Whats the difference between a critique, developmental/substantive editing and copyediting?
Copy editors work with the writer to make sure that the material is clear, easy to read, and error-free. Copy editors tend to start from the small picture (i.e., analyzing words, sentences, and paragraphs) and work up to the big picture. Developmental/substantive editors go about things in the opposite order. They begin by reading the manuscript for the big picture (e.g., plot and character development). Most manuscripts that receive developmental editing are in need of major revision, so there’s no point in copyediting huge chunks of the manuscript that will be either deleted or altered. A critique editor provides a written report to the author that points out strengths and weaknesses and offers revision suggestions. A critique is not an edit; unless the writer has a separate mentoring arrangement with the editor, the writer must figure out how to implement the suggestions. Some critique editors are also developmental editors who will work with the author to restructure and/or rewrite
