Developmental edit (nonfiction and memoirs)
I understand editing can be expensive so I offer two developmental editing services to meet the unique needs and budgets of writers such as yourself. No matter if you’re looking for the full developmental editing experience or high-level feedback with a quick turnaround time, I’ve got you covered.
If these services aren't within your budget, I suggest you check out a manuscript evaluation as this is an affordable alternative to a developmental edit.
Basic developmental edit ($0.015 per word)
A basic developmental edit focuses on narrative, pacing and structure. It includes 2 passes (the number of times I read your novel), 30 minutes of follow-up question time and a single round (the number of times I return your novel to you with feedback). You’ll get feedback in the form of a structured report and in-text comments in your book.
Standard developmental edit ($0.030 per word)
A standard developmental edit focuses on whatever your book or memoir needs and includes chapter-by-chapter analysis, 4 passes, an hour of follow-up question time and two rounds of editing. You’ll get feedback in the form of a structured report and in-text comments in your book or memoir.
What is developmental editing?
A developmental edit strengthens the core framework of your nonfiction book. In other words, it helps make your story the best it can be by looking at the “big picture” through your overarching narrative pacing, and structure.
I won’t go in and make changes to your book, but I will point out where things aren’t working, why that’s the case, and recommend ways to fix the issue. I usually include an example of how I would address the issue, but I always encourage clients to apply feedback in their unique voice as a writer.
Developmental editing will help answer questions like these:
Are there any inconsistencies in your narrative?
Do any scenes lack the desired emotion or impact?
Are you sharing the right amount of information in each scene?
Are your readers feeling the right emotions and do they understand your motivations?
Is the theme and message of your memoir clear?
Are there any scenes where you can add more detail or embellishments?
Is your narrative manifesting at a scene level?
Is your book or memoir achieving what you want it to?
Are there any underutilized devices or characters (for memoirs) that you can use to drive your story?
Are there any places where your story rushes or dawdles?
Does your memoir start and end at the the most engaging time?
Are you including any details which aren’t driving your novel forward?
Is there a clear start, middle and end?
Is the dialogue believable and relatable? (if applicable)
Does your voice as an author amplify your message?
Of course, I’ll also point out where things are working so you have a well-rounded view of where your novel is at.
Before I edit your work, I’ll ask you to fill in a questionnaire so I can understand you, your vision for your novel, and the ways you like to receive feedback. There will be some things you won’t want me to change, and that’s fine! I ask all of this in advance so I can keep your unique voice as a writer and find ways around any issues I see in your novel without disrupting your vision.
I understand you may be writing about painful or sensitive experiences so it’s important that we build trust as author and editor. We’ll get to know each other during the onboarding process and I will be in touch regularly throughout your edit with updates. I will work with you to understand how I can best present feedback to you in a way that takes into account your lived experiences and encourages you to keep your story going.
Why is pricing different for your fiction and nonfiction/memoir editing services?
It takes longer (for me, at least!) to edit nonfiction/memoirs than it does to edit fiction. I like to display my pricing per word because this allows me to be transparent and upfront about the costs of your edit. I want to make sure there are no surprises for you, so having separate prices for fiction and nonfiction/memoirs ensures I can give your work the time it deserves and nothing less.
In other words, my “per hour” rate is the same for fiction and nonfiction, I just need more hours to edit nonfiction.
Minimum word count
Please note the minimum word count for a developmental edit is 20,000 words. If your nonfiction book or memoir falls below this word count, please contact me for a quote.
Is this the service you’re looking for? Head over to the booking page to arrange your edit, or if this isn’t what you had in mind, check out my other services or contact me for advice.