Structural Editing

Structural editing (sometimes called developmental editing or substantive editing) is the most complex and time-consuming stage of the editorial process. 

Structural editing is looking at the big picture, evaluating a manuscript as a whole and analysing how well its message is conveyed. Whereas the copy-editor looks into details like spelling and grammar etc., the structural editor asks, ‘Does this work as a book?’

Although a structural editor may do a little copy-editing as they work through your manuscript, their focus is much broader, and they will return your manuscript marked up with constructive comments and suggested rewrites.