There are two main areas of editing: structural editing and developmental editing. Both types of editing are important for improving the overall quality of a writing piece. However, they focus on different aspects of the writing process.
We will explore the difference between structural editing and developmental editing below.
Structural Editing
Structural editing is also known as substantive editing. It involves a deep analysis of the content and structure of a piece of writing. The goal of structural editing is to ensure that the writing is organised logically and concisely; allowing the content to be engaging.
During structural editing, the editor looks at paragraphs, chapters, and sections, to ensure that they are well-structured and align with the author’s vision.
Also, a structural editor may make suggestions for organising the content or adding or removing sections.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is focused on the big picture of a piece of writing. The goal of developmental editing is to help the writer develop and refine their ideas. One should do this type of editing in the early stages of the writing process.
A developmental editor will work closely with the writer to help them clarify their goals and ideas for the piece. They may suggest alternative approaches to improve the overall writing structure of the writing.
The Key Differences
The major difference between structural editing and developmental editing is their focus. Structural editing concentrates on the organisation and flow of the content, while developmental editing focuses on the overall concepts and ideas of the writing.
Structural editing is typically done later in the writing process after the content and structure have been established. Developmental editing is often done earlier in the process when the writer is still conceptualising.
Conclusion
Both types of editing are crucial for improving the overall quality of writing, and they often overlap. A good editor will identify and address issues in both the structure and content of a piece of writing to help the writer achieve their goals.
Finally, structural editing and developmental editing are both important parts of the writing process. Do not skip them.
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