Developmental editing is the first step in the editing process, and it solves the big-picture storytelling issues in your manuscript.
It is the first kind of editing authors should look for after they have completed their first draft of their story. If you are not sure what kind of editing your manuscript needs, learn more information aboutthe different kinds of editing.
The developmental editing service addresses the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses and provides comprehensive feedback on the following issues:
theme
story structure
characters (goals, motivations, conflict, character development)
point of view
pacing
setting
genre conventions
scene vs narrative summary (show vs tell)
dialogue
It does not address line editing or copyediting issues such as grammar, spelling or punctuation.
Romance genres I offer developmental editing services in the romance genre. I specialise in developmental editing the following romance subgenres:
contemporary romance
YA romance
paranormal romance
romantic suspense
romantasy
The developmental editing process First read-through I read the entire manuscript as quickly and as comfortably as possible to gain a general understanding of the story and to write down basic information about each scene (e.g viewpoint characters, location, main story events, notes).
Edit the manuscript I read the entire manuscript the second time slowly and carefully. I provide margin suggestions (comments) using Track Changes (Microsoft Word) on each page of the manuscript and take extensive notes in an editorial report to further guide the author.
Review and send documents I review all the edits and suggestions in the manuscript and finish writing the editorial report. Finally, I send the Microsoft Word documents (the edited manuscript and the editorial report) to the author.
Author review You review the edited manuscript and the editorial report. You accept or reject the margin comments in the manuscript read carefully the feedback of the editorial report.
Follow up support The developmental editing service includes 30 minutes of follow-up support (email or Google Meet) where we discuss your story and answer potential questions.
Deliverables:
a marked-up manuscript with margin suggestions (comments) in Microsoft Word
an editorial report (3-5 pages) full of detailed, constructive and honest feedback as a Microsoft Word document
30 minutes of follow-up support over email or video meeting on Google Meet
Free sample edits Use this form and send me your completed manuscript with any other documents you have (synopsis, summary). I will read chapters from the beginning, middle and end of your story to get a general idea and identify potential issues.
I will perform a free sample edit on the first 1,000 words of your manuscript (4-5 pages). Then, I will send you the edited manuscript and editorial report along with a no-obligation customised quote.
The purpose of the sample edit is to:
assess the author’s writing style, and identify the manuscript’s structure and potential big-picture storytelling issues.
set scope expectations and ensure that my style of feedback aligns with what the author is looking for.
For the developmental editing service, the author gets feedback (margin-in comments) in the manuscript document and an editorial report of the first 1,000 words of their manuscript. I might leave more comments in my sample edit than I would on the full manuscript to ensure clarity and context. You can typically expect 3-5 comments per page on your completed manuscript.
Why choose the developmental editing service?
You are a new or seasoned writer that needs thorough guidance
You have not received any offers from publishers/agents
You are too close to your own story and you need another pair of (professional) eyes to read your manuscript
You have no idea how to further improve your manuscript
Make sure you have a strong story premise
Why me?
Avid romance reader and romance genre specialist
Dedicated and passionate about my work
Attention to detail
Strong analytical skills
Excellent communication skills
Safety: your book is protected and not shared with anyone else
Investment Every editor’s circumstances are different and the cost of the service depends on a lot of factors such as the type of work, scope of work, the manuscript’s turnaround time and the editor’s training and experience. As a new developmental editor, I offer significantly low rates to grow my portfolio and get honest testimonials. I charge €30 per hour for the Developmental Editing service. Additional follow-up support (email or Google Meet) can be purchased at €80 per hour.
Deadline: about 4-6 weeks depending on the length and the complexity of the manuscript
The cost and the deadline provided are estimates. Please contact me to get a customised quote for your manuscript.
Please read the heat/spice levels and the trigger warnings webpage to make sure we are a great fit to work together. Please note that a 20% non-refundable booking fee is required at the time of booking to secure a slot in my schedule. Read the Terms and Conditionsand Privacy Policy for more information.
How it works Every editing project is unique. Fill in this formto contact me and send me your completed manuscript along with any other related documents (synopsis, summary). I will respond to you as soon as possible with a no-obligation quote based on the specific needs of your manuscript.