Manuscript Development
Some developmental editors edit finished manuscripts, while others work with an author from conception to completion. Those who work for publishing houses meet with authors regularly to ensure they meet deadlines for the delivery of specific chapters or sections of their manuscripts. They also edit chapters as authors complete them to evaluate style and structure and identify potential problems. In addition, developmental editors ensure authors adhere to the publishing house’s style guide and writers’ guidelines. If an author gets stuck, the developmental editor helps him identify and work through obstacles.