Who Should Be Your Developmental Editor

I recently saw an advertisement for a full workshop on how to choose the best developmental editor or copy editor for your book. I really had to laugh at this, especially knowing how much money these people will charge you for their services. All money that you could easily save if you did this all on your own.

Let's consider a few things here.

First of all, what is it that developmental and copy editors do? Developmental editors go through and essentially workshop your stories. They go through and make recommendations on character and plot development. Copy editors are looking at the grammar and all of that fun stuff. Both of which you have the capability to do.

I want to start with the copy editor first. You do remember that your computer programs do come with grammar and spell checkers, right? These tell you that there might be problems. As long as you have resources to verify if those are truly grammar issues and you know how to fix the problems, then you are good to go. ORRRRRRRRRR..... You can pay someone to do that.

As for the developmental editors, you may be gambling on whether or not that person has any knowledge of your genre. I have actually sat on a panel where people were talking about editing projects in genres they were not familiar with. They just love the craft of writing and love providing feedback. While that sounds wonderful, they may not be providing you the guidance you truly need. Honestly, I for one, would not be a good person to provide advice on writing science fiction or high fantasy. It isn't "my jam" and while I could give you suggestions, there is a pretty good chance I could steer you in the wrong directions. 

But, if you have been spending a lot of time researching and studying your genre, and since you have been writing in that genre for a while, you should know it well enough to provide your own editing. The odds are, you are also working with a QUALITY critique group who also write in that same genre and know it well enough to provide that feedback.

ORRRRRRRRRR..... You can pay someone to do that.

Do you see my point?