Developmental editing

extensive big-picture editing

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 an extensive editorial report (10–20 pages) focusing on big-picture elements such as your 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 your manuscript, giving you constructive feedback throughout every single chapter of your book and highlighting areas for improvement, as well as what’s working and what I’m enjoying. Light teaching examples are included – for example, if I’m commenting on exposition in the sidebar, I might edit a short paragraph or two to show you how revisions could improve that segment of the book.

At the end of the edit, I’ll send you a manuscript revision guide and a customised resource sheet to help you with 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. This will either be be an audio-only call or a live text chat. If you forget anything during our chat, email follow-up is also included.

I’ll 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?

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

The key difference between these two services is that a 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 there are no in-manuscript comments within each chapter.

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

Highly recommend

Rachel taught me a lot about plot cohesion and believable characters, and she did so in a gentle and supportive way. After taking her notes to heart, my draft considerably improved and gained a much better reception. Highly recommend!

Candice

Fantasy author

extensive big-picture editing