Developmental Editing

This kind of edit involves comprehensive scene-by-scene feedback throughout each chapter of your manuscript flagging problems in pacing, continuity, point of view, character development, suspense, and more—and suggesting solutions to help you better reach your readers. (This type of service is sometimes referred to as substantive editing or structural editing.)

Is Developmental Editing right for your book?

This option is ideal for drafts that have already undone some revision, but still need work at the story level. Choose this one if the foundations of your novel (premise, overall plot structure, point of view, character arcs) are pretty firmly set, and you’re looking for constructive feedback to guide you in revising the finer details of your story, scene by scene.

Chances are you need Developmental Editing if you answer yes to some of these questions:

• Do you want to check whether every scene of your story is suspenseful and engaging? Whether each one pulls its weight in moving the plot forward?

• Are you seeking to identify where crucial scenes are underdeveloped, and less important ones receive too much attention?

• Are you concerned that there might be plot holes, gaps in logic, or continuity problems that have escaped your notice?

• Are you wondering whether any additional foreshadowing might be needed for events to seem natural and believable to the reader?

• Do you want to make sure that your characters behave realistically in each scene, and that their emotions and reactions are always clear to the reader?

• Would you like a professional’s opinion on whether your setting is consistently vivid and easy to visualize?

• Are you looking for guidance on refining your dialogue for clarity and emotional impact?

• Do you need an outside perspective on whether your use of symbolism is too head-on—or conversely, too discreet?

Not sure whether Developmental Editing is the best choice?

If you don’t know which kind of editing will best serve your book, feel free to get in touch and I’ll gladly provide you with guidance.

Genre Specializations

I’m likely to be a good creative fit for your book if it falls under one of these categories:

• YA & MG fiction

• Children’s books

• Graphic novels & visual storytelling

• General fiction (coming of age, relationships, romance)

• Speculative fiction (fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, dystopian)

• Creative nonfiction (memoir, travel, art, dance, music, nature, health & wellbeing)

Don’t hesitate to reach out and describe the genre and premise of your book, and I’ll give you my honest opinion on whether I would be the best editor for the job. If I don’t think we would make a great fit, I’ll happily recommend an editor who may be better suited to your work.