Developmental Editing
In-depth feedback to strengthen the foundations of your story.
A developmental edit focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript—how the story works, how it’s structured, and how effectively it engages the reader.
Rather than addressing sentence-level issues, this service looks at plot, pacing, character, and narrative momentum, helping you understand what to revise and why. The aim is to strengthen the core of your story so later edits can focus on polishing rather than repairing.
What's Included:
A developmental edit involves a full read-through of your manuscript with detailed feedback provided both within the text and in a separate editorial report. Depending on your manuscript, this may include:
- Structural feedback on plot and story arc;
- Pacing analysis and tension management;
- Character development, motivation and consistency;
- Point of view and narrative perspective;
- Scene effectiveness and progression;
- Genre expectations and reader engagement;
- Identification of strengths and key areas for revision.
In-text comments are used to highlight patters, ask guiding questions, and suggest areas for development—don’t worry, I won’t try to rewrite the manuscript for you.
What's Not Included:
This service does not include:
- Line-by-line editing or copy editing;
- Detailed corrections to grammar, spelling or punctuation;
- Rewriting or ghostwriting;
- Formatting or proofreading.
If your manuscript would benefit more from a manuscript assessment or line-level editing, I’ll let you know and recommend a more appropriate service.
Who This Service is Best For:
A developmental edit is ideal if you:
- Have a complete draft or near-complete draft;
- Want to improve structure, pacing or character before polishing the prose;
- Feel something isn’t quite working, but can’t pinpoint why;
- Are preparing a manuscript for submission or publication.
This service is particularly well suited to romance, crime and thriller fiction where narrative momentum, emotional payoff, and reader engagement are key to success.
What You'll Receive:
When the edit is complete, you’ll receive:
- Your manuscript with in-text editorial comments;
- A detailed editorial report summarising key feedback;
- Clear, prioritised recommendations for revision.
The feedback is designed to help you revise with confidence, whether you’re working independently or planning a follow-up edit.
You may want to add a sixty minute feedback call to your developmental edit, giving you dedicated time to talk through the editorial report and in-text comments in more depth.
This session is designed to help you prioritise revisions, explore structural questions, and gain clarity on how to approach your next draft. We will focus on discussion and strategy, rather than live editing.
Timescales & Booking:
Turnaround time depends on word count and current availability, but most developmental edits take between four and eight weeks.
Because this is an in-depth service, booking as far in advance as possible is recommended – particularly if you’re working to a specific deadline or publishing schedule.
Pricing:
Prices start from $0.018 / £0.013 per word
Optional sixty-minute editorial feedback call: $80 / £60 when booked alongside a developmental edit.
Pricing is based on word count and the level of editing required, and a tailored quote will always be provided before any work begins.
Payment plans are available for most projects and can be discussed at the quotation stage.
FAQs
How is a developmental edit different from a manuscript assessment
A manuscript assessment provides big-picture feedback delivered in a written report only. It does not include in-text edits or margin comments.
A developmental edit includes in-text comments and more detailed, hands-on guidance throughout the manuscript. If you’re unsure which level of support you need, I’m happy to advise.
Can I combine a developmental edit with a complete line and copy edit?
Yes. Many authors choose to book a developmental edit followed by a complete line and copy edit.
Combined bookings may be eligible for a package rate, depending on scope and timing. Please get in touch to discuss options.
Will you tell me how to fix every issue in my story?
My feedback is designed to guide and support your revision, not to rewrite your manuscript.
I’ll identify patterns, explain underlying issues, and suggest possible approaches, but the creative decisions remain yours.
Next Steps
If you want to strengthen the structure and effectiveness of your story before moving on to line-level editing, a developmental edit may be the right next step.