A developmental edit is the process of getting a big picture perspective of your novel. It primarily analyses the core foundations such as plot, characters, arcs and setting.

We will collaborate to analyse and encourage the effective aspects of your writing while addressing and improving the weaker aspects.

There is no concrete answer to this question but the best advice I can provide is to arrange a Developmental Edit when you feel that you’ve done everything you can.

I believe an excellent time is after you’ve completed a second draft and had family or friends read through your novel to provide early feedback. Identifying challenges early on will save a lot of work and frustration later, while also ensuring that you enjoy writing and continue to love your story.

If you are stuck or struggling to untangle your story, a more cost-effective Manuscript Evaluation will provide strategy and actionable advice to progress to an improved draft and a later developmental edit.

Typically, it takes 2-4 weeks to complete a full developmental edit and 1-3 weeks for a manuscript evaluation or proofread. A sample edit will be completed within 1 week.

No two books are the same and no two edits are the same. The duration of your edit will depend on factors such as your overall word count, the amount of work your manuscript requires and the room in my booking schedule.

I am a fast worker and can discuss specific completion dates if you have a hard deadline. I also provide weekly update emails during an edit to let you know how the process is going and pose any specific questions relating to your novel.

I work in Microsoft word and apply tracked changes so that you can see the in-margin comments or highlights I make along any changes I suggest.

Developmental editing comes before copy and line editing so it is a good idea to run your manuscript through spell-check before sending it to me to address any errors that might distract my reading.

For sending I recommend email or Google Drive but am happy to discuss any alternatives you’d prefer.

Not at all.

I am a chatty guy and recognise that I deliver my best work when I know the personality behind the words.

I completely understand that this way of communicating not to everyone’s tastes so I will engage in the way that makes you most comfortable.

Corresponding through emails or text chat such as Discord, Messenger and Google Chat works just as well for me.

I will eagerly gobble up any book, novella or short story and deliver my thoughts and opinion on how they can become the best book possible.

The most important factor for me is that you are comfortable when you engage with me and feel like I am the right editor to entrust your work to.

Fantasy and science fiction is my go-to, but I enjoy reading and editing all genres and themes. If your novel contains dark themes, sex, profanity, horror, violence or taboo subjects, rest assured that I will be comfortable working on it and providing the best editing I can.

Your novel belongs to you. The report I send you contains my best advice and analysis of your story but the decision on whether to action my changes, advice or strategies remains yours.

This question is the reason that I provide ample follow up time after each edit.

My offer emphasises that there are no word limits for a reason. The only measure that matters is whether your book is good enough to appeal to and satisfy your readers.

The typical or recommended word counts that come up when you ask Google are largely driven by the economics of traditional publishing and their research into audience and market trends. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are incorrect, but your audience will have the final say.

The first answer to this is that I enjoy developmental editing more because of the relationship it fosters with an author and their book.

The second answer is largely to do with the reason authors need to work with an editor like me – they become too close to the material.

Editing several-hundred magazines has made me (sometimes annoyingly) good at it, so if you would like me to deliver these services, please get in touch and we can discuss your requirements

Step 1: Get in touch

Step 2: Book a time to have a short introductory call with me

Step 3: Realise that we’re a perfect fit and are both equally excited about your book

Step 4: We decide which of my services best fits you and your novel

Step 5: We book a start date and I propose pricing and timeline

Step 6: Agree on price, timeline and expectations

Step 7: I prepare and send you a contract and you pay the deposit

Step 8: I get to work and update you at the end of each week

Step 9: I return your novel and editing report

Step 10: We enjoy a follow up call to discuss the report and how else I can assist

All pricing is clear and visible on my service pages below

Sample Edit | Manuscript Evaluation | Developmental Edit| Proofreading

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