My dear authors,

Think of this as a small cry from my editorial soul, though not a tragic wail, more like the dramatic sigh of someone who has just read their 400th “Should I write for the market or follow my heart?” post on the internet.

Over the last few months, I’ve had the exact same conversation with multiple clients and several well-meaning strangers in comment sections. And here’s the thing: if a handful of you are wondering about it, chances are there’s a whole crowd silently chewing their pens over the same dilemma.

Should you write for the market? Or should you write whatever your rebellious, art-loving heart desires?

Agents and editors receive hundreds of submissions a month. Most make a decision within the first page, often the first paragraph. Because they’ve learned to recognize something crucial:

A strong opening proves the writer understands storytelling.

Developmental editing, also called substantive, structural, or content editing, happens before copyediting or proofreading. It’s the stage where someone helps you shape the story itself: plot structure, narrative flow, character arcs, pacing, emotional stakes… all the big-picture stuff

Spoiler: Not Really

You’ve finished your draft. The adrenaline is still rushing. You’re thinking, “Do I really need a developmental editor? Can’t I just send it to a few trusted beta readers and get the same feedback?”