advice on how to approach diagnosing and fixing structural problems with book manuscripts. This revised edition includes exercises, a new chapter on fiction, and expanded coverage of freelance business arrangements, self-published authors, e-books, and content marketing. It provides practical tools to help books find their voice and audience.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Developmental editing is a specialized skill that involves transforming a manuscript into a book that is not only informative but also inspiring and commercially successful. Scott Norton, with over three decades of experience in the field, is considered one of the foremost experts in this area. In his book, "The Only Guide to Developmental Editing: Transforming a Manuscript into a Book that Educates, Inspires, and Sells," Norton provides invaluable advice on how to approach diagnosing and resolving structural issues in book manuscripts. He demonstrates these principles through a series of detailed case studies, featuring before-and-after tables of contents, edited text samples, and other materials to make the otherwise invisible process of developmental editing more tangible.

This revised edition, for the first time, includes exercises that allow readers to edit sample materials and compare their work with that of an experienced professional. Additionally, a new chapter has been added on the unique challenges of editing fiction, providing valuable insights for aspiring and experienced developmental editors alike. The book also offers expanded coverage of various topics related to the field, such as freelance business arrangements, self-published authors, e-books, content marketing, and more.

Whether you are an aspiring developmental editor or an author who works closely with one, Norton's accessible, collaborative, and realistic approach and guidance will be invaluable. This handbook provides the concrete and essential tools needed to help books find their voice and connect with their intended audience. By following the principles outlined in this book, authors can ensure that their manuscripts are polished, professional, and ready to captivate readers and achieve publishing success.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226793634
Edition number: Second Edition