Completed Manuscript – Developmental Editing Services

Manuscript Evaluation Letter

For authors looking for a second set of eyes on a troublesome manuscript or wondering “can this manuscript be saved?” this service provides an overview of the main issues in need of revision. It’s like a beta read, but with the added advantage that, as an editor, I can articulate and offer solutions and not just opinions.

My work product is a 4–6-page Manuscript Evaluation Letter focusing on the top four “big picture” issues recommended for revising. This service does not include edits in the manuscript and will not point out every example of each issue.

This is a good way to see if I “get” your story. Authors who receive a Manuscript Evaluation Letter who would like a Developmental Edit on the same manuscript will be credited with half of the cost of this service toward their Developmental Edit Letter or Full Developmental Edit Package when booked within six months of the Manuscript Evaluation Letter.

$0.013 per word, rounded to the nearest 1,000 words.

For example, an 80,000-word manuscript would cost $1,040.

Developmental Edit Letter

This is for authors who want a detailed list of developmental recommendations and a roadmap for revising their manuscript.

My work product is an 8–12-page Developmental Edit Letter outlining the high-level developmental issues, such as plot, pacing, character growth arcs, genre expectations, inconsistencies and timeline issues, themes, and voice in your manuscript (up to six main areas of focus). For each area in which edits are recommended, I’ll point to specific examples in your manuscript and give recommendations and options.

$0.02 per word, rounded to the nearest 1,000 words.

For example, an 80,000-word manuscript would cost $1,600.

Full Developmental Edit Package

This offers the same Developmental Edit Letter as described above, plus in-depth comments and tracked changes edits in the full manuscript flagging the developmental issues discussed in the letter and offering potential solutions. In the first instance of an issue, I’ll give an explanation of why the issue presents a problem for the manuscript and point to appropriate writing craft resources (if applicable).

·       Bonus: if I notice timeline issues (I’m a timeline stickler) and develop a timeline for your manuscript, or if I develop a character relationship chart, POV character voice chart, map out a set of rules for your story universe, or other supplementary materials, I will send these materials with my Full Developmental Edit Package work product to the extent they may also be helpful in your revisions. 

·       Note: the manuscript editing includes light copyediting for consistency and clarity. This is not a full copyedit, nor is it proofreading, both of which are recommended prior to publication.

·       The package includes one video chat of up to 60 minutes to discuss my edits and recommendations.

$0.03 per word, rounded to the nearest 1,000 words.

For example, an 80,000-word manuscript would cost $2,400.

Second Round Developmental Edit – Review of Revisions

Second Round – Review of Revisions

This is for authors for whom I’ve already performed either a Developmental Edit Letter or the Full Developmental Edit Package (on the same manuscript) who want me to review their revisions and make sure they are implementing the changes effectively.

My base work product for this service is a 3–6 page Revisions Review Letter which gives feedback on the changes made and offers solutions to any new issues either not addressed in the prior round or which were created as a result of the revisions. For example, there were more than six issues during the first round, and the first round was focused on character arcs and pacing, but character voice could still use attention.

Review of Revisions Letter: $0.015 per word, rounded to the nearest 1,000 words.

For example, an 80,000-word manuscript would cost $1,200.