A developmental editing checklist helps writers improve the structure, content, and overall quality of their manuscript.
- Structure:
- Check for clear beginning, middle, and end
- Ensure logical flow of ideas
- Verify appropriate pacing
- Confirm effective transitions between sections
- Assess chapter/section organization
- Content:
- Evaluate relevance of content
- Ensure accuracy of information
- Identify and resolve knowledge gaps
- Check for consistency in tone and style
- Verify the presence of supporting details
- Clarity:
- Ensure clear and concise language
- Simplify complex sentences
- Confirm reader’s understanding is facilitated
- Resolve ambiguous statements
- Check for redundancy and unnecessary repetition
- Character/Theme (if applicable):
- Ensure strong character development
- Verify consistency in character behavior and dialogue
- Confirm thematic elements are effectively integrated
- Examine motivation and conflicts
- Ensure resolution aligns with the story arc