Developmental Editing
After a close read of your manuscript, you'll get detailed margin notes, light in-line suggestions, and an editorial letter pulling everything together. I work like a creative problem solver. I ask questions, flag what isn't working, and give you a clear path for revision.
What's included
I read your manuscript at least twice, taking detailed notes on pacing, character development, plot structure, and anything else that affects how the story works as a whole.
You'll receive light track-changes markup with minimal line-level suggestions, plus margin comments capturing my reactions, questions, and observations as I read.
Once I'm done, I'll send you an editorial letter, typically 10 to 15 pages, laying out my overall feedback and a clear plan for how to approach your next draft.
Pricing
$0.03 USD per word. Minimum 30,000 words. For shorter manuscripts, reach out for a custom quote.
Request a free sample editFrequently Asked Questions
What should I include when I reach out?
To help me understand your project, please share your manuscript's working title, genre, a short synopsis, your word count, and whether the draft is complete. It also helps to know what you'd like the developmental review to focus on, whether that's pacing, character, structure, or something else, and how you prefer to receive feedback, direct, gentle, or somewhere in between.
What happens after I hear from you?
Once you reach out, we'll talk through your project and what you're hoping to get out of the edit. From there, I'll complete a free sample edit on a section of your manuscript so you can see how I work before committing to anything. If it feels like a good fit, I'll send a quote along with an estimated timeline. Once you confirm and pay the retainer, I get started.
My manuscript needs to be edited fast. Can you work with a tighter deadline?
Depending on the length of your project and my current schedule, I can sometimes accommodate a faster turnaround for an additional rush fee. Reach out and I'll let you know what's possible.
How does payment work?
I ask for 50% of the total project estimate upfront to confirm your spot and begin work. The remaining 50% is due once the edit is complete, before I send back the final edited manuscript and editorial letter. If your manuscript's final word count differs from what was initially shared, the remaining balance is adjusted to reflect that. Payment is accepted via bank transfer or ACH, with details provided once we confirm your project. A card-based payment option is also available on request.
Will working with you guarantee I get published?
No editor can promise that, and I won't pretend otherwise. Publishing depends on more than the manuscript itself, including the market, timing, and your own efforts beyond the page. What I can promise is honest, thorough feedback that gives your manuscript the best possible shot, and guidance you can actually use.
Why does developmental editing cost what it does?
Developmental editing is the deepest and most time-intensive round of editing there is. I read your manuscript closely, often more than once, take detailed notes throughout, and then spend significant time writing a full editorial letter with feedback and a clear plan for revision. A manuscript in the 80,000 to 100,000 word range can take 40 to 60 hours of focused work, sometimes more depending on its condition.
My manuscript is under 30,000 words. Why can't I just get a flat quote?
My rate is built around the time a full developmental pass takes, including the editorial letter. Below a certain length, that rate no longer covers the actual time involved, so shorter manuscripts get a custom quote instead.
What's the difference between developmental editing and a beta read?
Developmental editing is a structural diagnosis. I read closely, take detailed notes, and deliver a full editorial letter addressing what's working and what needs revision at the story level. A beta read is closer to a reader's honest reaction, lighter in scope and faster to turn around. If you're deciding which one your manuscript needs right now, feel free to ask and I'll help you figure that out based on where you are in your draft.
What is a sample edit, and why does it matter?
I edit a short section of your manuscript, usually around 1,000 words, before any commitment is made. It gives you a clear sense of how I work and whether my style is the right fit, and it helps me gauge how much time your manuscript will actually need so the quote I give you is accurate. You'll get feedback on that section either way, whether or not we end up working together.
Should I send you my very first draft?
I'd recommend getting feedback from beta readers or a writing group first, then revising before coming to me. Developmental editing works best once a manuscript has had at least one round of outside eyes on it. Sending a completely raw first draft usually means paying for issues that a round of self-revision could resolve on your own.