Developmental editing

What is developmental editing?

This looks at the novel as a whole to assess if all elements are in conversation with each other effectively. Analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project as a whole with both macro and micro edits.

PLOT

The book plot is the sequence of events that make up the story, including the main conflict, character development and resolution. It serves as the backbone of the narrative, guiding readers through the journey of the characters. A developmental edit can help refine the plot by identifying structural issues, enhancing character arcs, and ensuring that the pacing keeps readers engaged.

GENRE

A book genre is a category that defines the style form, or content of a literary work, such as fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, or mystery. Each genre has its own conventions and audience expectations, which help guide both writers and readers. Developmental editing services play a crucial role in refining a manuscript within its genre, ensuring that the narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements resonate with the target audience.

CHARACTER/VOICE

Character voice and narration in a book refer to the unique way a character expresses themselves and the perspective from which the story is told. It encompasses their personality, background, and emotions, shaping how readers connect with them. Developmental editing services can help enhance this aspect by providing feedback on character consistency, dialogue authenticity, and narrative flow. A developmental edit will help refine voice, ensuring it resonates with readers and aligns with the overall story.

DIALOGUE

Book dialogue refers to the written conversation between characters in a story. It serves to reveal their personalities, the plot, and create tension or emotional impact. Developmental editing services can significantly enhance your book's dialogue by providing insights on character voice, pacing, and authenticity. These services help ensure that each character's speech feels natural and contributes effectively to the overall narrative.

SETTING

A book setting refers to the time and place in which a story unfolds, providing context and atmosphere for the characters and plot. It encompasses the physical environment, cultural backdrop, and even the historical period that shapes the narrative. Developmental editing services can greatly enhance a manuscript by ensuring that the setting is vividly portrayed and effectively integrated into the story. These services help refine descriptions, enhance world-building, and maintain consistency.

wHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?

Full report

Detailed report looking at your novel in the above categories. It analyses problems and suggests solutions. Also included is a list of characters and settings.

Line by line edits

Using Microsoft Word's tracked changes I will correct technical issues (spelling, grammar etc) and add comments to any areas of concern in the text.

book map

This is a table consolidating the comments in the manuscript in each chapter and a more detailed break down of each chapters successes/failings.

Post-editing support

After receiving your feedback, you may have a few questions. Post-editing support is either a half an hour phone call to discuss these issues or one detailed email response to any queries.

Please note that you are welcome to request variations of the services offered, for example, you may feel that you would only benefit from the book report and don't require the detailed line by line edits. This will affect pricing and will be discussed in a contract.

how do i know if i need it?

You may feel that your novel isn't coming together quite how you'd like it to, and that elements aren't cohesive with the overarching plot.
You may feel confident about your idea but want some assistance in translating it to its best ability on paper.
You may want to ensure your story is worth investing in before starting a second more refined draft.
You may be new to fiction writing and would like a second, trusted pair of eyes to provide you with feedback.

PRICE and time GUIDE

or

£10 per 1000 words

Smaller samples can be worked out at price per 1000 words e.g. a 3000 word sample would cost £30

50/50

I take 50% of the payment up front, and the other 50% upon returning the edited manuscript to you.

£800

Developmental editing starting point for an 80,000 word novel.

4 weeks

A full developmental edit package will be returned to you within four weeks of submission

Submissions

Please email me with the included information when querying:

The genre, word-count and target audience for your novel
The FIRST 1000 words of your manuscript which will be edited free of charge
If you are only submitting part of a manuscript, please also include a full synopsis WITH spoilers!

Once I have sent you the sample edit I will need:

The full manuscript
A signed contract (drawn up by me)
50% of the payment