How to Become a Development Editor

About Development Editor

In a generation when the world is rapidly moving towards the digital world, it has not loosed its essence of print and written material. A vast part of the world still prefers to read books over ebooks, newspapers over news feed. And to keep the very same touch and expertise, a Development Editor plays a vital role. 

A Development Editor works to improve any content. They mostly work with authors or writers. They help to structure the content of a manuscript. Development Editors basically work to make sure that the manuscript is ready to be published. If there is any lack in the manuscript, the Development Editor must check it and make the necessary changes. They must focus on nurturing the direction of the book. They may also notice an inconsistency in tone, an ambiguous audience, or a stilted writing style, and offer solutions to these problems.

Hence, whosoever with the minimum required qualifications and experience in proofreading and of the publishing industry, they may make a righteous career as a Development Editor. 

Eligibility to become Development Editor

Educational Qualification & Work Experience Required

• Candidates must have a minimum of Bachelor's Degree in English (preferably).
• Candidates must also have experience in dealing with manuscripts, the marketing of books, and the publishing industry.
• Experience in proofreading and editing is also required to become a Development Editor.

Skills Required

• Excellent writing skills
• Interpersonal skills,
• Incredible attention to detail
• Familiarity with what helps the books  to sell better.

Types of Job Roles Development Editor

Development Editors mostly work with authors for books or other related projects. There are various needs from a development editor. ANd they must be fulfilled to become a development editor. In this line of work, there are no fixed time periods or working mechanisms. It depends on the parties. Some authors write and approach a publishing house and the development editor is required to work on the entire manuscript.

Whereas, sometimes, a development editor works chapter-wise on the manuscript. A Development Editor is required to work to enhance the manuscript to be marketable. Candidates must also be ready to give productive feedback. 

Employment Sector/Industry for Development Editor

• Development Editor is expected to make the book marketable.
• They must understand the need of the audience and intend the book accordingly.
• It involves a certain amount of research to understand the statistics of the audience and market.
• They must be involved deeply in the project as a contributing author or a ghostwriter.
• They must ensure that the book is pleasing to the audience in comparison to other competitors of the market.
• They may contribute to conceive the idea of the topic, plan the structure and also develop it simultaneously with the author.

Pay Scale/Salary of Development Editor

A Development Editor is respectable with a median salary job. On average, candidates can earn from 4 lakh per annum to 10 lakh per annum. However, the average salary of a Development Editor in India is said to be 6 lakh per annum. So, If you are planning to make a career as a Development Editor is a job with great responsibilities and decent salary packages. 

Books & Study Material to Become Development Editor

Pros of becoming a Development Editor

• Development Editors can work indoors.
• Decent Salary packages.
• Comfort of working at own time span.
• Can have second or part-time jobs.
• Have flexibility in the working hours.

Cons of becoming a Development Editor

• Editing can get boring at times.
• Will have to face critics.
• Growth as Development Editor is slow.
• Will not have the opportunity to explore or learn new ventures.
• Lack of social life or interaction.