Developmental editing 

Developmental editing is the first step in the editing process, and it addresses the big-picture elements in your manuscript. It does not address line editing or copyediting issues such as grammar, spelling or punctuation.

It is the first kind of editing writers should look for after they have completed self-editing their story. If you are not sure what kind of editing your manuscript needs, learn more information about the different types of editing services                                             

                    Why choose this service?

  •  Are you struggling with the plot of your story and can’t figure out what happens next? I can show you how to solve plot issues in your story.  

  • Are you struggling to create believable and unique characters with realistic goals, motivations and flaws? I can show you how to create believable, realistic and relatable characters in the story you are editing right now.
 
  • Do you provide too much information/exposition that slows down the pacing of the chapters, and readers lose interest in the story? I can show you how to identify unnecessary information and quicken the pacing of your story.
 
  • Are you struggling to show the romantic chemistry and advance the development of the romantic relationship between the main characters? I can read your manuscript and show you how to develop the romantic relationship between the main characters.   
 
​I provide thoughtful, helpful and actionable suggestions to help you edit and improve the big-picture issues, such as:
  • theme
  • plot 
  • characters (goal, motivation, conflict, character development)
  • point of view
  • pacing
  • setting
  • romance genre conventions
  • scene vs narrative summary (show vs tell)
  • exposition (info-dumping)
  • dialogue
​"... 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..."
Kate Underwood, contemporary romance writer
                                                   Romance genres
I offer developmental editing services in the romance genre. I specialise in editing the following romance subgenres:
  • contemporary romance
  • YA (Young Adult) romance
  • romantic comedy
  • fantasy romance
  • romantasy   
  • paranormal romance
  • romantic suspense​​​

    Am I the right editor for your story?

 Learn more about me and my editing services to make sure we are a good fit to work together.
"Maria did a beta read for a romantic comedy I had written, and I couldn't be happier with the feedback she gave... her suggestions were very valuable and I hope to use her again."
Pamela Dean, romance comedy writer
                                         The 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 document 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 carefully the edited manuscript and the editorial report.

Follow up support
The developmental editing service includes 30 minutes of follow-up support (email or Google Meet) to 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 constructive, thoughtful and actionable suggestions as a Microsoft Word document
  • 30 minutes of follow-up support over email or video meeting (Google Meet)          
"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... I found her feedback useful and would recommend her..."
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 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.                                          
                                     Free discovery meeting
Book a free discovery meeting to discuss how I can help you edit and improve the big-picture issues of your story and to see if we are a great fit to work together.
                                Interested in working with me?
Fill this form and send me your completed manuscript along with any other related documents (synopsis, summary). I will respond to you as soon as possible to discuss how I can help you improve your manuscript and provide you with a no-obligation project quote.