Individual skill

developmental-editing

A specialized skill for the manuscript-editor agent covering developmental editing. Provides manuscript structure analysis, narrative arc diagnostics, character arc design, pacing adjustment, and genre-specific editing standards. Use for 'manuscript editing,' 'structural editing,' 'narrative analysis,' 'manuscript feedback,' and similar topics.

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# Developmental Editing — Developmental Editing Methodology

Specialized editing knowledge used by the manuscript-editor agent when structurally editing manuscripts.

## Why Developmental Editing

Proofreading (spelling/grammar) is only 10% of editing. **Developmental editing** diagnoses and improves the manuscript's structure, narrative, characters, and pacing — the core work that determines a book's quality.

## Manuscript Structure Diagnostics: SPINE Check

| Element | Check Item | Diagnostic Question |
|---------|-----------|-------------------|
| **S**tructure | Overall structure | Does the table of contents create a logical flow? Does each chapter contribute to the whole? |
| **P**acing | Pacing | Are there sagging sections? Is the climax timing appropriate? |