Developmental Editing – A Big-Picture Critique of Your Story

The simple answer is developmental editing focuses on a broad perspective of a story. It is a detailed critique of your work in areas such as plot, character development, pacing, and more.

Developmental editors provide feedback and offer suggestions on how to fix what’s not working. This feedback often comes in the form of an editorial letter or an editorial assessment.

I thoroughly read your story and take notes on it as I go. While I read, I also make comments on your manuscript, pointing out specific problem areas or asking questions.

Once I’m done reading the story, I turn my notes into an editorial letter with all my feedback and suggestions. I’ll often discuss ways to develop characters more fully or provide ways to make the plot more satisfying.

So when I deliver the order you will get 1) your manuscript with comments and 2) an editorial letter with feedback.

I’m always happy to answer follow-up questions afterward or discuss the plot, characters, etc.

Also if you have specific questions about aspects of the story going into the developmental edit, I’m happy to take those into consideration and keep an eye out for them as I read and critique.

• Plot arcs
• Character arcs
• Plot holes
• Clichés
• Weak openings, scenes, & endings
• Pacing
• Timelines
• Worldbuilding
• Voice