Hire me for a developmental edit!
What is NOT included in a developmental edit?
Non-fiction fact checking or citation verification
Formatting and layout
Copy editing (spelling & grammar)
Subject expertise
Sensitivity reading (though will point out obvious red flags)
Editing in any languages other than English
Translation
Ghostwriting
SEO optimization or analysis
Developmental editing can be a great first step toward shaping up your manuscript for publication. This is most useful for fiction book-length manuscripts, though it also applies to non-fiction.
A developmental edit (sometimes called a substantive edit) is a high-level review of your manuscript, kind of a super in-depth critique. It includes review of things like:
Story structure - What’s working and what’s not? Are there plot holes, timeline issues, or character development problems? Are you hitting all the beats necessary for a full and complete story? Are there any areas where the story drags or scenes that may be unnecessary? If nonfiction, is your book organized in a logical manner?
Characterization – Do your characters behave consistent with their personalities? Do they have unique voices that fit their age/gender/personality profiles? Is your character likeable…or at least interesting enough to make the reader want to know more? Are your characters 3-dimensional?
Goal, motivation, and conflict - Are all these in place and clear to the reader? Do any of these need to be more fully developed?
Writing clarity and mechanics - Is there any aspect of the writing that needs to be improved upon prior to moving to the next step in the editing process? Are there global spelling, grammar, or tense issues that need to be addressed? Is point of view handled correctly throughout?
General thoughts - As a reader, is there anything that stands out to me that would take this manuscript from good to great? What’s working or not working from a reader’s POV? Does your book fit into a particular genre, and are all the conventions of that genre being met? Is your target audience clear?
With your developmental edit, you’ll receive an editorial letter covering the above target areas as applicable. I may provide you with links to articles or books that can help out with any issues noted, give suggestions for improvements to things like characterization or writing mechanics, and may also provide a few in-line edits for clarity.