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Rachel Rowlands, Editor & Author
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Rachel Rowlands, Editor & Author
extensive big-picture editing

Developmental editing

Please note: Due to the intensive nature of developmental editing, my availability is extremely limited, and I am selective about the projects I take on. If I am fully booked for these, or if you’d prefer a similar but less intense service, you may like to consider a manuscript assessment, which covers many of the same elements.

Developmental editing provides you with:

  • Actionable feedback in every chapter of your manuscript to help you sharpen key story elements and improve your writing craft.
  • Detailed guidance on all the big-picture elements of your book – so you know what’s working and which areas need more attention.
  • Key knowledge on your target market and how your book fits in – with detailed editing solutions to meet those reader expectations.
  • Comprehensive strategies and advice in an extensive editorial report, crafted to help you develop your work in the next draft.
Premium submission package for authors submitting writing to literary agents
what you get

Service includes…


You’ll receive an extensive editorial report (10–20 pages) focusing on the key areas of your manuscript: plot, structure, characters, writing craft, setting/world-building, and market positioning. Alongside this, I’ll provide detailed comments in every chapter, suggesting areas for improvement as well as pointing out aspects that are working well. Where appropriate, light teaching examples are included. For example, if you’re struggling with point of view, I may edit a short passage to demonstrate how to fix the issue and teach you more about craft.

At the end of the edit, I’ll send you a manuscript revision guide and a customised resource sheet to help you with any particular craft areas you might be struggling with.

A one-hour consultation is included within two months of the edit so we can chat through any questions or ideas you have. This will either be be an audio-only call or a live text chat.

I’ll also look at a revision plan for your next draft (maximum 5,000 words) within two months of the edit.

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

I know this can be confusing – so I’ve written an entire blog post to explain!

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 extremely hands-on, including not only a detailed editorial report but also chapter-by-chapter-feedback and teaching examples. It’s a far more transformative, deep service.

A manuscript assessment covers the same big-picture areas in the form of a comprehensive editorial report. It’s a detailed, thorough evaluation, but leaves out the comments and teaching examples within the manuscript itself. It’s ideal for authors who want a thorough, professional overview without the level of intensity involved in a developmental edit. Perfect for authors who worry about being overwhelmed by too much feedback!

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.
Ean S. mills
Fantasy author
Website

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.
James LyALL
Fantasy author

Book your developmental edit

I take on a very limited number of developmental edits each year, and I’m highly selective. If you’re looking to refine your manuscript, contact me to secure your spot. If you’d prefer a similar but less intense service, you may like to consider a manuscript assessment.

    Member of the Editorial Freelancers Association

    Things I've been reading during surgery recovery! Things I've been reading during surgery recovery! ✨️

This Homeward Ache by @amybaiklee – a beautifully written book on why we feel a mysterious sense of yearning/longing for something that always feels just out of our reach. Reminiscent of C.S Lewis's non-fiction writings (but better, in my opinion!), this book explores the longing for a home beyond the world we inhabit. It was gorgeous. Profound, thought-provoking, and very comforting to me.

A Sign of Affection by @morishita.suu – I love this manga series! And manga is ideal for reading after surgery since it's heavy on art, and not too wordy. This series has the most adorable and wholesome love story I've ever read. We follow college students Itsuomi and Yuki. Itsuomi is a keen traveller and multilingual and Yuki is deaf. These two help one another navigate life and challenges as they fall in love. It's very sweet.

--

What have you been reading lately? 📚

I hope to get back to writing soon myself too!
    Sunny and peaceful walk with the husband today on Sunny and peaceful walk with the husband today on my lunch break. 🌲🍃 Some much-needed trees and blue skies to soothe the soul!
    A reminder for those who need it! ✨️🐈‍⬛ A reminder for those who need it! ✨️🐈‍⬛️ This is something I've been reminded of constantly lately as I've been facing a lot of personal challenges and I've sort of distanced myself from some elements of social media as a result. 

There is so much we don't share online. I value my privacy, so I often don't talk about my personal struggles – that's not to say they don't exist.

Remember, when you look at social media, the cliche really does apply that you're seeing a highlight reel. You might be sitting there comparing yourself and wondering why you're not as successful or having as much fun as that person, but beneath all of that, they could be grieving, or dealing with family issues, housing problems, health problems, loneliness – anything! 

Even relationships on social media can feel manufactured. Liking posts isn't the same as connection. This is part of why I made the cat café series so focused on places where people can come together. We need them. It's not easy to find places like that in real life, but I think it's important we try. Even if it's just a book club, a writing group, a class, or a favourite café.

I'm sharing this in case anyone needs to hear it too. And I hope whatever challenges you are facing, you have some support (even if just in the form of a furry friend). ❤️🐱
    Have you visited the cat café this spring/summer Have you visited the cat café this spring/summer yet? I heard the baker Clem has been whipping up some delicious cakes... 🐈☕️🧁

(Yes this post is an excuse for me to post a photo I took in April during the time of the cherry blossoms flowering, then promptly forgot to share... 😂)

#cakeoffatthecatcafe #rachelrowlands #romancebooks #romancereads #sweetromance #catsagram
    What Haru would look like if she lived at the Catp What Haru would look like if she lived at the Catpurrcino Cat Café... ☕️🐈‍⬛️ 

On a more serious note, I'll soon be revising the third book in the cat café series! I'm having surgery next month, so revisions are not going to be as quick as I would have liked them to be, and I've had to rearrange many of my editing projects (if you are a client of mine, the support and understanding has been SO appreciated ❤️). I was feeling overwhelmed about it all this morning as I was taking Haru to her yearly health check at the vet. She hates going and was not happy with me for being put in her carrier! But when we got home? She was so happy to be back and immediately bounced back, nuzzling my hand and being her usual sweet, happy self. (Before heading off for a nap...)

Cats can teach us so many life lessons about bouncing back! She reminded me of that today. I can't bring her to hospital with me but I can try to be more Haru... Maybe a topic for a future newsletter... 😉😂

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