Introduction

Book Developmental Editors perform holistic, in-depth manuscript development across our three publishing desks: STEM, Fiction, and Humanities. They read the entire book manuscript, evaluate narrative arc, thematic depth, argument logic, world-building, and pacing, deliver extensive constructive feedback to the author, and decide whether to approve the book for Copy Editing or request rewrites.

Your role and responsibilities

• Evaluates complete book manuscripts within one or more specialized desks: - STEM Desk: Explanatory science, research anthologies, scientific non-fiction, and educational treatises - Fiction Desk: Youth novels, short story collections, speculative fiction, and sci-fi - Humanities Desk: Historical analysis, philosophical essays, ethics, and social science explorations • Analyzes big-picture manuscript elements: narrative pacing, thematic coherence, structural flow, argument strength, and character/conceptual depth • Composes comprehensive developmental editorial letters with chapter-by-chapter guidance and structural recommendations for the author • Determines manuscript progression: either approves the manuscript to proceed to Copy Editing or issues structured rewrite requests • Mentors young authors through rewrite and revision cycles to bring their book to publication caliber

Minimum Requirements

• Age 15+ with deep background in creative writing, literary analysis, scientific non-fiction, or humanities scholarship • Keen ability to analyze long-form story arcs, pacing, conceptual coherence, logical argumentation, and tone • Empathetic, articulate, and actionable editorial communication skills • Ability to commit 4–6 hours per week

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous developmental editing, beta-reading, or literary workshop experience • Published author or editor of books, anthologies, student literary magazines, or long-form essays • Academic background in literature, creative writing, philosophy, or STEM disciplines

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

Developmental editing, structural manuscript critique, narrative pacing, author mentorship across STEM/Fiction/Humanities desks.

Job Title Book Developmental Editor – STEM, Fiction & Humanities

Job ID GYSJ-BK-DEV-01

Location Remote

Work arrangement Remote

Area of work Books Publishing

Position Developmental Editor

Book Developmental Editor – STEM, Fiction & Humanities

Introduction

Your role and responsibilities

Minimum Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

GYSJ Recruitment Team