Developmental Editing
Big-picture guidance to strengthen your manuscript before polishing the details
What Is Developmental Editing?
A developmental edit (also called a structural or substantive edit) evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript and provides comprehensive feedback from an objective point of view. The goal is to ensure your writing is engaging and effectively communicates its message and meets its potential.
I'll consider all aspects of your manuscript—its place in its category, your audience, and its market potential—and provide clear guidance on how to make it the strongest it can be.
Who Is This Service For?
This service is ideal for you if:
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You have a complete draft or near-complete manuscript
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You're unsure if your structure, pacing, or plot are working
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You want objective feedback from an experienced editor
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You've received beta reader feedback and don't know what to do next
I also offer Partial Manuscript Evaluations for manuscripts up to 30,000 words.
This is perfect if you want to know whether your project is working before investing in a full developmental edit!
Not Ready for a Full Edit?
At a Glance
Best For
Authors with a complete draft or near-complete manuscript.
Timeline
4–12 Weeks
Format
Editorial Letter +
Track Changes
Follow-Up Included
Yes
(Email support + optional revision meeting)
Investment
Starting at
$650
Final pricing based on word count, complexity, and timeline
Free consultation
No obligation
What You'll Receive:
Editorial Feedback
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Comprehensive editorial letter
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Margin comments
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Actionable revision suggestions
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big-picture recommendations
Resources
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Style and consistency notes
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Recommended next steps
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Additional resources
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Optional revision roadmap
Support
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Email follow-up
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Answers to your questions
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Optional revision meeting
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Ongoing guidance
The Result
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A stronger, clearer, more compelling manuscript
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Confidence in your next steps
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A roadmap for revision and improvement
The Process:
1
2
3
4
5
Submit Your
Manuscript
Receive Your
Quote
Editorial Review
Begins
Receive Your
Edits
Revise With
Confidence
Send your manuscript and tell me about your goals.
I review the details and send a custom proposal.
I dive deep into your manuscript with a strategic eye.
You receive a detailed editorial letter and inline comments
Use the feedback to strengthen your story and move forward.
What Additional Information Do You Need?
To provide an accurate quote and the most helpful feedback, please share:
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Word count
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Category or genre
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Intended audience
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Your goals for the book
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Your areas of concern or questions
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Relevant documents
You May Also Be Interested In:
Copyediting
Receive input to refine your writing and polish your manuscript.
Proofreading
Receive a final check before publication or submission.
Coaching + Revision Support
Receive guidance throughout your revisions.