Proofreading: I do not fix typos, spelling, or punctuation at this big-picture stage.
Polishing Sentences: I am not focused on grammar or sentence-level stylistic flow yet.
Early Notes: This is a collaborative process for completed or near-finished fiction manuscripts, not a service for partial drafts that do not yet have a full story structure.
WHAT IT IS NOT:
Developmental editing is a collaborative process that addresses the big picture elements of your book.
It is the vital nurturing your fiction needs to reach its full potential. I work alongside you and focus on your story's root architecture—the structural foundation, character development, the worldbuilding, and narrative pacing that allow your novel to work.
With careful attention and thoughtful pruning, I help refine what is already there, so your story feels grounded, cohesive, and fully realised on the page, all while preserving your unique voice.
What is developmental
editing?
Strengthen Your Foundation
Plot & Pacing
Ensure tension builds effectively, pacing feels controlled, and every scene contributes to the overall narrative.
Worldbuilding
Review the foundations of your world to ensure consistency, internal logic, and a setting that supports and strengthens your narrative.
Character Arcs
Examine character motivations and arcs to ensure they are relatable, consistent, and undergo growth.
Point of View
Assess your narrative perspective to ensure clarity, and consistency throughout the manuscript.
Dialogue & Prose
We examine character motivations and arcs to ensure they are relatable, consistent, and undergo growth.
Revision Focus
Identify key areas for revision and provide clear, structured guidance so you know where to direct your attention.
The Editorial Process
01
Initial Manuscript Review
After manuscript submission and initial discussion, I start with a thorough read through of your entire work to understand your vision, the core themes, and the current state of the story's organisation and structural integrity.
02
Structural Assessment
Detailed feedback is provided regarding the major elements of the work. This focuses on overall scene/chapter level analysis, thematic consistency, pacing, character development, worldbuilding, and overall cohesion of your narrative delivery.
03
Guided Revision Plan
You receive an detailed editorial letter, along with inline comments and chapter-by-chapter feedback,. This roadmap helps you navigate major rewrites or additions while ensuring your unique authorial intent remains the priority.
04
Final Summary
After revisions, we review the updates to ensure the big-picture goals were met. Your manuscript is now structurally sound and ready for the next stage of stylistic polishing.
Editorial letter
A detailed overview of your manuscript, outlining strengths, key issues, and clear guidance for revision, with additional resources where they would support your process.
A complimentary 30-minute Zoom call, scheduled either before the edit to discuss your manuscript, or after to talk through feedback. Additional sessions are available at an hourly rate.
What's included?
Want to see my editing style? Request a free 2000 word sample edit.
Inline comments
Targeted comments within your manuscript, highlighting specific moments, patterns, and areas for development, with specific examples and actionable suggestions.
Chapter-by-chapter notes
A focused overview of each chapter, highlighting its purpose, strengths, and areas that may need further development.