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Developmental Editing for Novels

Developmental Editing for Novels

Direct, specific, and actionable critical feedback that helps you write better.

I am unsparing in my editorial feedback, laying out what works, what does not, and what must change, even if it stings. Writers who seek serious professional guidance are investing time, money, and trust. Clear, transparent critique with direct, specific, and actionable feedback honors that commitment and fosters their growth.

Cost for full-manuscript developmental edits up to 80,000 words is $950 USD; additional words are $0.035 USD per word.

  • CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A FREE SAMPLE EDIT
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What's In It For You

When you work with me, your manuscript is treated with the same seriousness and professional attention it would receive in a publishing house.

I approach your work with care, rigor, and a clear understanding of the goals you have for your book.

You will walk away with clear, concrete, and actionable strategies to complete your revisions and bring your manuscript significantly closer to market readiness.

Together, we move your manuscript toward one of two outcomes:

A clean, compelling, and well-written manuscript ready to seek representation and traditional publication.

Or

A polished, engaging, high-quality book written at the full extent of your abilities as a writer, one you will be proud to publish independently or share with readers, friends, family, and booksellers.

My Responsibilities As Your Editor

  • Identify what works

    Highlight the strengths already present in your manuscript and clarify the instinctive craft choices behind them, so you can use them deliberately and with confidence.

  • Pinpoint what needs work

    Diagnose structural, narrative, and conceptual weaknesses and provide clear, practical strategies to address them.

  • Fuel your growth

    Provide you with insight and direction that fuel your excitement to write and inspire your further journey as a writer.

What You'll Receive

I examine your work through seven critical storytelling facets.

Core Concept

What is the central idea? Is it original, or does it approach a familiar concept in a fresh way? Is it compelling, and is the premise strong enough to sustain the book?

Narrative Structure & Plot

Does the story unfold with clarity and purpose? Are scenes positioned to build momentum? What framework does the story follow? How is time handled — chronology, shifts, and pacing? Are dramatic tension and stakes effective throughout?

Characters

Do characters act from clear and believable motivations? Do they evolve over the course of the story? Are the characters distinct, and does each serve the story? How authentic and effective is the dialogue?

Voice & Tone

Who guides the story, how do they sound, and why do we want to follow them? Does each character have a distinct voice? Is the narrative voice consistent, engaging, and true to the story? What language choices make the voice feel authentic? Does the tone, the story’s attitude toward itself, align with its intent and emotional core?

Setting, World & Atmosphere

Is the world immersive, coherent, and purposeful? Do the characters’ emotions, actions and reactions feel true within the story’s reality?

Story

Does your story engage the reader from beginning to end? Is it cohesive, holding together as a unified whole? Do plot, characters, setting, thematic elements and other story components align to create a satisfying and coherent narrative?

Craft

Are the basics solid, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word choice? Beyond that, at the sentence level, do rhythm, sentence order, variety, clarity, brevity, and style work together to create smooth flow and effective pacing?

Your Developmental Editing Package Includes

  • Editorial Letter

    A power-packed editorial letter (15-20 pages) that approaches your manuscript through each of these storytelling facets, outlining strengths and identifying areas for improvement.

  • Margin Comments

    Extensive in-manuscript annotations and comments providing clear guidance on implementing the suggested edits, with specific examples illustrating the points discussed in the editorial letter.

  • Line Edits

    Approximately 10 pages of line editing distributed throughout the manuscript.

You will leave with useful, specific, and manageable revision steps designed to give you direction, momentum, and renewed energy for your next draft.

How It Works

A thoroughly edited manuscript is a crucial step on the path to publication and a solid investment in your career as a writer.

Step 1: Book Your Free Sample Edit

When you start working with an editor, whether it’s me or another editor, a sample edit is essential. You need to feel confident in the person shaping your work, and the feedback must resonate with you and align with your intentions.

Ready to see what your manuscript needs to reach the next level? Click here to book a free sample edit.

Step 2: Receive Your Edited Sample and Quote

When you request a free sample edit, you’ll receive 5 pages edited with margin comments and line edits, along with a clear explanation of my recommendations, and a firm quote outlining the scope, cost, and timeline for a full developmental edit.

Step 3: Decide if It’s the Right Fit

If the sample resonates and you feel confident this work will bring you closer to publication, we’ll move forward.

If it’s not the right fit, there’s no obligation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read your pages.

Step 4: Reserve Your Editing Slot

I’ll send a contract and request a 30% deposit to hold your spot on my calendar.

Step 5: Developmental Editing Begins

At the scheduled time, I begin a full developmental edit of your manuscript, focusing on core storytelling elements such as concept, structure and plot, character development, voice, setting, and craft.

Step 6: Receive Your Fully Edited Manuscript

You’ll receive your manuscript with detailed in-text comments and annotations, a 15–20 page editorial letter highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, and approximately 10 pages of line edits throughout the manuscript.

Cost

Full developmental edits for manuscripts up to 80,000 words are $950 USD; additional words are $0.035 per word.

Payment

A 30% deposit secures your place in my calendar, upon signing the editorial contract.
A further 60% is due upon return of the edited manuscript.
The final 10% is payable upon your satisfaction with the completed edit.

Payment methods accepted: credit card, direct deposit, bank transfer, Interac, PayPal etc.

Developmental edit fees are quoted in US dollars. Checkout would automatically show the converted amount in your local currency.

Reach out if you have any questions.