And yes, I've worked with Beta readers before whom I've met online and have demonstrated a good understanding of the craft of writing. I even lucked into having a Hugo nominee and Nebular Award winner read my first novel and tell me I'm already writing at a professional level (that and two bucks might get me a cup of coffee).

I haven't had the benefit of a developmental editor though, because they are generally but understandably expensive. To consider them, one must first consider one's budget and how badly one is willing to pursue their goals. And then, even if feeling you can justify the cost, selecting a truly qualified and dedicated developmental editor can be a crap shoot. Much like vanity press, "qualified editors" out there have became a cottage industry. It's necessary to be careful, because pricing high or low is no indicator of the quality of work or help you might get.

There are several articles and solid recommendations to help fledgling authors vet the offerings out there. However, it can still boil down to a crap shoot, even if you take your best precautions.

For some of my shirt stories.

I had to refine each role to balance the feedback to a useful level.

While I think that AIs are (currently) limited in their understanding of motivations and nuanced themes, I nonetheless see a near-future where they might suplant editors.

For me, it offers insights without what is now a prohibitive financial burden of hiring an editor. Also, truthfully, as a non published writer who is likely to remain so, it opens up the possibility of self-publishing.

Any thoughts?

Glad you have a critique group you like.

I don't have the physical energy - in a group, you're expected to critique other writers' work when THEY need it.

Kind of stuck with myself - at least I don't drive anyone else crazy with my slowness!

I agree with you. They are really two very different things.

They are non-over lapping roles. They both serve a purpose and if done right can work in conjunction with

I love that you understand that it’s not always going to be easy, but also know that’s it’s worth it in the end.

They truly are. And I love that yours gave you a path to follow to help you figure out the problem. That’s what they are meant to do.

I hate to admit it, but I mostly self edit. I had a publisher at my publishing house, but when I would get back comments, they were very few. Like you, I’m a planner. I also know where a problem is when I send it off to my critique partners, and typically rely on them to offer suggestions to fix those issues.