A developmental edit is different from line editing and copyediting. Line editors and copyeditors edit your manuscript directly, making changes to sentence structure, typos, grammar and usage. A developmental editor will usually deliver feedback via in-line comments or a separate report, focusing on the big picture elements of your story. A developmental edit is intended to guide an author through a revision by suggesting ways to improve elements like structure, plot, characters, themes, and pacing.
What does your developmental service entail?
I will read your manuscript in its entirety and provide you with a detailed report outlining the major areas to strengthen in the submitted manuscript. I break down my report in a way best suited to the manuscript. For example, if the manuscript already has strong character development, my report might be broken up into the major events of the novel to evaluate how each one might be improved or clarified to improve the plot. On the other hand, if character development needs attention, I'll point out the areas where characters seems off from how they're initially presented, including pieces of dialogue that don't jive with their personality or motives.
What is the difference between a line edit and a copyedit?
A line editor focuses on how your story is told. A copyeditor focuses on true errors in your manuscript. A copyeditor corrects grammar/usage/spelling errors and internal inconsistencies; for example, making sure a character's eye/hair color doesn't change, making sure a character's name is spelled the same way each time, always hyphenating/capitalizing certain words. A line editor pays attention to how well you tell your story, suggesting changes to word choice/language/structure to improve clarity, coherence, and voice, even where no errors exist.
What if I don't agree with your edits?
I firmly believe in an author's choice to accept or reject an editor's suggestions. The suggestions I make are based on what I see as underlying issues or areas for improvement in the manuscript. I will point out an issue and an example—or multiple examples—of how to resolve it. After having the problem explained and considering my suggested fixes, you might come up with a different solution of your own. The goal isn't for you to take my resolutions and incorporate every single one as presented. Rather, the goal is for you to understand why I'm suggesting a change. In this way, you'll learn how to problem solve with this and future manuscripts. I'll do my best to suggest changes that mesh with your story. But you're the author. You get to decide what story you tell. It's my job to make sure it's told well.
Will you look at my revision?
I'm happy to discuss discounted fees for reviewing a revision based on my developmental edit of your work.
Can you suggest agents to query?
I will suggest similar titles, or publishers that have published similar work, which will enable you to find suitable agents for your project via resources like Publishers Marketplace.