Developmental editing (DE) is a crucial stage in the writing process for both fiction and nonfiction. It’s where the big picture elements of a manuscript are refined—story structure, pacing, character development, and clarity of argument or narrative. However, the approach and focus of developmental edits can differ significantly between fiction and nonfiction due to the different purposes these two genres serve. Understanding these distinctions can help authors and editors alike navigate the editing process more effectively.

At their core, fiction and nonfiction serve different purposes, and this greatly influences the way developmental edits are approached. While fiction is primarily about storytelling—creating an engaging world, developing compelling characters, and ensuring that the plot keeps readers invested—nonfiction is typically more focused on delivering information, ideas, or arguments. Whether it’s an academic text, a memoir, or a self-help book, nonfiction needs to ensure clarity, coherence, and logical progression. Thus, as opposed to fiction DEs that might focus more on character development, pacing, and accurate representation, a nonfiction DE might rather prioritize logical structure, a cohesive unpacking of the primary thesis, and clarity. A nonfiction DE will tease out the set of arguments or claims being made and ensure that they make sense to a reader who might have no prior context in approaching the concepts presented. 

One of the more notable differences between developmental edits in fiction and nonfiction is the level of flexibility in the narrative. Fiction writers have more room to play with elements like pacing, setting, and character motivations. Editors working on fiction manuscripts may encourage authors to lean into their creativity, to take risks with plot twists, or explore deeper psychological profiles for their characters.

Nonfiction, on the other hand, demands a higher level of rigor in terms of facts, structure, and clarity. Developmental editors for nonfiction may spend more time ensuring that the author’s voice remains consistent, and that the logic and flow of arguments make sense. A nonfiction editor may also have to ensure that the work is properly substantiated with sources, and that any factual claims hold up under scrutiny.

In both fiction and nonfiction, developmental editing is about making the manuscript the best it can be by fine-tuning large-scale elements. While fiction edits often focus on character depth, plot structure, and pacing, nonfiction edits emphasize clarity of argument, coherence of information, and logical flow. Regardless of genre, the goal of a developmental editor is to help the author communicate their ideas or story effectively. But, the approach will vary depending on whether the focus is on engaging storytelling or presenting clear, organized information. Understanding these differences can help both authors and editors navigate the complexities of the editing process, resulting in a polished, final manuscript that resonates with readers.