What is a Developmental Edit?

It addresses plot structure, worldbuilding, character arcs, thematic development, chronology, genre expectations, and more. It’s about the big picture. Revision involves scene-level changes and restructuring.

This is the first step for many authors. It comes before line editing or copy editing. Because it’s an edit that requires substantial changes to the manuscript, mechanical issues on the sentence level should be addressed after revision.

How does it work?

Please fill out the Request Edit Form. I will contact you, and we will discuss your story and any concerns you may have about it. This will give you a chance to evaluate if I’m a good fit and give me an idea of the story’s needs. After we’ve discussed the edit, I will evaluate the manuscript as a whole and determine an exact rate. If you agree, I will send you a contract to sign.

In a developmental edit, I will suggest how to make your story stronger and appeal to more readers. I use track changes in Word and leave comments throughout the manuscript. You will also receive a thorough report that breaks down the story, discussing how to expand on your strengths and improve trouble areas. After you’ve had time to look it over, I’m happy to meet with you for an hour to discuss it.

In the end, ultimately, you’re the writer. This is your story. You make the decisions. My goal is to collaborate and work alongside you, not tell you what to do.

How much does it cost?

A developmental edit is the most detailed, comprehensive, and transformative review available for your manuscript. It requires tackling large-scale issues within the manuscript and generating creative solutions.

Rates vary $0.023-0.028 (2.3-2.8 cents) per word.

Marginal comments, questions, and suggestions
A full editorial letter reviewing the story
Plenty of communication, including a one-hour meeting at the end to discuss your questions

What is included?

What is not included?

Due to its nature of being an early edit, many sections and passages of the story will change.

A developmental edit does not address issues related to syntax, punctuation, grammar, or spelling. This edit is focused on storytelling.