I am now offering developmental editing to independent authors. To kickstart (and celebrate!) this new service, I have a limited number of developmental edits available at a discount of 30% off the total cost*. If you’d like to take advantage of one of these, please do contact me!
Developmental editing (also called substantive editing or structural editing) is a high-level analysis of your book. It is not concerned with editing grammar, spelling or punctuation, or with the nitty-gritty of each sentence – there’s little point in looking at these issues before the major structure of the book is in place! Instead, it looks at the big-picture issues, such as:
- Genre
- Theme
- Plot and structure
- Characters and characterization
- Setting
- Point of view
- Writing style
A developmental edit covers similar ground to a manuscript evaluation, but in much more depth, and, unlike a manuscript evaluation, it includes in-text edits and comments.
My Service
To begin with, I’ll need to see your completed manuscript. I’ll also send you a client questionnaire, which will help me understand your aims for your book and how I can tailor my report and advice specifically to you. Then, before we begin, we will agree on a price and scope for the project, including booking a slot in my schedule and determining deadlines and a payment schedule.
What does a developmental edit involve?
Different editors take their own approach; there is no one standard definition of a developmental edit. And this is perfectly fine!
With my service, you’ll receive a comprehensive editorial report, several pages in length. I will also make notes and edits throughout the manuscript itself. These may highlight points made in the report or give suggestions for improving specific techniques. I might edit certain passages of the manuscript to demonstrate how one of the issues discussed in the report could be addressed. I won’t rewrite your work.
Although line editing and copyediting aren’t part of a developmental edit (they come later in the process, once the story is sound), I will make mention of any recurring issues to do with spelling, punctuation, grammar or writing style that need attention.
At the end of the report I will outline a recommended course of action and provide suggestions for further reading and research, if beneficial.
I also offer your choice of a follow-up video call or an email exchange, so that you can ask any questions you have and clarify anything you’re unsure about.
Do you need a developmental edit?
Developmental editing is the first stage in the editing process, once you’ve taken your own editing as far as you can. If you feel you need help to lift your book to a publishable standard, whether you’re planning to query agents and publishers or self-publish, then it may be just the thing.
If you feel confident that you can work with the feedback provided in an editorial report and apply this to your revisions and rewriting yourself, then a manuscript evaluation may be more suitable for you.
But if you’d like more comprehensive, step-by-step help, then you may want a full developmental edit.
Not sure? Then do contact me to discuss. I’m more than happy to work with you to help you decide, and I certainly won’t try to push you to a developmental edit if I don’t believe your manuscript needs one, or if it’s not ready. There may be other services more suitable.
Costs
Because a developmental edit is so thorough and comprehensive, it is also time-consuming, and the cost reflects that. My developmental editing usually costs £16 per 1,000 words, but this may vary depending on the level of work involved. I usually like to quote a project rate, so we both know the cost up front, and I offer payment in instalments.
Please contact me for a no-obligation quote, or to ask any questions.
* Discounted developmental edits are offered at 30% off the total price. The original cost and the discounted cost will be explained in your quote. There are a limited number of these edits available – yours will be secured upon booking a slot and paying the deposit.