Developmental Editing

First drafts are (and should be) messy. After all, you’ve spent hours planning, outlining, and writing a book, and (hopefully) you haven’t tried to edit as you go. You’ve made it past the first hurdle in a dream most people only ever talk about!

But… maybe your character’s development arc is all over the place. Maybe your pacing is off. Or maybe you finished your first draft and you aren’t sure where to go next.

Enter the developmental edit, a powerful tool that focuses on the heart of your story and builds a map to navigate you through the tricky task of content editing. So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to tackle the next level of your manuscript?

The nEXT lEVEL OF yOUR mANUSCRIPT sTARTS HERE.

What You’ll Receive

Your developmental edit will include the following:

  • A pre-call to meet the editor (me) and go over your vision and goals for your manuscript as well as ask me any questions

  • A detailed editorial letter (usually 7-10 pages) evaluating the big picture elements like plot, character, theme, dialogue, a plan for revisions, etc.

  • In-line comments using track changes and a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of general feedback on plot structure, theme, character development, revision points, etc.

  • A virtual revision session after you’ve had time to review my feedback. In this virtual call, you can ask questions or bounce revision ideas back and forth with me

What I Focus On

In my developmental edits, I focus on the heart of your story and evaluate

  • Plot

  • Character arcs and characterization

  • Structure

  • Theme

  • Tension

  • Genre fit

  • And voice

My goal is to get to know and love your characters and plot so I can build you a clear editorial roadmap for how to strengthen your manuscript in preparation for publication (whether you choose traditional or self-publishing)!

***Accepted genres include Fiction (Romance, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy), select Nonfiction, YA, and Middle Grade. I love having a wide range of work, so if you think I’d be a good fit, or you want to inquire about picture book editing, fill out my form!

Pricing

Up to 50,000 words: $450

Up to 80,000 words: $720

81,000-100,000 words: $900

100,000-120,000 words $1,080

**I offer a 10% discount for returning clients

So What’s Next?

Request a developmental edit!

Fill out my contact form and tell me a little bit about yourself and your novel. I’ll ask a few questions about your writing experience, your novel’s thematic direction, and your publishing goals. This will help us see if my services will be a good fit for your manuscript.

If we are on the same page, we will move forward with scheduling your edit and arranging the downpayment. I will usually have a developmental edit done in 4-6 weeks. After the edit is complete, I will send you a preview of the letter and the edit and request the remaining fee. Once it is paid, the full editorial letter and manuscript will be sent to you. We can also schedule your virtual revision session during this time!

To request a developmental edit, fill out the contact form. I look forward to working with you!

FAQs

  • I recommend trying to edit as much as you feel capable of beforehand. Whether that’s after your first or second draft is up to you! I’ll do my best to create a clear revision plan and guide you to how you can tackle content level edits.

  • A developmental edit is especially useful for preparing your book for querying (if you are aiming to publish traditionally, or for refinishing your book for self-publishing.

  • I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in English and have worked as a freelance editor for the past 3+ years. I have several traditional and successfully self-published clients. I am also a member of SCBWI and attend plenty of workshops and conferences to keep my skills sharp for my clients.