Developmental editing can also be referred to as content editing, structural editing, and substantive editing. Whatever you call it, the process looks at your manuscript’s “big picture”: plot and its structure, characters and character arcs, setting and worldbuilding rules, pacing, and more. This type of edit explores how all of these things are working together to create the story you’re trying to tell, in addition to strengths and weaknesses, and will include recommendations for revisions—including why those revisions will be effective long term.
Ultimately, the goal of developmental editing is an analysis of your novel that determines how well each of your novel’s elements are working, both on their own and as a whole.
(Looking for a developmental edit of an outline, instead of a full draft of your manuscript? Check out my Outline Consultation on the Coaching Services page!)
The Wallflower offers three types of developmental edits:
Developmental Edit
A full “big picture” edit including both in-line comments and an editorial report.
Includes:
-An editorial report concerning strengths, weaknesses, questions to think about, and suggestions based on your goals as an author.
-A copy of your manuscript (.doc or .docx) with in-line editorial comments, using the Comments feature on Microsoft Word/Google Docs.
-A 1-hour follow-up call to discuss the evaluation and comments, answer questions, and brainstorm.
Manuscript Critique
A full “big picture” edit contained in an editorial report only.
Includes:
-An “editor’s narrative” concerning strengths, weaknesses, questions to think about, and suggestions based on based on your goals as an author.
-A 1-hour follow-up call to discuss the evaluation, answer questions, and brainstorm.
Focused Critique
Want a deep dive into a specific pillar of storytelling, without the cost and unnecessary analysis? The focused critique is like the developmental edit, only smaller. Instead of focusing on every pillar (characters, setting, point of view, plot, pacing, etc.), you can tell me which pillar(s) you’re more concerned about. We’ll narrow down the areas you find the most challenging and go from there, giving you a more manageable result that’s focused on the parts of your novel you really need help with.
Includes:
-An “editor’s narrative” concerning strengths, weaknesses, questions to think about, and suggestions based on particular pillars of storytelling specified by you.
-A copy of your manuscript (.doc or .docx) with in-line editorial comments, using the Comments feature on Microsoft Word/Google Docs.
-A 1-hour follow-up call to discuss the evaluation and comments, answer questions, and brainstorm.
(Looking for a developmental edit of an outline, instead of a full draft of your manuscript? Check out my Outline Consultation on the Coaching Services page!)
What Clients Have to Say
Rachel’s edits and comments were detailed and helpful. Her editorial review covered so many aspects of the novels development and characterization. Her feedback will be so helpful when going through with the editing. I can’t wait to work with her further on this project and others.
—Natalie Johanson, Dark Fantasy Author
I worked with Rae on the manuscript evaluation for my novella and can honestly say the service I received was top notch. She has a very good eye and her suggestions on what to change made a world of difference to a story that was not quite there and needed shaping. Professional and supportive, I highly recommend Rae’s services to any author, new or established.
—Beverley Lee, Dark Fiction Author