A Developmental Edit looks at the big-picture items of a manuscript, from plot and character development to voice and writing style. There are two type of Dev Edit and this is the Report. It’s a focused look at your writing, with guidance and actionable feedback collated in to report to help you improve your story.
If you have a completed manuscript and are ready for feedback, this could be the editing service you need.
What’s included?
A Developmental Edit Report is a 10-20 page written document containing actional feedback and guidance to improve your manuscript.
It focuses on improvement at a structural and developmental level, and may include feedback on the following areas;
- Theme.
- Story and plot development.
- Characters.
- Point of view.
- Setting.
- Narrative voice and style.
- Dialogue.
Process
Get in touch to show your interest and I will send you a Client Questionnaire and an information sheet about this service.
Once the questionnaire is returned, I will send you a quote and my availability for the start date and the turnaround of the work. A Developmental Edit Report is priced on word count, see below.
Exclusions
A Developmental Edit Report does not include;
- Manuscript mark-up.
- Copy Editing.
- Advice on marketability, getting an agent or publishing deal.
- Ongoing support after the session.
If you require any further editing support, please Get in touch.
Price
A Developmental Edit Report is priced based on word count only.
- Under 50,000 words – £400.
- 50,001-100,000 words – £600
- 100,001-150,000 words – £800
- 150,001-200,000 words – £1000
- Over 200,000 words – please enquire for a custom quote.
The entire manuscript needs to be submitted for this service, and if the wordcount changes after the quote has been provided, the turnaround and price could be affected.
Payment Terms
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required, at contract signature, to secure your booking.
The remaining 50% balance is due prior to the delivery of the completed report. The report will be shared once full payment is received.
Collaboration is key
Submitting your work for critique, especially for the first time, can be really daunting. So can receiving feedback.
As much as I’d love to write an entire report gushing about your story (because I have no doubt you’ve written something good), it would be a waste of your money to only hear the good. In my report, I will highlight your strengths but the majority of it will focus on improvement.
Being honest, whenever I received feedback on my writing, my first response is to defend my work. That’s why I suggest sitting with the report for at least a week before responding. However, if you’re feeling apprehensive about receiving criticism, have a look at my blog on Taking Feedback for some advice on this skill.
And remember, you don’t have to agree with me. You are the author and you get the final say.
Who I’d recommend a Developmental Edit Report to
For any type of Developmental Edit, a completed manuscript is needed, whether it’s your first draft or tenth. If you’re ready for feedback, but you’re not sure whether to get a Full Dev Edit or just the Report, here is who I’d recommend a Developmental Edit Report to;
- If you’ve already had some feedback and made some major changes that you would like further feedback on.
- If you have a targeted concern in your manuscript, such as pacing or character motivations, that you’d like to specifically address.
- If you are a seasoned writer, feel confident in your manuscript and feel like you can implement feedback without extra support.
- If you have a smaller budget for editing your book.
Do you think a Developmental Edit is for you? Then Get in touch and send me an email to get the ball rolling!
Still not sure if a Developmental Edit Report is right for you?
That’s okay!
Take some time to look through the pages of my other services and see if there is a better fit;
If you are still stuck, have a read of my blog post – Types of Editing – or Get in touch to send me a question or book in a free 15 minute chat.