STRUCTURAL EDITING

Structural editing helps you understand your work’s bigger picture.

A structural edit (also known as substantive edit) will identify and analyse broad story elements, such as theme, consistency, narrative arc and voice in your memoir, business book, novel, short story, essay or short-story collection.

In business and non-fiction writing, structural editors look at broader issues, such as organisation of information, missing elements and clarity of argument. In fiction and creative non-fiction, structural editors appraise and advise on writing craft, such as character, plot, setting and scenes.

First noting the strengths, editors mostly focus on areas of improvement to enhance your story. We ask questions about believability, connections and consistencies.

A structural edit is useful early in the drafting process. Areas to work on in terms of structure are usually identified during a manuscript appraisal.