Developmental Editing
A deep dive into your manuscript
What is Developmental Editing?
Service Overview
Developmental editing goes by many names, including Substantive Editing and Structural Editing. If you’re looking to traditionally publish, this might be the last type of editing you do before querying.
This type of editing focuses on your story’s structural and story-driven elements. It will point out the strengths and weaknesses of your current draft and provide detailed feedback on how to approach the next round of revisions.
But don’t worry; I don’t want to overpower your voice or ruin your style. You get to keep those, and we can elevate them together.
During a developmental edit, I spend a lot of time combing through every scene of your manuscript, making sure that the overall plot of your story is engaging. I’ll help you identify plot holes, weak character development, and odd pacing. I want your story to keep readers engaged and staying up well past their bedtime to finish just one more chapter.
But what exactly are you getting out of this edit?
- Editorial Letter: An extensive letter detailing all my feedback and instructions for tackling revisions. These are not nitty-gritty comments. They will help you take a step back and see the big picture of your story. I will break down each structural element and chapter of your manuscript and explain how they could be improved, why I’ve chosen these improvement strategies, and how you can build off these suggestions and revisions.
- Manuscript Edits: I will leave in-line comments and make direct changes to your Microsoft Word Document to help illustrate the feedback in the editorial letter. These comments and changes will be made using the Microsoft Track Changes feature, so you are free to accept or reject any suggestion. I’m your editor, not your boss. Your artistic vision wins out over my suggestions every time.
Sample Edits: I do not offer sample edits for developmental editing services. However, we can schedule a free call during which I will walk you through the process.
How It Works
We jump on a 30-minute call to ensure we’re on the same page about services and expectations.
After that, I will send you a proposal and a contract.
I read your entire manuscript, taking detailed notes about every structural aspect of your story.
How It Works
We jump on a 30-minute call to ensure we’re on the same page about services and expectations.
After that, I will send you a proposal and a contract.
After you get the report, we will schedule a 1-2 hour video call to go over my feedback and for you to ask questions. You’ll also have unlimited access to me via email while you make your revisions.
Timelines & Rates
Rates: $0.020 – $0.030 per word, depending on the expected turnaround time and the level of work your manuscript needs.
Scheduling: Some services may need to be scheduled several months in advance.
If you are under a tight deadline, please let me know in the contact form!
Combination Edits: Discounts are available for booking more than one editorial service.