Also known as Content or Structural Editing, Developmental Editing is for you if you have a completed, self-edited manuscript and feel ready to begin cooperative work with a professional editor to further tighten your story. You will receive highly detailed feedback via an annotated manuscript. You’ll also receive an editorial letter (usually between three to six pages) summarizing the overall work, its strengths and weaknesses, what’s working well, what might not be and suggestions for improvement, as well actionable steps for your revisions after editing is completed.
During the editing process, I like to have short, weekly catch-up calls with you to keep you informed on where I am in the manuscript, what I’m seeing that’s working well and what might need revising, and ask any questions I might have as I go. This way, you’ll never have any surprises when you get your work back from me. We’ll have spoken over the course of several hours total, which has allowed authors to gain more confidence in their work and feel energized about revising!
I also continue to support my authors after the original developmental edit is complete. For two months after the project completion date, I provide feedback via a short edit letter on any major revisions. This support has been integral for many authors, because it allowed them to keep the ball rolling on their work and revise with confidence and purpose.
Developmental Editing, depending on the size of your manuscript, can take six weeks to complete.
After Developmental Editing is completed, your manuscript will feature sharp prose, lifelike characters, real settings, and a narrative you can continue to be proud of.
Your vision for your work will be tangible and publishing will be in reach!
Not quite ready for the time investment developmental editing requires? Try a manuscript evaluation!