Developmental editing services
Who wants to live in the real world, anyway?
The strange and fantastical are much more ‘real’ to speculative fiction writers than daily life could ever be.
You’ve already done the hard work of spinning up intricate world-building, carefully crafted characters and thrilling plots. Before your novel can hit the shelves, it’s time to refine and elevate your work at the developmental editing stage.
I am a developmental editor focusing on speculative fiction. My goal is to provide you with constructive and concise feedback that helps you identify areas for improvement and celebrate your story’s strengths.
My developmental editing service includes:
Initial consultation
Let’s have a chat to discuss who you are, your story and your goals for this process. The initial consultation helps us decide whether my developmental editing services are the right match for you. If we decide to proceed, you will receive a work agreement and a welcome pack.
Editorial commentary
The editorial commentary is a written document that includes my comprehensive analysis of big-picture elements like your manuscript’s plot, pacing, narrative flow, world-building and more. I will separate the commentary into chapters that align with your manuscript's structure. The editorial commentary supplements the information I provide in my in-manuscript comments, providing detailed guidance and professional assessments. Please ask to see an example (please note that the example will be short and heavily redacted for client confidentiality).
In-manuscript comments
As I edit your manuscript, I will leave comments, suggestions and thoughts throughout. The majority of the comments will be actionable, idenitfying areas for revision. Others might be a simple thumbs-up, letting you know that I’m havin’ fun reading!
Halfway point update
The halfway point update is an email I’ll send to you when I’m halfway through the developmental edit. I will provide a brief overview of how I’m finding various aspects of the novel, such as character development and narrative voice. Think of it as a teaser while you await the finished review!
Unlimited support via email
Got a pressing question? Feel free to email me at any time throughout the process.
Post-editing debrief (call)
I’ll return the developmental edit and give you some time to review it. When you’re ready, we’ll schedule a meeting to talk through my feedback and any questions you might have. Then, you can proceed with the necessary revisions (we will call this ‘V2’ of the manuscript).
V2 feedback & next steps consultation (call)
Before we wrap things up, we can schedule an additional meeting to discuss the outcome of the V2 review (such as whether you require additional editorial review) and the next steps in your publishing journey. This call is ideal for discussing other book-related things, like what to do with the blurb and front cover.
V2 review & feedback
Once you’ve completed the revisions, you’ll have an amended manuscript, which we’ll call V2. I will complete an additional edit and provide feedback on whether the revisions have aligned the story with your goals and vision. I won’t supply an editorial commentary for the V2 but will provide in-manuscript comments.
V3 review & feedback (additional cost)
It’s normal to feel that your manuscript needs further tweaks after V2. Depending on your unique requirements, I can provide an additional review (let’s call it 'V3') for a supplementary fee.
Request a free 15-minute consultation
FAQs
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Speculative fiction is sometimes called a ‘super-genre,’ encompassing any stories set in a world that deviates from reality. It’s not a set-in-stone term, so speculative fiction novels could be fantasy, horror, sci-fi, magic realism, dystopian/utopian fiction… the list goes on! I focus on fantasy and sci-fi works but could be partial to magic realism.
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Please see the graphic above for a breakdown of the developmental editing process. We will follow the below process:
Initial consultant. I start the edit.
Halfway point update.
Manuscript returned to you.
Post-editing debrief.
You complete revisions (manuscript V2).
I review V2.
V2 feedback and next steps discussion.ext goes here
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My developmental editing service includes:
Initial consultation and welcome pack
Editorial commentary
In-manuscript comments
Halfway point update
Unlimited support via email
Post-editing debrief (call)
V2 review and feedback
V2 review and next steps call
Additional editing rounds are available at a supplementary cost. Please see the services information above for more detailed information.
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Please supply the manuscript in MS Word or Google Docs. I will supply the editorial commentary in a Word or Google Docs format. I don’t edit PDFs.
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You will receive a project-based fee depending on the length of your manuscript and the complexity/scope of the work. My rates are fixed and take into consideration the entire scope of the requirements and ongoing dedicated support. Please feel free to contact me; I would be happy to share pricing information.
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If you have a question that isn’t included in these FAQs, please get in touch via email or the form below. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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I typically complete the first round of editing in 8-12 weeks. You can expect the developmental editing process to take 4-6 months from end to end. The timeline can vary hugely depending on factors like your planned deadline, your availability to complete revisions and the scope of the work. I am happy to discuss accelerated deadlines as necessary.
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That’s up to you! Typically, adult fiction novels range from 70,000 to 120,000 words.
Did you know that I also edit short stories (<10,000)? Please see my short fiction services page if your manuscript falls into this category.
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Yes, I edit manuscripts in British or American English. However, please keep in mind that developmental editing is not the same as proofreading.