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Get clear, supportive editing for your next draft.

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Developmental Edit

Does something in your story feel off, but you can’t quite put your finger on it?

 

A developmental edit focuses on the foundation that holds your manuscript together. Together, we’ll take a close look at plot, character motivations, pacing, and narrative flow to uncover what’s working, what may be holding the story back, and what would make it stronger.

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You’ll receive thoughtful in-line comments throughout your manuscript plus a comprehensive editorial letter that gives you a practical revision roadmap. The goal isn’t to rewrite your story or replace your style, it’s to help you shape what you already have so the book on the page matches the one in your head.

Strengthen the Story Before You Polish the Pages

Strong stories are built on solid foundations. When the foundation isn’t solid, no amount of polished prose can fix the reading experience.

 

A developmental edit helps you address big-picture issues first—so your revisions are intentional, your later edits are more effective, and the story holds together from beginning to end.

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What's Included?

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In-line Comments Throughout Your Manuscript

In-line comments highlight strengths, flag concerns, and ask the right revision questions so you know exactly what to tackle next.

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Comprehensive Editorial Letter + Chapter Notes

A clear revision plan with chapter-by-chapter notes to pinpoint where the story can be strengthened.

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Two 60-Minute Calls

One call before the edit to align on your goals, and one after to walk through feedback and revision priorities.

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What You’ll Walk Away With

This edit is designed to give you more than notes in the margins. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of your story’s strengths, the areas that need attention, and a practical sense of what to revise first.


Instead of guessing where to begin, you’ll have a focused plan that helps you move through revisions with purpose and momentum.

This service is focused on:

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Plot structure and story arc (hook, rising action, climax, resolution)

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Character development, goals, motivations, and internal change

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Pacing, tension, and escalation of stakes

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Conflict and scene functionality (purpose, turning points, consequences)

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Point of view consistency and narrative focus

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World-building and setting consistency (as applicable)

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Theme and cohesion across the manuscript

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Dialogue effectiveness and character voice distinction

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Transitions between scenes and chapters

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Overall readability and engagement at the big-picture level

Is this the right fit for you?

    • Looking for big-picture guidance to strengthen your story before line-level polishing

    • Ready to revise and want a clear roadmap for what to tackle first

    • Concerned about pacing, structure, character arcs, or plot cohesion

    • A first-time or indie author who wants professional, judgment-free support

    • Primarily looking for sentence-level line editing, copyediting, or proofreading

    • Hoping for guaranteed publishing outcomes or agent representation

A Judgment-Free Editing Space

You don’t need clean prose to begin this process. Misspellings, rough phrasing, and uneven sections are all part of drafting—and they won’t get in the way here.


This edit is focused on the bones of your story, so you can explore big-picture changes without worrying about sentence-level perfection.

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Post-Revision Manuscript Review (Optional Add-On)

After you revise, it’s completely normal to want a second set of eyes to make sure your changes are landing the way you intended. This add-on offers a high-level review of your revised manuscript to evaluate the effectiveness of your revisions and identify what may still need attention.

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This is not a second full developmental edit. It’s an editorial assessment of your revised draft, delivered as an editorial letter with actionable guidance.

Add-on includes:

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One editorial letter reviewing your revised manuscript (structure, pacing, narrative flow, overall cohesion)

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A 60-minute call before the review to confirm your revision goals

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A 60-minute call after delivery to walk through feedback and next steps

Timing: This add-on must be requested within three months of receiving your developmental edit feedback.

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Your Investment

$0.03 per word

Post-Revision Manuscript Review (Add-On): 30% of the original developmental edit fee

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