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 Full Developmental Edit. It includes a report and a manuscript mark-up to give you an in-depth analysis of your writing and where it could be improved.
If you have a completed manuscript and are ready for feedback, this could be the editing service you need.
What’s included?
A Full Developmental Edit includes;
- A 10-20 page written report containing actional feedback and guidance.
- Manuscript mark-up (using Tracked changes) of in-document changes, suggestions, and comments that expand upon and highlight points raised in the report.
This services focuses on manuscript improvement at a structural and developmental level, and may include feedback on the following areas;
- Theme and setting.
- Story and plot development.
- Characters and dialogue.
- Narrative voice and style.
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.
Exclusions
A Full Developmental Edit does not include;
- 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
The price of a Full Developmental Edit is based on the word count and amount of work expected. When inquiring about a quote, a client questionnaire will be sent to you and a sample of your work will be requested, to accurate assess this.
As a rough guide, most manuscripts under 100,000 words sit within a range of £800-£1500.
The entire manuscript needs to be submitted for this service, and if the wordcount or content of the manuscript change 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 only gush about your story in the report and manuscript mark-up (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 own 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 Full Developmental Edit 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 a Developmental Edit Report, here is who I’d recommend the Full Developmental Edit to;
- If you are a new writer or early in your career.
- If you have a passion for writing and a clear story in your mind, but your writing craft skills are still developing.
- If you feel like you have an amazing story, but every time you read it, something just isn’t clicking.
- If you have received some feedback and made major changes to your manuscript and you think there is more to be improved upon.
- If you have a few targeted concerns in your manuscript, such as pacing or character motivations or narrative voice, that you’d like to specifically address.
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 Full Developmental Edit 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.