Developmental Editing

When you book this service, I read your manuscript closely from both an editor's perspective and a reader's perspective, paying attention to how the story actually unfolds on the page.

This developmental editing process focuses on the big-picture elements that shape how a story works, including story structure, plot development, pacing, character arcs, emotional beats, and overall narrative flow. I'm especially attentive to how tension builds, how characters change, and whether the emotional logic of the story feels clear and grounded.

Throughout your manuscript, you'll receive in-line comments that highlight what is already working well while also offering gentle but clear manuscript feedback where clarity, cohesion, or emotional impact could be strengthened. The aim is not to overwhelm you with changes, but to help you see how the pieces of the story can come together more intentionally.

Alongside the in-line feedback, you'll also receive a developmental editorial report that steps back from the page and looks at the manuscript as a whole. This report includes overall impressions, the core strengths of your story, and a small number of focused areas to explore during revision. Rather than a long list of tasks, you'll receive a clearer sense of direction for strengthening your plot, pacing, and character arcs.

After delivery, you'll have a 14-day support window where you can ask follow-up questions by email. This space is meant to help with understanding and clarification as you process the developmental feedback. It does not include additional editing or ongoing revision coaching, though separate services are available if you'd like deeper support during revision.

This service is available for full manuscripts or partial reads, and is designed for completed or neear-complete romance and romantasy novels that need big-picture developmental feedback. If you're submitting onyl part of your manuscript, a short synopsis is helpful so I can read the work with the proper story context and provice the most useful developmental editing and feedback on your plot, character, and story structure.

What's Included

• Full manuscript read

• In-line Manuscript comments

• Developmental editorial report

• Editing and Reader-focused feedback on character, pacing, and emotional payoff

• 14-day follow-up support window for questions and clarification.

Pricing & Turnaround

Up to 50,000 words
$900
2-3 weeks

50,000-80,000 words
$1,440
3-4 weeks

80,000-100,000 words
$1,800
4-5 weeks

100,000-120,000 words
$2,160
5-6 weeks

120,000+ words
Custom pricing at $0.018/word
6+ weeks

On a deadline? Rush projects are subject to availability and may include an additional fee.

I take a limited number of projects each month to ensure depth and care. Availability is based on both manuscript length and timing.

A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve time for your project. The remaining balance is due once the work is complete and before deliverables are sent.

Reader-focused developmental editing for romance and romantasy manuscripts, designed to help your draft make sense and fall into place without reshaping your voice or vision.

If you feel your manuscript is close, but something still isn’t quite falling into place, tell me a little about your project and what you’re hoping to strengthen.

FAQs

• What kind of feedback do you provide?
  A: Developmental editing looks closely at how your story is working on the page. I provide in-line comments throughout the manuscript alongside a detailed editorial letter.

  My feedback focuses on things like:

  • character motivations and development

  • pacing and tension within scenes

  • plot structure and narrative flow

  • emotional beats and payoff

  • clarity of stakes and conflict

  You’ll receive specific, scene-level suggestions to help you strengthen the manuscript during revision.

  This service focuses on story and structure rather than grammar, proofreading, or copyediting.

• What’s the difference between a manuscript feedback and a developmental edit?
  A: Manuscript feedback provides a big-picture overview of your story in an editorial letter.

  Developmental editing is more detailed. It includes comments directly throughout the manuscript, along with an editorial letter explaining the feedback and suggesting ways to strengthen scenes, characters, and story structure.

  Think of manuscript feedback as an overview, while developmental editing offers hands-on guidance as you revise.

• Is follow-up support included?
  A: Yes. After you receive your feedback, you’ll have a 14-day support window where you’re welcome to ask clarifying questions by email.

• Why do you require a non-refundable deposit?
  The deposit secures dedicated time for your manuscript and allows me to plan my schedule thoughtfully.

  I understand writing timelines can shift, so if something unexpected comes up, I’m always happy to discuss rescheduling when possible.

  The remaining balance is due once the work is complete and before deliverables are sent.