Developmental Editing
As a developmental editor, I identify strategies to improve fiction and nonfiction manuscripts at the “big picture” level.
At the story level, I ensure plot and idea development, structural flow, and character arc resolution.
I provide authors with a holistic full-manuscript roadmap to revise for clarity and effective development of story elements.
I assess the story genre and structural beats, characters, theme, point of view, and reader experience and expectations.
Developmental Edit Levels
Manuscript Evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is a cost effective way to identify general story elements that need strengthening and ideas for revision.
- It includes a full manuscript read through
- Feedback comments throughout the document
- Editorial letter high-level review discussing what works and what does not.
- The letter includes advice on how to revise and the next steps to take.
- Receive outside resources looking at how to address problem concepts.
Developmental Edit
A Developmental Edit gets into nitty-gritty specifics of storytelling and concept development.
- Editorial letter detailing specific ideas for revision.
- Story tracking spreadsheet deep dive into the development of each scene, chapter, character and more.
- Sample line edits to demonstrate how language can be revised for impact.
- Structure changes looking at scene, chapter, and paragraph moves, expansion, and condensing recommendations.
- Outside resources getting into problem concepts in-depth.
Book Coaching Sessions
During book coaching sessions, I collaborate with authors to work through writing and revision possibilities.
- Each coaching session will include pre-meeting prep, where the author submits up to 2,500 words of manuscript for review.
- Authors receive writing assignments, live feedback, and accountability to meet deadlines.
- They receive inspiration, encouragement, writing advice, and support.
- 1-hour Zoom call where we discuss editorial feedback, craft issues, answer author questions, and plan the next steps.
Session package options:
- Single session—$250
- Two sessions, bi-weekly meeting package—$400
- Four sessions, weekly meeting package—$800
Getting Started with Developmental Editing
- During a discovery call, I talk with authors about their challenges and goals.
- Then I review 5 to 10 pages from their manuscript and provide feedback on what was done well, and what I’m curious about.
- I present the author with a project fee quote along with sample feedback.
- Next we will complete an agreement outlining the project scope, due dates, and deliverables.
- The author will make an initial payment to secure a place on my calendar.
- When I have completed the edit, we will meet in person or online to hand off the edited material.
- I will walk the author through the feedback and help them realize the revision process.