Developmental editing
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 self-editing story. If you are not sure what kind of editing your manuscript needs, learn more information about the different kinds of editing.
The developmental editing service addresses the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses and provides constructive feedback on the following storytelling elements:
Romance genres
I offer developmental editing services in the romance genre. I specialise in developmental editing the following romance subgenres:
It is the first kind of editing authors should look for after they have completed self-editing story. If you are not sure what kind of editing your manuscript needs, learn more information about the different kinds of editing.
The developmental editing service addresses the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses and provides constructive feedback on the following storytelling elements:
- theme
- plot
- characters (goals, motivations, conflict, character development)
- point of view
- pacing
- setting
- genre conventions
- scene vs narrative summary (show vs tell)
- dialogue
Romance genres
I offer developmental editing services in the romance genre. I specialise in developmental editing the following romance subgenres:
- contemporary romance
- YA romance
- romantic comedy
- paranormal romance
- romantic suspense
- fantasy romance
- romantasy
"Maria did a beta read for a romantic comedy I had written, and I couldn't be happier with the feedback she gave. She had an easy to follow format of questions already prepared as she read my manuscript. It allowed me to see her thought process and what she found important as a reader. Her suggestions were very valuable and I hope to use her again."
Pamela Dean, romance comedy writer
Pamela Dean, romance comedy writer
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:
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:
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?
Why me?
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 call
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
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"Maria provided beta reading of my contemporary romance novel, and her feedback was invaluable, especially after I had completed numerous revisions and was struggling to pinpoint where my plot issues were. I appreciated the chance to have a new and unbiased set of eyes on my manuscript. She pointed out an issue with a subplot that I had not considered before, which helped me to focus my revision efforts effectively. Her feedback was timely and thoughtful, and I'd recommend her to any fellow authors seeking beta reading feedback." Kate Underwood, contemporary romance writer |
"Maria offered me feedback on my YA coming-of-age romance novel. It was clear to me that Maria read my manuscript thoroughly, and she gave me thoughtful feedback based on her opinions as a reader. I found her feedback useful and would recommend her as a beta reader." Sophie Bernbaum, YA romance writer |
Investment
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 content 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 Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information.
How it works
Every editing project is unique. Fill in this form to 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.
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 content 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 Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information.
How it works
Every editing project is unique. Fill in this form to 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.
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