What is a developmental edit?

Developmental editing is generally the first part of the editing process. It looks at the “big picture” parts of the story including:

  • character development
  • worldbuilding and setting
  • theme
  • plots and subplots
  • dialogue
  • tense and point of view
  • pacing
  • prose and language

I specialise in providing this kind of editing for science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery fiction. I have experience with a wide variety of stories—from short fiction to ongoing novel series, for both self-published authors and those seeking traditional publication.

Developmental editing is generally the first part of the editing process. It looks at the “big picture” parts of the story including:

  • character development
  • worldbuilding and setting
  • theme
  • plots and subplots
  • dialogue
  • tense and point of view
  • pacing
  • prose and language

I specialise in providing this form of editing for science fiction, fantasy, and horror. I have experience with a wide variety of stories—from self-published to traditional publishing, and short fiction to ongoing novel series.

A developmental edit is useful if you…

  • need help revising your manuscript before submitting to agents and editors

  • are planning to self-publish, and want to ensure your story is as strong as possible first

  • need help strengthening the plot, characters, pacing, or structure of your story

  • have had your work rejected and need help understanding how to improve

  • have written part of the story and need some help working out how to complete it

  • are a new writer, or in the early stages of your career, and looking for detailed feedback from an experienced professional

  • have finished writing and need to know if your story “works” or how to make it stronger

What is included?

Editorial Letter

in-depth feedback on your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses

suggestions for improving the plot, characters, setting, and other developmental issues

Page-by-Page Comments

a copy of your manuscript, returned with my comments and suggestions

more detailed advice explaining (and expanding on) the issues raised in the editorial letter†

Follow-up Consultation

a discussion about your work and the editorial feedback I have provided

an opportunity to ask any questions, and get advice on implementing any changes you wish to make to your story

† manuscript copy and page-by-page comments only available with standard editing package

What are my qualifications?

  • Professional editor with four years of experience

  • Graduate in English with Creative Writing

  • Professionally published, SFWA-qualifying author

  • Former magazine editor

  • Clarion West alumnus

  • Experience editing both British and American English

Pricing

Developmental Edit

£25per 1k words †
  • in depth review of your manuscript
  • 10-20 page editorial letter †
  • page-by-page feedback
  • 2 hours follow-up discussion
Get Quote & Enquire Now

Editorial Assessment

£15per 1k words †
  • single review of your manuscript
  • 10-15 page editorial letter†
  • 1 hour follow-up discussion
  • perfect for early drafts or writers on a budget
Get Quote & Enquire Now

Sample

Free
  • a free sample review of the first 5k words of your manuscript
  • an email providing one strength, weaknesses, and suggestion
  • a great way to make sure I am the right fit for you
Enquire Now

† please note that this reflects editing packages for novel-length manuscripts (50k words and up). For short stories, novellas, etc, the rate per word may be higher, and the editorial letter may be slightly shorter. Please contact me for more information, or to get a bespoke quote. 

Payment

a payment of 50% is generally made in advance (to secure your slot), with the remainder due on receipt of your feedback†

Turnaround

most novel-length manuscripts are completed within 4 weeks. Contact me to find out about my current availability.

Discounts

I offer discounts for upgrades, multiple packages, and special circumstances. Contact me to find out more.

† small payments and shorter manuscripts may be charged in full in advance