Basic developmental edit

A basic developmental edit sticks to the basics of your novel. You’ll receive feedback in the form of in-text comments in your manuscript and an editorial report split into strengths & weaknesses, plot, pacing, characters and recommendations. I’ll also touch on the other key areas to improve in your novel, such as your introductory hook or suitability for your target audience.

Common feedback includes identifying plot inconsistencies, improving scenes that lack emotion and polishing the pacing in the middle half of a novel. I’ll provide insights into the reasons why this feedback is important, and offer suggestions on how to resolve the issue.

For characters, I’ll focus on your protagonist and analyze if they have a unique voice and point of view, are relatable to your reader, and have a clear character arc that elevates your story. I’ll briefly mention your key supporting characters as necessary so you can understand how they contribute to your plot and the ways you can make them even more memorable.

If you’re writing romance, this includes your romance plot arc, ensuring the primary love story flows and portrays the right amount of conflict, as well as identifying any tropes or aspects of your plot that may not be popular with your target audience if you’re aiming for commercial success.

For fantasy novels, a basic developmental edit will also ensure that exposition is balanced with moving the plot forward and complex, intertwined plot lines captivate your reader’s attention.

A basic developmental edit includes two passes (the number of times I’ll read your novel) and a single round (the number of times your novel is returned to you). In other words, I will read your novel twice then return it to you with in-text comments and an editorial report, which completes the round.

You’ll also get half an hour of follow-up questions via email. This allows you to ask about your editorial report, send paragraphs you’ve rewritten for a second assessment, or get feedback on your ideas to improve your novel.

Summary

  • Cost (per word): $0.008

  • Cost (80,000 words): $640

  • Focus of the edit: plot, pacing and characters

  • Report format: structured report (4-10 pages)

  • In-text comments: included

  • Passes: 2

  • Follow-up question time: 30 minutes

  • Second round: not included

If you’re looking for something more thorough, take a look at a standard developmental edit.

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.