Sometimes the smartest thing to do is raise your hand and say, “I could use a bit of help here.”
Developmental editing gives you detailed feedback and an editorial letter so you can revise confidently on your own—ideal for writers who like to work independently.
You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript, but you feel uneasy about what else it might need, because you can’t see which parts truly work or where the story is losing momentum. You know your novel has potential, but without an experienced perspective, it’s hard to know how to strengthen it without losing your voice.
Without guidance, issues can go unnoticed. Pacing, flat characters, plot inconsistencies, and structural gaps can go unaddressed, leaving you frustrated. Over-editing can dilute your story; under-editing can leave it rough and unfinished. Either way, it stalls your progress and keeps the story from reaching its full potential.
I help writers gain clarity, confidence, and direction through thoughtful, respectful feedback. My approach combines developmental insight with actionable guidance. I’ll look at your manuscript from both the big picture and line-level perspectives. You’ll receive feedback, suggestions, and next steps designed to strengthen your story while honoring your voice.
Writers who work with me come away with a clearer sense of what’s working, what needs revision, and how to move forward.
"Your superpower is showing versus telling. And POV. And catching overused words! You have got that nailed and it really makes for a richer prose." Holly Kerr, author
Developmental editing is ideal for writers who prefer to work independently. You’ll receive a detailed editorial letter and feedback that you can use to revise on your own, at your own pace, without scheduled sessions or ongoing guidance beyond the follow-up. Writers who prefer collaboration or accountability should consider coaching instead.
Your First 50 Pages
Problems in the first 50 pages generally thread throughout a manuscript. Addressing them early saves you time, strengthens the story, and helps you write with more confidence. You’ll leave this process with a clear sense of your story’s strengths and weaknesses and tools to move forward effectively.
It begins with a mini blueprint questionnaire that gives me insight into your story and your intent as the author. This vital context allows me to consider the way these first 50 pages fit into the larger story as I'm giving feedback.
What you send me:
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The first 50 pages (12,500 words) of your manuscript
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Completed Mini Blueprint questionnaire (provided)
What you receive:
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Detailed comments in the manuscript via margin notes and track-changes
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An editorial letter summarizing findings, including actionable next steps
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Suggested resources as appropriate
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A 60-minute follow-up video call to discuss feedback & strategize
Turnaround: ~2 weeks | Price: $425
This package is for writers who want to make sure their manuscript is headed in the right direction, along with actionable feedback they can implement independently.
Full Manuscript Developmental Edit
This deep dive into your novel identifies gaps, highlights what’s working and what needs improvement or clarification, and gives you actionable feedback to help you bring the story fully into alignment with your intent.
It begins with the Mini Blueprint questionnaire, giving me insight and context that will my feedback across the entire manuscript.
What you send me:
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Your completed manuscript
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Completed Mini Blueprint questionnaire (provided)
What you receive:
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Comments throughout the manuscript via margin notes and track changes
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A detailed editorial letter summarizing my findings.
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Guidance on pacing, clarity, narrative consistency, character development, and structural coherence
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Follow-up call to discuss feedback and strategize next steps
Turnaround: 4–6 weeks | Price: $0.035 per word
This package is for writers who want comprehensive, structured feedback on every chapter that they can implement independently. A deep dive into all aspects of your novel.
About Editorial Letters
The editorial letter is a summary of findings, from big-picture elements such as structure, pacing, and character development, and theme, right down to line level issues.
In all manuscript audits, I look at all aspects of your submitted pages from start to finish. Editorial letters vary in length depending on the number of pages submitted and what I discover inside of them, of course.
At the end of each letter, I will provide clear, actionable next steps for you to take, as well as a curated list of resources (articles, books, podcasts).
My goal is to give you the information you need make your novel as strong and engaging as possible.
✖️ While I may point out grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors the first few times they occur, I am NOT a copy editor or proof reader. If you require the services of a copy editor or proof reader, let me know and I'll be happy to recommend a colleague or two.
✔️ I am, however, available for line editing. Please inquire.
Please Note that I work exclusively in Microsoft Word.
Any manuscript pages you send must be:
- saved as a .doc or .docx.
- in industry standard formatting: 12-point Times New Roman font; double spaced; no extra spaces between lines; 1-inch margins.
Also note that I use the track changes and margin notes feature found under the MS Word review tab. There are many tutorials available on the web if you need help learning how to use them. I DO NOT EDIT in Google Docs.