extensive big-picture editing
Developmental editing
My availability is more limited for developmental editing and I only take on a small number of these per year. If I am fully booked for these, or if you’d prefer a similar but less intensive service, you could consider a manuscript assessment.
Developmental editing provides you with:
what you get
Service includes…
You’ll receive an extensive editorial report (10–20 pages, depending on the length of your manuscript). This will focus on the major big-picture areas: plot, structure, characterisation, setting/world-building, your target market, and broader areas of writing craft such as exposition and point of view. Alongside this, I’ll provide marginal comments in every chapter, providing additional examples to complement the report, as well as questions to get you thinking more deeply about the story, and compliments on what I’m enjoying and what’s working well.
I’ll also send you a manuscript revision guide to help you implement any changes, and a customised resource sheet for further reading on the topics covered in my notes.
A one-hour consultation is included within two months of the edit – we can chat through any questions or ideas you have for revisions or you can pick my brain about writing and publishing. This will either be be an audio-only call or a live Google Chat.
I’ll look at a revision plan for your next draft (maximum 5,000 words) within two months of the edit, too – making sure you’re on track for any rewrites.
What’s the difference between developmental editing and a manuscript assessment?
I know this can be confusing – I’ve written an entire blog post to explain this.
Both of these services are forms of developmental editing. The key difference between developmental editing and a manuscript assessment is the intensity. They both focus on the big picture, but a developmental edit is more hands-on, since it also includes marginal comments in each chapter and, quite often, a consultation with the editor.
A manuscript assessment covers the same big-picture areas in the form of an editorial report. It’s a detailed, thorough evaluation, but leaves out the more intense aspects of a fuller dev edit, like the marginal comments. It’s ideal for authors who want a professional overview but worry about being overwhelmed by too much commentary.
still unsure about developmental editing?
What other writers are saying
Worth every penny
I came to Rachel having never published a book before. I decided to take a chance on her and give her my baby, After World. Having hired her twice, I can say you’ll never find a more caring, compassionate professional. She is methodical and precise. She pointed out blemishes in story arcs and character interactions, and never shied away from pointing out things that didn’t work. This may seem standard in this industry; the difference is, she always provided concise ideas on how to improve these elements. Whenever Rachel and I set up a timeline, she was never late. Authors should feel at ease that their time is taken seriously, and this editor takes her job just as seriously.
After working with her, honestly… you just feel good. She’s genuinely interested in the work. She includes notes about what she likes and wants to know more about. These little tidbits of positivity really help when you’re up for long hours remaking your world.
Rachel was a wonderful addition to my team and in helping bring my book to life. I would recommend her, especially to new authors who need a helpful hand in cleaning up their work. She was worth every penny. I would hire her again without a doubt.
Insightful and essential
I had quite the pleasant experience throughout. The information provided to me was always clear and concise. I never had to wait long for an answer to my questions, either. The feedback on my manuscript was in-depth with clear examples and presented in a structured manner. I was particularly impressed with the dedication shown with regards to the in-manuscript comments. The phone call to discuss any lingering questions proved to be insightful and essential. Would highly recommend and consider using these services again in the future.
