A developmental edit usually happens soon after you’ve written your story and implemented beta readers’ comments. Before you get into the nitty-gritty of chopping your words to fit that word count or look for punctuation mistakes, it’s important to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. A developmental edit analyzes the bones that hold your story together:
- Story Hook
- Plot
- Subplot(s)
- Structure
- Pacing/Tension
- Twists
- Character Arc
- Theme
- Worldbuilding/Setting
- Timeline
- Antagonist and Conflict
- POV
- Ending/Resolution
This is a more time-intensive edit than some of the others, but just as vital, if not more so! I will point out in the document areas that could be explained further, possible scenes to cut or move, things you’ve done well, with comments to explain why or further ideas. I will also provide a 10+ document of notes detailing the strengths and weaknesses of your story in more detail, as well as offering ideas and suggestions.
My feedback is only ideas or suggestions. You are free to accept or reject any of them and implement them however you wish; after all, you know your story best!
Price: $0.01/word
A Developmental Edit is For You If:
- You have a complete story that hasn’t been edited.
- You want feedback on your plot, pacing, and character arcs before diving into line edits.
- You’re not sure if your beginning hooks the reader.
- You feel stuck in revisions and want a big-picture perspective.
- You don’t know if your worldbuilding/magic system is consistent or makes sense.
- Your beta readers have had conflicting or confusing feedback about the bones of your story.
- You’re not sure all the pieces of your story are in the right places.
- Something seems off about your story, but you can’t pinpoint what.
How it Works
- You’ll fill out this information form.
- I’ll send you an email with a letter of agreement outlining price and deadlines.
- After receiving half your payment, I’ll read your complete novel, making comments in the margin using Microsoft Word Track Changes.
- I’ll also make notes in a separate Word document detailing my comments more thoroughly as well as the strengths and weaknesses of your story.
- Once I receive the final payment, I’ll return your edited story and the 10+ pages of notes.
- Then we’ll schedule a 30 minute chat to discuss any questions you have about the edits. 😊
A Developmental Edit Includes:
- In-line edits
- 10+ pages of detailed feedback covering the main structural elements of your story (character development, plot, twists, pacing/tension, theme, beginning, ending, etc.) with an emphasis on what is working and what could benefit from further development.
- Ideas for how to make your story stronger
- 30 minute call to discuss edits
I would be honored to work with you to help make the bones of your fantasy or sci-fi story* stronger! Fill out the information form below to get started.
*Please note: I only accept stories with minimal spice (sex off-page is okay), minimal cussing, and no LGBTQ+ characters.