Standard developmental edit (nonfiction and memoirs)

A standard developmental edit takes a deep dive into your nonfiction book or memoir. Each category in your editorial report will be tailored to the unique needs of your writing. For example, if all your memoir’s scenes lack the intended emotional impact , you’ll get tailored feedback on exactly where this is happening and detailed information on how you can resolve the issue.

Chapter-by-chapter analysis

I also provide an analysis of each chapter to help you grasp the overall flow and rhythm of your book. Each chapter will be individually assessed for quality, relevance to your overall narrative, structure, pacing, and entertainability.

Narrative analysis

For nonfiction books, I will ensure your intended message is embedded across your scenes and wider narrative. As part of this I will assess if your language is suitable for your target audience, if you are providing the right level and amount of content to support your position, and if if there are any underutilized devices you can use to further support your message.

For memoirs, I’ll also look at your cast of characters, including your voice as the narrator and the supporting characters. While I won’t mention every single person (or animal!) that your memoir explores, if they’re a consistent force across your story, I’ll give you a rundown on how they’re shaping up from an editor’s perspective by exploring their role in your story along with their motivations, if their dialogue and voice is believable, how they develop across your story, and note if their impacts on your life are clear.

Follow-up question time

You’ll also get 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 book.

Second round

Once you have incorporated the revisions from your developmental edit, you can submit your book for a second round. This will include a report covering all the issues highlighted in your first round.

Costs

A standard developmental edit for nonfiction and memoirs costs US$0.030 per word. Check out my international pricing page for the cost of a standard developmental edit in other currencies.

Summary

  • Cost (per word): $0.025

  • Cost (80,000 words): $2000

  • Focus of edit: whatever your book needs!

  • Report format: structured report (12-20 pages)

  • In-text comments: included

  • Passes: 5

  • Follow-up question time: 60 minutes

  • Second round: included

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.