Developmental editing

Do you feel like you story isn't working? Are things not going as planned? Are you looking for some guidance on how to reshape the story?
 
Developmental editing might be what you need.

What’s developmental editing?
A developmental edit provides feedback on all of the big-picture issues affecting your novel.
 
A developmental edit covers the same topics as a manuscript critique, but the evaluation gives more in-depth feedback and suggestions.

Here's what you get:
  • Two full read-throughs of your novel.
  • In-text comments and edits with in the manuscript to illustrate potential changes.
  • A 10–15 page evaluation of your book which includes: a chapter-by-chapter or scene-by-scene breakdown, suggestions to major big-picture issues, and feedback on what is working well.
  • A work plan with steps to help you revise your current draft.
  • An hour of follow-up questions answered via email.

What’s covered?
Big-picture issues or craft of writing issues, such as:
  • plot and structure,
  • head hopping,
  • point of view,
  • narration,
  • character development (arcs, motivation, and descriptions),
  • ineffective dialogue,
  • info-dumping,
  • showing and telling,
  • setting and description.

What’s not covered?
Detail-oriented topics, such as:
  • grammar,
  • punctuation,
  • word choice.

Here’s what I do:
  • First, I read the manuscript cover to cover and make notes on what’s going well and what issues would benefit from revision.
  • Next, I reread the manuscript and break down the story (either chapter-by-chapter or scene-by-scene). I pinpoint what isn’t working effectively and provide suggestions and ideas for possible solutions.
  • Finally, I develop a potential work plan that serves as a guide to revisions in the next draft.