Developmental Editing, Second Edition - (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) 2nd Edition by Scott Norton (Paperback)

About the Book

"First published in 2009, Scott Norton's book is the only guide dedicated solely to the art of developmental editing. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Norton offers expert advice on how to approach the task of diagnosing and fixing structural problems with book manuscripts in consultation with authors and publishers. He illustrates these principles through a series of detailed case studies featuring before-and-after tables of contents, samples of edited text, and other materials to make an otherwise invisible process tangible. This revised edition includes a new chapter on editing fiction, which presents similar challenges to nonfiction plus a range of additional ones, including issues of premise, setting, plot, and character development. For the first time, the book comes with a set of exercises that allow readers to edit sample materials and compare their work with that of an experienced professional. And it includes new or expanded coverage of basic business arrangements for freelancers, self-publishing, e-books, and content marketing, among other topics. Aspiring and experienced developmental editors as well as the authors who work with them will find a wealth of insight in this new edition"--

Book Synopsis

The only guide dedicated solely to developmental editing, now revised and updated with new exercises and a chapter on fiction.

Developmental editing--transforming a manuscript into a book that edifies, inspires, and sells--is a special skill, and Scott Norton is one of the best at it. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Norton offers his expert advice on how to approach the task of diagnosing and fixing structural problems with book manuscripts in consultation with authors and publishers. He illustrates these principles through a series of detailed case studies featuring before-and-after tables of contents, samples of edited text, and other materials to make an otherwise invisible process tangible.

This revised edition for the first time includes exercises that allow readers to edit sample materials and compare their work with that of an experienced professional as well as a new chapter on the unique challenges of editing fiction. In addition, it features expanded coverage of freelance business arrangements, self-published authors, e-books, content marketing, and more.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced developmental editor or an author who works alongside one, you will benefit from Norton's accessible, collaborative, and realistic approach and guidance. This handbook offers the concrete and essential tools it takes to help books to find their voice and their audience.

About the Author

Scott Norton was formerly a developmental editor at the University of California Press, where he eventually served as the director of editing, design, and production before retiring in 2020.