Writing a book is one of the most effective ways to build your personal brand and Authority as a thought leader in your industry. However, to establish yourself as the go-to Authority in your field, you must ensure your book accomplishes the following goals:
- Shares a specific message to achieve your desired purpose or outcome
- Reaches your target audience
- Communicates your message in the appropriate style and tone to enhance its impact
Working with an experienced developmental editor can help you attain the desired outcomes for your book.
When you publish a book through Forbes Books, you will be assigned an experienced Forbes Books Developmental Editor (DE). Your DE will guide you through the editorial process to ensure your book’s quality and effectiveness.
The Role of Developmental Editors at Forbes Books
Forbes Books DEs leverage the potential of your Authority-building book. We accomplish this by helping you communicate your message to resonate best with your target audience.
Our DEs have tailored experience working on business and leadership books and know how to help you polish your material to achieve your desired outcomes.
What Is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing is the first stage of our world-class editorial process.
This stage doesn’t focus on granular details like grammar and punctuation. Copyeditors review those items later on during the copy edit stage. Similarly, your DE will address line-by-line elements, such as diction and sentence structure, during the line edit stage.
Instead, during the developmental editing stage, your DE hones in on the higher-level aspects of your manuscript, including structure, organization, style, tone, content, and messaging. They ensure you communicate effectively with your audience before narrowing in on grammar, proofreading, and all the other elements required to publish a polished book.
Key Components of Developmental Editing
Purpose
One of the most important aspects of developmental editing is to help you communicate a clear message to elicit a desired purpose or outcome. Typically, that outcome should be a lesson you would like your readers to learn to benefit their professional careers or personal lives.
Here at Forbes Books, we understand that the most effective way to build thought leadership is to serve others. Our CEO, Adam Witty, outlines this concept in his book, The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership on Impact Over Ego.
You can serve your readers by sharing valuable insights, lessons, strategies, or blueprints in your book. Your following and reputation as a thought leader will grow as a natural byproduct of adding value to their lives.
Structure and Organization
Structure and organization refer to the flow of ideas expressed in your book. Forbes Books DEs ensure you present your content in a logical and orderly manner.
DEs may assist you with:
- Adding transitions between paragraphs and chapters
- Highlighting aspects of the manuscript that may need cited sources to back up your arguments
- Providing insight into where to place relevant anecdotes to add humor or a personal touch to your material
Target Audience
DEs pay close attention to your target audience to ensure that your message will most effectively resonate with those readers.
For example, if you are writing a book for seasoned executives, you should include information about your business experience and accomplishments to establish credibility with that target audience.
Style and Tone
Style and tone refer to the way you communicate your message. Certain words elicit specific emotions, attitudes, mindsets, and values.
While writing your book, how you share your message can be even more important than what you say.
For example, if you’re trying to reach a younger, less experienced generation of leaders, a more conversational tone would better resonate with your target audience than technical jargon and elevated diction.
Your DE will help you tailor the style and tone of your content to build credibility with your audience, establish an emotional connection with them, and enhance the reader’s experience.
Benefits of Developmental Editing for Forbes Books Members
Working with Forbes Books DEs provides innumerable benefits that will improve the outcome of your publishing experience.
Throughout your publishing process, your DE will be available to provide you with coaching and assistance throughout every stage of the journey.
From consulting with our marketing experts to help you craft a fitting title to providing valuable feedback and support, you will have the knowledge and expertise you need to experience a smooth and successful publishing experience.
In addition to helping you create a polished, professional book that will stand out in your field, you can also leverage the power of the Forbes brand to amplify your book’s visibility and reach.
Why Choose Forbes Books?
At Forbes Books, we have a world-class team of Developmental Editors with extensive experience working on business and leadership books for hundreds of authors.
Once qualified to become a Forbes Books Member, you will receive the opportunity to participate in a Blueprint Session. During this, you’ll work with our team to create an in-depth book plan written by one of our seasoned Book Architects.
Your Book Architect will assist you in identifying the overall purpose of your book and target audience. They’ll also determine your book’s ideal style and tone that will most effectively resonate with your readers.
Once you start writing your book, your DE will refer to your book plan to ensure its alignment with your manuscript. They will also work with you and your ghostwriter throughout the entire writing process to implement the core components.
Your Forbes Books publishing package includes the full range of editorial and design services you will need to create the most polished and professional book.
Our editorial process includes:
- Developmental editing
- Line editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
- Cover design
- Interior layout design
Through book promotions and PR outreach, our team helps leverage your book in the marketplace to maximize your book’s potential impact.
Start Your Forbes Books Publishing Journey Today!
Are you ready to become a Forbes Books published author or learn more about our publishing and media offerings? Schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.
The post From Manuscript to Masterpiece: The Developmental Editing Process first appeared on Forbes Books.