You have a completed, self-edited manuscript and you’re ready to take the crucial next step towards crafting an intensely entertaining, gripping, thrilling and memorable novel that appeals to the widest possible variety of readers: Collaboration with a professional editor.

The developmental editing process begins with me gaining a clear understanding of who you are, why you’ve written this book and what you love about it. We’ll unlock this through a voice/video call or an online questionnaire (which ever suits you) and I will then conduct multiple, meticulously detailed, passes of your novel.

It’s important that developmental editing comes before copy editing, line editing and proofreading because it strengthens and solidifies the core foundations of your novel. The primary objective is to perfect the bones of your story before you focus on honing and fine tuning your writing.

The result will be a comprehensive developmental letter (report) that extensively evaluates every aspect of your writing and provides insights, strategies, suggestions and advice that will improve the story while maintaining your overall vision and protecting your unique and voice as a writer.

The report will provide detailed margin annotations and light in-line comments along with specific feedback and insights on your:

• Overall story, individual arcs, character development, dialogue, points of view, establishing tension, plot continuity and pacing, setting, structure, voice, writing style, marketability, genre
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Parts I loved and parts that jarred
• Positive guidance, actions and strategies