| Developmental | Copyediting | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary question | Does this book work? | Is this book clean and clear? |
| Unit of attention | Scenes, arcs, chapters, argument | Sentences, words, consistency |
| Typical output | Letter + revision roadmap | Tracked changes + style sheet |
| When | After hard self-revision / betas | After structure is locked |
| Risk if skipped wrongly | Polished book nobody finishes | Strong story that feels unprofessional |
If you are still debating endings or cutting subplots, choose developmental (or a critique). If readers love the story but trip over sentences and continuity, choose copyediting.
Still unsure? Send sample pages and we will recommend a stage—even if the recommendation is “revise once more before paying anyone.”