Demonstrating how to revise and strengthen your writing
A developmental edit is an in-depth look at your manuscript, which will identify areas of both strength and weakness and provide practical demonstrations on how you might improve your craft.
What is a developmental edit?
During a developmental edit I will read the manuscript at least twice, looking at the big picture elements such as character development, plot, theme and pacing (this is not an exhaustive list!). I comment on aspects I feel have been done particularly well and point out areas that might need some extra work.
The best part about a developmental edit is that I will not only point out areas that need more work, but I will edit the text directly to show you how specific aspects could be improved. For example, if a scene is falling a bit flat because it’s mainly dialogue, I might add in some illustrative action beats or descriptive passages to show how it could be fleshed out more. Although you are of course free to use my edits, they are always only suggestions and I encourage you to use my suggestions more as inspiration to make your own changes.
As well as these detailed textual edits, I’ll also provide an editorial letter which will give you an overview of the main strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, and point you to more general resources you might find useful as you continue to work on revising your novel.
This kind of edit does not look at grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc, although I may comment on any recurring issues I notice and suggest resources you could look at so you can correct these errors yourself.
The best part about a developmental edit is that I will not only point out areas that need more work, but I will edit the text directly to show you how specific aspects could be improved. For example, if a scene is falling a bit flat because it’s mainly dialogue, I might add in some illustrative action beats or descriptive passages to show how it could be fleshed out more. Although you are of course free to use my edits, they are always only suggestions and I encourage you to use my suggestions more as inspiration to make your own changes.
As well as these detailed textual edits, I’ll also provide an editorial letter which will give you an overview of the main strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, and point you to more general resources you might find useful as you continue to work on revising your novel.
This kind of edit does not look at grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc, although I may comment on any recurring issues I notice and suggest resources you could look at so you can correct these errors yourself.
How does a developmental edit work?
First, get in touch to request a developmental edit. I’ll send you a questionnaire so I can find out about your novel, your writing background and your creative intentions – such as whether you’re hoping for traditional publication or planning to go down the self-publishing route – and the kinds of market and readership you envision for your novel. I’ll also request to see the manuscript, so I can assess how much work might be needed. Together, these will enable me to see whether I think we’ll be a good fit and ensure this service is the most appropriate one for you.
Second, we’ll work out the details. If we’re both happy we’ll work well together, I’ll let you know when I’m available to start and how long I expect the edit to take, which is dependent on the length of the manuscript and amount of work needed but usually at least two months. I ask for a 10% deposit, which will secure your place in my schedule.
When our agreed start date arrives, I’ll get started reading your novel and ask for a further 40% of the fee. I do a quick read of the manuscript first, to get an authentic reader experience, and then read it again more slowly, making edits and writing an editorial letter. When I’ve finished I’ll send you the edited manuscript and completed letter, and ask for the remaining 50% balance.
Finally, you’ll be able to send me up to five follow up emails (not including simple acknowledgements of receipt, etc.) to ask for clarification on anything that isn’t clear or any final questions that have occurred to you. You’ll need to do this within a month of receiving my letter, so that your novel is still fresh in my mind and I can provide you with the most helpful answers. With that, you should be armed with everything you need to revise your novel and take it to the next level!
Second, we’ll work out the details. If we’re both happy we’ll work well together, I’ll let you know when I’m available to start and how long I expect the edit to take, which is dependent on the length of the manuscript and amount of work needed but usually at least two months. I ask for a 10% deposit, which will secure your place in my schedule.
When our agreed start date arrives, I’ll get started reading your novel and ask for a further 40% of the fee. I do a quick read of the manuscript first, to get an authentic reader experience, and then read it again more slowly, making edits and writing an editorial letter. When I’ve finished I’ll send you the edited manuscript and completed letter, and ask for the remaining 50% balance.
Finally, you’ll be able to send me up to five follow up emails (not including simple acknowledgements of receipt, etc.) to ask for clarification on anything that isn’t clear or any final questions that have occurred to you. You’ll need to do this within a month of receiving my letter, so that your novel is still fresh in my mind and I can provide you with the most helpful answers. With that, you should be armed with everything you need to revise your novel and take it to the next level!
How much does a developmental edit cost?
This is not straightforward. Each manuscript has its own individual needs so I assess each one on its own requirements – and those of you, the author. What one author might want from a developmental edit is not necessarily what the next one will want. After assessing a manuscript we can discuss your specific needs and I will provide an individual quote.