FAQ

Hiring a developmental editor can help you identify big-picture issues, such as plot, structure, characterization, scene dynamics (unrealistic dialogue), pacing, logic/believability, genre conventions, world-building/setting, and more. While manuscript evaluations merely identify issues, developmental editing is more comprehensive, because it involves providing potential solutions that can help you brainstorm how to fix them during the revision process.

For example, beta or alpha readers might help you identify characterization issues. They might say the main character doesn't have agency.

However, a developmental editor would thoroughly analyze the manuscript and suggest one or more ways to help the character gain more agency.

Developmental editors (like me) might even offer book maps if you have structure or plot issues. 

Developmental editors help authors identify big-picture issues and offer possible solutions.

1. Hiring a developmental editor can be ideal after you’ve self-edited your manuscript as best as you can before you start line editing and copy editing. This means you’ll save money before you invest significant money in line editing and copy editing.

2. They can help you figure out which areas in your manuscript to expand on, which can help you reach your word count goals.

3. They can help you improve your work by providing special guidance and resources. This can help writers with revisions and future projects.

4. Your manuscript might have inconsistencies. A developmental editor can help identify them, which can help improve the reader experience.

Here's my sample edit process:

Sample Edit Inquiry
1. You’ll fill out the sample edit inquiry form on my website.

Author Questionnaire
2. I’ll respond to your inquiry within two business days, and you'll fill out an Author Questionnaire form and provide the first two chapters of your story.

Manuscript Markups & Memo
3. I'll provide a sample edit on at least 1,500 words within those first two chapters, which includes manuscript markups and a short memo on your strengths and what needs work (with potential solutions!).

Review & Letter of Agreement
4. You’ll review the sample edit and quotes to see if you want to move forward in working with me. If you do, I’ll customize a Letter of Agreement and send it back for you to review.

1. Helps you determine if your story resonates with the editor. An editor specializing in your genre will be more familiar with the genre conventions. They might also be more engaged in your story.
   
   For instance, if you're writing dark romance, consider hiring an editor specializing in it. A dark romance editor is more likely to resonate and empathize with your story.
   
   If they don’t specialize in the genre you’re writing, their feedback might reflect that. You could risk hiring a fiction editor who doesn’t understand what you’re trying to accomplish.
   

2. Helps you determine if the editor’s communication style meshes with you.
   

3. Helps you analyze the editor’s expertise.

I accept the following payment methods:

• PayPal

• Credit and Debit

• Wise

• Stripe

• Venmo

In the proposal, you’ll receive 3 - 5 customized quotes that takes your budget and project needs into consideration. You’ll decide which service or package is right for you. Once you select a service or package, it’ll automatically upload into the Letter of Agreement. You can carefully review the Letter of Agreement to ensure you agree with all the terms and conditions. You can also reach out to me for questions or concerns with any of the terms. If you’re ready to work with me, you’ll simply sign your name to the document with 3 Author goals and your chosen slot date (if necessary).

I never use AI to provide any editorial feedback for my clients. I’ll even provide an AI clause in my contract stipulating that I won’t ever put your work through any AI tools.

I rarely offer discounts to potential clients. However, if I’ve worked on a project and you rehire me for a an editing service, I might offer a 10% discount. I also offer a discount if you refer other writers.