Structural editing

Have you ever read a book where the plot completely lost momentum halfway through, a story where someone acted entirely out of character, or an essay where the key argument just seemed to vanish? That’s usually a sign of a missing step: structural editing.

Also known as developmental or substantive editing, structural editing looks at the big picture of your manuscript. Before we dive into copy editing, worrying about commas, typos, or sentence structure, we need to ensure that the foundation of your writing is rock solid.

Think of it like building a house; there’s no point in painting the walls if the foundation is cracked.

What I look for

When I structurally edit your work, I dive deep into the architecture of your text. Depending on your project, this includes analysing:

• Pacing and flow: Does the story move at the right speed, or are there areas where the reader might get bored or overwhelmed?  
• Narrative arc and plot: Is the storyline logical? Are there any plot holes that need fixing?  
• Character development: Are your characters’ motivations clear, consistent, and compelling?  
• Structure and organisation: For non-fiction, is your argument built logically? Are the chapters arranged in the most impactful order?  
• Tone and voice: Is the overarching style consistent and appropriate for your target audience?

What you’ll receive

Structural editing is a highly collaborative process. When you work with me, you won’t just get a tracked-up document; you’ll also receive valuable editorial support in the form of a master plan for revision. You’ll get:

• A comprehensive editorial report: A detailed, multi-page feedback document outlining what’s working, what needs attention, and actionable strategies for how to fix it.  
• Margin comments and in-text suggestions: Notes throughout your actual manuscript highlighting specific areas where sections could be expanded, cut, or rearranged.

Is this right for you?

Structural editing is ideal if you have a completed first (or rough) draft and want to ensure that the core message or story lands perfectly before moving on to copy editing and polishing.

Let’s work together to elevate your manuscript from a great draft to an unforgettable read.

Send me an email at jasmin@caret-and-compass.com to enquire.