Full developmental edit

extensive big-picture editing
looking for detailed story editing to level up your book?

How developmental editing can help you:

  • Constructive feedback throughout every chapter of your manuscript via in-manuscript comments.
  • In-depth guidance on all the big-picture elements of your book, from start to end – so you know what you’re doing well, and which areas need work, throughout.
  • Identifies where your book fits in with your target market, based on your publishing goals – with detailed editing solutions.
  • Comprehensive strategies and advice in an extensive editorial report to help you flesh out and develop your story in the next draft.
what you get

Service includes…

I’ll provide you with a ten to fifteen page editorial report focusing on big-picture elements such as plot/structure, characters, world-building, your target market, and any writing craft areas you may be struggling with. Alongside this, I’ll leave comments in every chapter of your manuscript, giving you examples of areas that need work, and constructive feedback and strategies to tackle revisions. This makes the edit more extensive as I’ll be with you through every chapter, offering solutions and ideas from the start to the end of your book.

An optional forty-five minute phone consultation is included after the edit, where we can discuss your ideas and plans for revisions, or any questions you have.

What’s the difference between developmental editing and a manuscript assessment?

It can be confusing – I wrote an entire blog post on the topic!

The key difference between these two services is that a full developmental edit provides both an editorial report and in-manuscript notes, allowing you to get a chapter-by-chapter, more intensive service.

A manuscript assessment is a different form of developmental editing. It still covers the same big-picture areas, but you only get the editorial report – no in-manuscript guidance. There will still be some examples, but they’re generally lighter.

still unsure about developmental editing?

Here’s what other writers say!

Creative, passionate, professional

Rachel’s detailed feedback was instrumental in making my novel what it is today. Her insights into character development, structure and plotting have massively helped me create a much pacier and more layered book. Not only did Rachel look at overall issues and strengths of the novel, she also gave detailed chapter by chapter feedback. Such attention to detail is something I’ve rarely come across in an editor. You’ll find Rachel creative, passionate and above all professional and kind. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.
molly aitken
Author of The Island Child

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.
Ean S. mills
Fantasy author
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book developmental editing