Structural Editing

Structural editing focuses on how the content is organized and presented. It examines the architecture of the manuscript: what's there, in what order, and how well it holds together. It often involves reorganizing, trimming, or reshaping content to improve clarity, flow, and reader comprehension.

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

A comprehensive, detailed editorial summary
Inline markup and marginal notes throughout the manuscript
Structural outline
One 30-minute follow-up discussion (format flexible)

For this service, I typically work on:

Academic and nonfiction - humanities, law, life sciences, natural sciences, psychology, social sciences
Fiction - romance (including dark/erotic), fantasy, historical fiction, horror, science fiction
Publication types - reference books, scholarly books, scholarly & research articles, trade books, textbooks

Structural editing can often be combined with developmental editing or with line editing. 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, I assess:

Overall structure and organization, ensuring a clear framework and logical flow of ideas
The clarity, consistency, and development of the central argument or purpose
Chapter, paragraph, and section structure, including coherence, balance, and transitions
Pacing and information flow (i.e., how ideas progress and whether repetition or overload occurs)
Content relevance and sequencing (i.e., what belongs, what distracts, and what may be missing)
Headings and subheadings for clarity, hierarchy, and navigational usefulness
Tone, voice, and narrative stance, ensuring consistency and suitability for audience and purpose
Reader engagement and accessibility, tailored to the intended audience
Use of evidence and examples, including clarity, integration, and effectiveness
Inconsistencies in logic or areas that may require fact-checking
Transitions between ideas, sections, and chapters
Integration and referencing of visuals such as tables, charts, and figures
Footnote or endnote clarity and appropriateness
Considerations for pedagogical or supplementary material
Structural issues such as redundancies, digressions, or underdeveloped content

For fiction, I assess:

The overall narrative arc, including pacing and flow
Plot development and coherence, including subplots
Character depth, motivation, consistency, and growth
Point of view and narrative voice for consistency and effectiveness
Scene purpose, transitions, and the balance of action, exposition, and dialogue
Pacing and tension, noting where the story slows or moves too quickly
Worldbuilding (i.e., its clarity, integration, and relevance, especially in speculative, fantasy, or historical fiction)
Thematic and tonal consistency throughout the manuscript
Chronology and timeline continuity
Paragraph organization and structural flow
The strength of openings and endings, including hooks, resolution, and reader impact
Dialogue for realism, character voice, and narrative function
Information flow (i.e., clarity, timing of reveals, and the balance of exposition and immersion)
Overall reader engagement and emotional impact

Structural Editing

For academic and nonfiction, I assess:

For fiction, I assess:

This website uses cookies.