When should you get a developmental edit?
Developmental editing is a deep-dive into your story where the editor focuses on core elements such as plot, structure, pacing, character development, genre expectations, and theme. If you’re unsure about any of these elements, then this is the right service for you. I’ll provide in-depth feedback on your manuscript, pointing out plot holes, inconsistencies, and anything else that could be improved, and I’ll also offer suggestions to help fix any issues I spot. Developmental editing is usually the first professional service a manuscript will need, coming after alpha and beta reads and before line edits, copyedits, or proofreads.
Here are some of the things I will be looking out for:
Plot and Structure
- Consistency, logic, and pacing
- Presence of a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Strength and resolution of the central conflict
- Avoidance of plot holes or inconsistencies
- Effective use of subplots that support the main narrative
Characters
- Depth and believability of main and secondary characters
- Consistent character arcs and motivations
- Distinction between character voices and personalities
- Relevance of characters to the story
- Avoidance of clichés or stereotypes
Worldbuilding (if applicable)
- Clarity and richness of the setting or world
- Logical internal consistency of world rules or systems (e.g., magic, societies, technology)
- Seamless integration of worldbuilding details without overwhelming exposition
Pacing and Flow
- Smooth progression of scenes and chapters
- Avoidance of overly slow or rushed scenes
- Balance of narrative vs. dialogue
- Elimination of unnecessary scenes, characters, or details
Theme and Message
- Clarity and consistency of the manuscript’s themes
- Avoidance of unintended contradictions or mixed messages
Voice and style
- Appropriateness and consistency of narrative tone and style
- Suitability of the voice for the target audience or genre
Other considerations
- Suggestions for strengthening weak sections or gaps in the story
- Identification of any structural reorganization needed to improve readability
What is included in the service?
- Edited manuscript
- Editorial report with recommendations for specific, actionable steps you can take to address identified issues
- Follow-up support (if agreed upon for an extra fee):
- A follow-up consultation to discuss the feedback
- Support during revisions, such as reviewing reworked sections
Pricing
I follow suggested rate guidelines provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). For developmental editing, that means $0.028–$0.038 per word. This means that a full developmental edit for a 50,000-word novel would cost $1,400.00–$1,900.00, depending on the state of the manuscript. I will provide the final quote after completing a sample edit.