Developmental editors start their work very early on in the documentation project, sometimes even before the author begins writing. In this situation, developmental editors assume the role of consultants who help the author define the positioning, scope, and organization of the content. As writing begins, developmental editors review the first drafts to identify missing or redundant content. Developmental editors may also rearrange entire paragraphs or suggest rewrites. Only very experienced editors can work as developmental editors at Biblioso.

Developmental editors focus on the following tasks:

• Help the author align the content with the audience.
• Provide suggestions for the structure, format, style, and flow of the content.
• Check headings to ensure they reflect the content.
• Suggest rewrites.
• Identify missing and redundant content.
• Add, remove, and rearrange sections to improve readability.
• Work with author to suggest major revisions.

Developmental editors should collaborate with authors as soon as possible during manuscript creation and in later revisions to create and maintain the proper structure, tone, and style for the content.