Developmental Editing

Developmental editing focuses on shaping the big-picture elements of a manuscript so that every part contributes meaningfully to the whole. It often includes conceptual development and takes place during earlier drafts or when the manuscript still needs work on vision, purpose, or substance.

Here’s what you can typically expect to receive as part of a developmental edit:

A comprehensive, detailed editorial report
Chapter-level feedback
Inline markup and marginal notes throughout the manuscript
A developed project reference guide
A targeted revision plan with notes on how to move the manuscript forward
One thiry-minute round of follow-up support via a phone call

For publishers and authors seeking a deeper developmental edit, with expanded visual and structural feedback tools, the next level of service includes:

Detailed in-chapter and section-level analysis
Visual organizational maps
Reader immersion audits
Series/sequel planning, if applicable
Voice memos and walkthroughs to clarify complex feedback
Two thirty-minute follow-up discussions

For this service, I typically work on:

Academic and nonfiction - humanities, social sciences
Fiction - romance (including dark/erotic), fantasy, historical fiction, horror, science fiction, young adult
Publication types - academic books, trade books, textbooks

Developmental editing is often combined with research services. To request a sample of my work, my resume, or a complete list of projects, please get in touch through the contact page.

For academic and nonfiction titles, I assess:

The clarity of purpose and focus throughout the manuscript
The overall structure, organization, and logical progression of ideas
The strength, coherence, and credibility of arguments and supporting evidence
The consistency of voice and tone, and how well they align with the intended audience
Gaps in content, context, or explanation, as well as areas of unnecessary repetition
Transitions and connectivity between chapters
Opportunities to incorporate pedagogical features or supplementary material, such as sidebars, exercises, glossaries, case studies, or data
The use of setting and detail, particularly in narrative nonfiction and manuscripts that include narrative case studies
The presence and placement of primary sources, data, or case studies
The effectiveness and integration of visual elements and the overall art program
Whether the clarity and tone support the author’s stated goals and audience expectations
Ways to strengthen the author’s authority, credibility, and expertise on the subject
The use of inclusive language and accessibility practices, when applicable
Potential ethical, legal, or sensitivity concerns in content or representation
Overall audience engagement and the clarity of key takeaways

For fiction, I assess:

The overall story concept and its alignment with genre conventions
Character development, motivation, and emotional depth
Plot structure, pacing, and narrative momentum
The effectiveness of the chosen narrative form
Point of view and narrative voice consistency and control
Dialogue and interiority, including balance and authenticity
Worldbuilding and setting, and how they support the narrative
Thematic clarity and how themes develop across the manuscript
Weak or underdeveloped plot threads and story arcs
Overall coherence, flow, and readability
Use of visual elements (e.g., illustrations, maps) where applicable
Reader immersion, emotional engagement, and payoff
Potential ethical, legal, or sensitivity concerns in content or representation

Developmental Editing

For academic and nonfiction titles, I assess:

For fiction, I assess:

This website uses cookies.