FAQ
An editorial assessment is a letter that gives broad feedback on plot, characters, and structure. It’s best suited for an author earlier in their writing process and is looking for overview on their story.
A developmental edit, also called content or substantive editing, includes detailed feedback and adds comments in the manuscript itself from the editor. It’s best suited for an author who further along in the writing process and is looking for scene-by-scene feedback.
They’re similar, since they both focus on improving the story itself instead of the language use. An editorial assessment is broad. It’s a letter and there are no comments within the manuscript. Where the developmental edit is more detailed and there are comments in the manuscript.
An editorial assessment is best if you’re looking for a broad edit, while a developmental edit is for if you want more detailed feedback.
Line editing, copyediting and proofreading.