Developmental Edits: A Quick Reference  

Performing a developmental edit early in the writing process ensures that the larger issues of organization and usability will be addressed while there is still time to make changes. The writing manager, lead writer, or technical editor should do the developmental edit. This edit consists of reviewing an early (in many cases partial) draft of the document and (1) making sure it adheres to the document plan, (2) studying the table of contents to verify that the organization is effective, and (3) doing a copy edit spot check. Although many of the issues turned up in a developmental edit are similar to those found during a copy edit, finding them early on saves the writer time and effort as the rest of the book is written.

Arakelian, Caroline. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Editing

Editors: Who Needs Them?  

Editors can play many roles, which, as the need arises, might overlap with those of the production editor, the writer, and even the writing manager. Within the category of editing itself, the editor can perform different levels of edit: formatting, language, substantive. Every pubs group needs an editor, even if only on a parttime basis. The qualities a manager should look for in an editor are somewhat different from those required in a writer. Editors are less likely to have a technical background. They must not shrink from the possibility of confrontation, and yet must be able to give constructive criticism in a manner that the writer will accept and welcome.

Arakelian, Caroline, Lisa Braz, Diane Kirsten-Martin, Bob Nowacki and Carol A. Ranalli. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Editing>Writing