Developmental Edit
In-depth big picture
If you need a thorough look at your novel's big picture, you will receive the most detailed assistance with the developmental edit.
What is a developmental edit?
You can think of a developmental edit as a roadmap for your story. It guides you through plot development, character arcs, narrative pacing, world-building, and other big-picture story elements. You will learn more about your story and characters than you might have known before.
What does a developmental edit check?
Your manuscript will be evaluated for major storytelling elements: plot, characterization, narrative style, conflict and its resolution, structure, point of view, theme, tension, and overall story. You will receive feedback on and assistance with many important aspects, such as
- First chapter hook analysis and strengthening
- Identify key plot points
- Fill in plot holes
- World-building enhancements
- Verify chapter order and timeline agreement
- Correcting pacing and story momentum to keep readers engaged
- Un-dump information dump
- Ensure characters have meaningful arcs
- Flesh out weak characters
- Motivate unmotivated characters
- Keep characters in their own bodies
- Smooth narrative flow
- Balance showing and telling
- Ensure genre expectations are met
- Describe strengths and weaknesses
- Analyze story ending strength
What does the author get back?
- Extensive editorial report
- Comments within the manuscript
- Recommended changes within the manuscript
- Suggestions for your manuscript's next steps
What is the process?
- You can start with a 30-minute call or email questionnaire.
- After editing, your manuscript is returned with notes and comments.
- You can book a 30-minute call to discuss feedback if desired.
- Additional questions may be answered by email.
- You will have the option to book a second pass for a small fee.
What comes next?
What you need next depends on how confident you are with your revisions. You might need additional help or be ready to move on to more detailed editing.
- You can book a second pass for more comments.
- You can book a beta reader.
- You can book a line edit or copyedit.
- You can book a minimalist or enthusiast package.
How long does it take?
A developmental edit takes approximately 6 weeks.
It may take more or less time based on the size and condition of your manuscript. You will receive the exact timeline with your total cost quote.
Starts at $0.035 per word
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Developmental Evaluation
Budget-friendly big picture
If you need a little guidance to sort out some kinks in your manuscript, this option may be what you need.
What is a developmental evaluation?
The developmental evaluation will keep all storytelling elements in mind while determining what works and what doesn't within your manuscript. Instead of your editor doing most of the work for you, you will be given a list of resources to improve your manuscript and writing overall.
What does a developmental evaluation check?
We will evaluate your manuscript for major storytelling elements: plot, characterization, narrative style, conflict and its resolution, structure, point of view, theme, tension, and overall story. You will receive feedback on many important aspects, such as
- Strength of your first chapter
- Chapter and paragraph lengths
- Recurring issues
- Plot holes
- Obvious timeline inconsistencies
- Problems with pacing
- Excessive information dump
- Dialogue
- Character development
- Issues with flow
- Showing vs telling
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength of story ending
What does the author get back?
- An editorial report of approximately 7-10 pages
- Some clarifying comments within the manuscript
- Suggestions for your manuscript's next steps
What is the process?
- You start with an email questionnaire.
- After its evaluation, your manuscript is returned with some comments.
- Follow-up questions may be answered by email.
What comes next?
What you need next depends on how confident you are with your revisions. You might need additional help or be ready to move on to more detailed editing.
- You can book a beta reader.
- You can book a line edit or copyedit.
- You can book a minimalist or enthusiast package.
How long does it take?
A developmental evaluation takes approximately 4 weeks.
It may take more or less time based on the size and condition of your manuscript. You will receive the exact timeline with your total cost quote.
Starts at $0.015 per word
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