Developmental Edit

Unlock Your Manuscript’s Full Potential: Deep, Insightful Developmental Editing

​

Is your manuscript ready for submission—or are there still key areas that need to be strengthened? A Developmental Edit is the perfect service for writers who need to dig deep into their manuscript, refining plot structure, character development, pacing, and more.

 

Unlike a line edit or proofreading, a Developmental Edit focuses on the big picture, ensuring your story is cohesive, compelling, and aligned with your vision. Whether you need help with plot holes, character arcs, pacing, or ensuring your manuscript resonates with your target audience, this service provides the comprehensive, hands-on feedback and guidance you need to move your story forward with confidence.

 

What’s Included:

​

In-Depth Manuscript Review: I will provide a detailed, line-by-line assessment of your manuscript’s overall structure and flow, focusing on:

​

• Plot Structure and Pacing: Does the story flow well from beginning to end? Are there any pacing issues (too fast, too slow)? Are there plot holes or unresolved storylines that need attention?

​

• Character Development: Are your characters multi-dimensional? Do they grow and change over the course of the story? Are their actions and motivations consistent with their arcs?

​

• Dialogue and Voice: Does the dialogue feel authentic and distinct for each character? Is the tone and voice consistent throughout?

​

• Theme and Subtext: Are the themes of your manuscript clear? Is there underlying subtext that could be developed further for emotional depth?

​

• Setting and World-Building: For sci-fi, fantasy, or historical genres, does your world-building feel immersive and consistent? Is the setting an active part of the story, and does it support your narrative?

​

Detailed Developmental Edit Report: You’ll receive a comprehensive feedback report that:

​

• Breaks down major areas of improvement, with specific suggestions for revisions.

​

• Highlights where your story excels, ensuring you’re aware of your manuscript’s strengths.

​

• Provides clear, actionable advice on how to fix plot issues, improve character arcs, and adjust pacing, dialogue, and structure.

​

• Includes detailed recommendations for next steps (which might include rewrites, deeper character exploration, or structural adjustments).

​

One-On-One Follow-Up Session: After receiving the report, we’ll schedule a 1-hour follow-up consultation (via Zoom or phone) to discuss your manuscript in more detail. This session is an opportunity to:

​

• Go over any aspects of the feedback you’d like to explore further.

​

• Answer any questions or concerns you have about the edit.

​

• Brainstorm solutions together and determine how to approach the next draft.

 

Why Choose This Service?

 

A Developmental Edit is not just about fixing problems; it’s about making your story the best it can be. This service is designed for writers who are serious about elevating their manuscript—whether it’s your first draft or you’re prepping for submission to agents or publishers.

 

I provide in-depth feedback with a focus on your overall story, character arcs, and pacing, helping you create a manuscript that’s not only clear and coherent but also engaging, emotional, and market-ready. A Developmental Edit is a deep dive into your manuscript that ensures your story is compelling, your characters are authentic, and your pacing keeps readers turning pages.

 

Who This Service Is For:

​

• Emerging Authors: Whether you’re new to writing or have a manuscript in progress, this service will help shape your story into something polished and ready for the next steps.

​

• Experienced Writers: If you’ve completed your manuscript and feel like it needs tightening or rewriting to match your original vision, this service will provide the deep editing and strategic feedback you need.

​

• Writers Preparing for Submission: If you’re planning to submit to agents or publishers, a developmental edit is an essential step in making sure your manuscript is submission-ready.

​

• Authors Looking to Rework or Revise Their Manuscript: If you’ve received feedback from beta readers or critiques but are unsure how to proceed, this service will help you refine your story and take your manuscript to the next level.

 

What You’ll Get Out of It:

​

• A stronger, more polished manuscript with improved structure, pacing, character arcs, and dialogue.

​

• Actionable feedback on how to elevate your story—whether it’s through rewrites, deepening character motivation, or adjusting plot points.

​

• Insight into your manuscript’s market potential and suggestions for aligning it with current trends or audience expectations.

​

• A clear path forward, with next-step recommendations to prepare your manuscript for agents, publishers, or self-publishing.

 

Why Developmental Editing is Essential:

 

Many writers make the mistake of rushing into the next phase—whether it’s copy editing or submission—without fully addressing their manuscript’s structure and content. Developmental editing ensures that the foundation of your manuscript is rock-solid before moving on to more detailed edits. You wouldn’t build a house without a solid foundation, so why would you submit a manuscript without making sure its structure is solid?

 

By tackling the big-picture issues first—such as plot holes, character development, and pacing—you’ll ensure your manuscript has the depth and strength it needs to succeed.

 

Get Started:

 

Ready to take your manuscript to the next level? With a Developmental Edit, you’ll gain valuable insight into your story’s strengths and weaknesses and receive the guidance you need to elevate your manuscript to new heights.

 

​

​