Developmental edit
I understand editing can be expensive, so I offer three developmental editing services to meet the unique needs and budgets of writers. 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 or a novel scan.
Basic developmental edit ($0.008 per word)
A basic developmental edit focuses on plot, pacing, and characters. 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 novel.
Standard developmental edit ($0.015 per word)
A standard developmental edit focuses on whatever your novel 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 novel.
What is developmental editing?
A developmental edit strengthens the core framework of your novel. In other words, it helps make your novel the best it can be by looking at the “big picture” through your plot, pacing, and characters.
I won’t go in and make changes to your novel, 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 look for and help resolve issues such as:
Plot inconsistencies
Scenes that lack emotion or impact
Character actions or motivations that don't feel believable or consistent
Plot twists that are too obvious
Scenes where you can add more detail or embellishments
Underutilized characters or devices you can use to drive your plot
Plot manifestation at a scene level
If your novel achieves what you want it to
Areas where your plot rushes or dawdles
Of course, I’ll also point out where things are working so you have a well-rounded view of where your novel is at.
Please note the minimum word count for a developmental edit is 30,000 words. If your novel falls below this, please check our my short stories page.
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.