Developmental Editing for Authors
A deeper look at story structure, character, pacing and other big-picture issues, followed by clear guidance for revision.
What needs to change in the story?
Manuscripts with story or structural problems that need deeper work than a reader report.
WHAT WE LOOK AT- Story structure and plot
- Character development and agency
- Pacing and scene construction
- Themes and worldbuilding
- Point of view, information flow, setup/payoff and the ending
- Annotated manuscript
- Detailed developmental report
- Clear explanation of the main problems
- Practical revision plan
- Full manuscript rewriting
- Ghostwriting
- Proofreading unless separately agreed
We start with what happened while we were reading.
Where did we lean in, hesitate, get confused or lose interest?
What scene, line, choice or piece of information caused that reaction?
Was it one rough spot, or does the same thing happen elsewhere?
We look past the symptom and consider the story, character, pacing or prose issue underneath it.
Which problem is worth tackling first, and which can wait?
You decide what stays and what changes. Our job is to give you a clear second opinion.
Known-scope work can be estimated. Diagnostic work is scoped to the question.
Where a published rate applies, the calculator gives an estimate. Where the work depends on diagnosis, scope is confirmed after we understand the manuscript and the question.
Make sure you are getting the kind of help you actually need.
If the manuscript is still changing, a reader may be more useful than an editor. If something feels wrong but you cannot find the cause, an assessment may be the better starting point. If the story is settled and the prose is the concern, line or copy editing may make more sense.
Compare all services →Other services that may fit.
Before you send the manuscript.
Who is Developmental Editing for?+
Manuscripts with story or structural problems that need deeper work than a reader report.
What will I receive?+
Annotated manuscript, Detailed developmental report, Clear explanation of the main problems, Practical revision plan.
What is not included?+
Full manuscript rewriting, Ghostwriting, Proofreading unless separately agreed.
What if I am not sure this is the right service?+
You do not need to know the service name. Send a sample and tell us what is bothering you. We can help you work out what kind of help makes sense.
Want to see how we approach your pages?
Send a sample and tell us what is bothering you. We will help you work out what makes sense before you commit to a larger project.
Tell Us What's Not Working