Developmental Editing & Manuscript Evaluation
A developmental edit examines the “big picture” of the entire manuscript.
This is the stage of editing where we fix plot holes, character arcs, pacing, and structural issues. We might also address craft, voice, and the development of theme over the course of the novel. If a novel is like a house, think of developmental editing as inspecting the foundation, making sure that structure is solid before decorating it.
Please note: while I may do some light line editing where I see an opportunity with a quick fix, this edit should not take the place of a final line or copyedit. That is a different service.
WHEN TO GET A DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT
you’ve been submitting and you’re getting bites, but never getting the agent or the sale
you’ve had some less than glowing critiques on that one manuscript that left you wondering what you could do to save your book
you have been invited to revise and resubmit, but the feedback was vague
you know your manuscript is not working for some reason that you can’t put your finger on
TWO TYPES OF DEVELOPMENTAL EDITS & WHO THEY ARE FOR
Manuscript Evaluation - This is the highlight reel for those who have a complete and relatively polished draft of their novel and want to shine it a bit more. This is the service I recommend if you are looking for a “beta read” or professional critique. Because the manuscript is complete, I can go much deeper on what’s working and what’s not. And I can offer real guidance on how to repair the foundation your story is built upon. I read your manuscript twice, once for flow and once for critique, and offer feedback in the margins. I also offer you a 3-5 page editorial letter that goes deeper on what I see as opportunities to strengthen the manuscript. Manuscript evaluations start at $500 for a novel up to 90K words. Allow 1-2 weeks for a manuscript evaluation.
Full Developmental Edit - This is a deep dive for those who know their complete manuscript has major flaws and want to invest heavily in rewriting their book on their own. I will give you lots of feedback in the margins about what’s working and what’s not, why, and how to fix it. You’ll also receive a 10-20 page editorial letter with examples and prescriptive guidance where possible. (If you want me to help you break down your edit into manageable chunks and guide you 1:1 through your rewrite, please check out my Loom Mentorship. Loom is a guided developmental editing package that includes lots of personal coaching.) Full edits start at $1000 for a novel up to 90K words. Allow 3-4 weeks for a full developmental edit.
GENRES I’M INTERESTED IN
Young Adult
Romance (and stories with a strong romantic subplot)
Women’s Fiction
Dark Fiction
Fantasy of the supernatural variety
WANT TO WORK WITH ME?
If you want to work with me for a manuscript evaluation or full developmental edit, please book a free call below. This 25-minute call allows us to connect face-to-face on zoom to get a feel for each other and decide if we’re a match. If we’re both interested in moving forward, I may ask to see sample pages (in which case, you will get a sample edit.) This lets you see what kind of feedback I might offer, and it lets me preview the shape of the manuscript so I can confidently recommend the correct service. You’ll receive a few comments in the margins and some actionable feedback along with a firm quote if I’m interested in the project. If you want to hire me, we’ll move forward from there.
Full manuscripts only. If you would like feedback on a partial manuscript, please check out my MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE SERVICE.
If you have questions before you book, feel free to EMAIL ME.