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Developmental Editing

◈ Structure & Plot Analysis​

  • Three-act structure evaluation, assessing the clarity of beginning, middle, and end

  • Plot progression review, analyzing logical flow and meaningful event sequencing

  • Identification of plot holes, with specific suggestions for resolution

  • Scene-by-scene purpose analysis, ensuring each scene advances the story

  • Pacing diagnostics, identifying rushed or dragging sections

  • Optional detailed chapter breakdown for a comprehensive structural review

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◈ Point of View & Voice

  • POV consistency analysis across the entire manuscript

  • Narrative voice evaluation for authenticity and appropriateness

  • Assessment of narrative distance (close vs. distant narration effectiveness)

  • Identification of head-hopping, with solutions for multi-POV works

  • Evaluation of voice strength, measuring distinctiveness and memorability

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◈ Pacing & Tension Management

  • Scene pacing breakdown, identifying slow or rushed sections

  • Tension curve analysis, tracking reader engagement throughout the story

  • Stakes escalation review, ensuring meaningful consequences and conflict

  • Momentum assessment, evaluating the story's forward drive

  • Cliffhanger and hook evaluation for chapter endings and key moments

◈ Theme & Message Clarity

  • Thematic coherence evaluation, ensuring a clear central message

  • Subtext analysis, identifying unintended or conflicting messages

  • Message delivery assessment, checking for heavy-handed or unclear themes

  • Review of symbolic elements when present in the narrative

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◈ Character Development Review

  • Protagonist strength assessment, evaluating compelling traits and relatability

  • Supporting character analysis, ensuring distinction and narrative purpose

  • Character arc evaluation, tracking growth, change, and consistency

  • Motivation clarity check, confirming believable goals and internal logic

  • Dialogue authenticity review, verifying unique voices for each character

  • Character consistency audit, flagging behavioral contradictions

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◈ World-Building Analysis

  • Setting consistency check across all scenes and chapters

  • World logic evaluation, ensuring adherence to internal rules and believability

  • Detail integration review, avoiding info-dumps and promoting smooth exposition

  • Sensory detail assessment for immersive environmental descriptions

  • Research accuracy verification for historical or technical elements

  • Genre convention adherence, especially for speculative fiction

Service Includes...

◈ Editorial Report

  • Comprehensive manuscript evaluation (10-20 pages) identifying strengths and areas needing development

  • Genre-specific revision strategies tailored to your target market and writing goals

  • Honest, constructive feedback delivered with collaborative guidance for next steps

  • Prioritized action items ranked by impact on overall manuscript quality

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◈ In-Manuscript Commentary & Teaching

  • Detailed margin comments throughout your manuscript highlighting specific strengths and improvement opportunities

  • Light teaching examples demonstrating revision techniques directly within your text

  • Educational sidebars explaining craft principles as they apply to your specific scenes

  • Track changes and suggestions mode for transparent feedback integration

  • Contextual explanations connecting manuscript-level issues to broader writing craft

◈ Revision Plan Review

  • One round of reviewing and feedback on your revised manuscript within two months of the edit

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◈ Consultation & Support Services

  • One-hour consultation via live chat to discuss your project before service begins

  • Email support for clarification questions during the revision process

  • Post-delivery follow-up support for questions during revision implementation within two months of the edi​t

The Process...

Still unsure about developmental editing?

Developmental editing is best for manuscripts that are complete first drafts needing big-picture guidance on story structure, character development, pacing, and overall narrative effectiveness before moving to line editing and copyediting stages.

 

This comprehensive editorial approach is particularly valuable for new writers who want to understand fundamental storytelling principles and experienced authors tackling unfamiliar genres or complex narrative structures.

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Manuscripts with multiple POVs, nonlinear timelines, or ensemble casts particularly benefit from the structural analysis and character consistency tracking that developmental editing provides.

 

While beneficial for all fiction, developmental editing proves especially crucial for plot-driven genres like fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and thriller, where world-building consistency, intricate plotting, and sustained tension are essential. Literary fiction also benefits significantly from developmental editing's focus on character depth, thematic coherence, and narrative voice.

I've written an in-depth blog post about developmental editing that you can read here.

Please fill out the following form with details about your project and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. To determine if I am the right editor for you, a complimentary editing sample will be provided once we discuss your project. Your work will never be shared with anyone. If you have any questions before submitting a form, see if my FAQ or blog can help you out!

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