Developmental editors focus on 'big picture' aspects of the story, such as plot and character arcs, overall pacing, looking for plot holes, missing scenes, scenes that don't move the story forward, etc. I am NOT looking at grammar, sentence flow, word choice, etc. There are times I may flag certain 'lower level' things if they are really standing in the way of another fix, but those notes are a bonus. I am here to make sure your characters are consistent and believable, to show places where your story might lag, or to pull out those necessary details that are in your head but not on the page.

As needed, I will also share resources that can help with certain fixes. Such as my favorite blog posts I've found or YouTube channels that will go into detail about an issue I am noting in your manuscript so that you can dive deep and learn the best fixes. I will give you suggestions, but I am an editor, not a teacher (or a ghost writer). There are plenty of people with free teachings on the internet, and I am happy to direct you to them. The editing process is the best way to learn about writing, but that doesn't work if the editor is the only one doing the work. 

In my Basic and Book Doctor packages, I return manuscripts with in-line comments throughout. Each chapter will also get a wrap-up note, as well as a note at the halfway point and at the end. I prefer this method over one long editorial letter at the end. It helps to know exactly where something is an issue rather than having to search your manuscript and make your best guess. Since I love working with new authors, this is the most popular method I've found for returning feedback.

If you are looking for feedback at a more surface level than a developmental edit, as noted above, I also offer Manuscript Critiques, where I return an editorial letter only. This can be good for authors who know something is off and are ready to do a (partial) rewrite on their own but just want a direction to move in. Or possibly for new authors who think they may be overwhelmed by lots of inline comments; however, this option requires more focus on the writer's part to implement the suggested changes.

If a writer starts with a Manuscript Critique, one of the full developmental editing packages can be purchased for 20% off the same manuscript.

While a developmental edit comes early in the revision process, there is still work to be done before you send your manuscript off. I am not looking at grammar or sentence structure, but if either is very poor, it may affect my reading of your work and slow me down. It is best practice to do at least one round of self-edits before sending out your book. If you are a newbie, this can be something as simple as using a program like ProWritingAid to go over your work.

When using programs like this, never blindly accept all changes (sometimes they can actually make things worse), but use the suggestions to catch errors you seem to repeat and learn from looking over each offered correction. Taking it slow is invaluable! While you are reading through at this level, you may also catch some inconsistencies in your story or find points that trip you up in the flow.

Another great option is building a critique group with fellow writers and exchanging reads and critiques of each other's work. Practice being on both sides of this, and it will help you grow your writing quickly. There are many Facebook groups dedicated to writers and networking, or you can check out websites like Critique Circle or Scribophile.

Editors will help you with all these things along the way, of course, but you should turn the best work you can possibly create over to them at any given step. Editors are not there to rewrite your book; they are only there to point out where you need to focus to fix errors. If you think of your editor's notes as a guide to help you learn, not as someone doing it for you, you will be a dream client, and your future books will be better and better.

Manuscripts should be delivered in some kind of standard format. 1.5 or double-spaced, Arial or TNR fonts at 12 points.

Both Basic and Book Doctor editing come with 2 hours of email follow-up time to address any questions you have while going through your edits. I prefer to follow up in this way, as it leaves everything in writing and gives me time to give you a thoughtful answer that a zoom call doesn't. Time is subtracted from when I read your email through me sending off the reply. I will always include your time remaining. Additional follow-up time can be purchased at an hourly rate.

If you have done Basic DE and find that you've made big changes and want my input on them, I will offer an 'upgrade' to the Book Doctor package by putting what you've already paid toward the new service. If my schedule allows, this is best done 1-2 months after the initial pass; this gives you enough time for thoughtful edits but is also short enough that your story is (likely) still fresh in my mind. 

After you get your notes back, I recommend reading through all of them before making any changes. You may find that there are 'bigger' notes later on that might make small changes obsolete. It is also a good idea to make a copy of your manuscript document with all the comments. That way, even as you work through and remove the in-line notes, you will still have a copy with all of them visible.

Once you've made your way through all the notes, deciding what to keep and what doesn't feel right for your story*, set it aside for a while. Fresh eyes are the best thing you can bring to editing.

After that little break, you are back into self-editing mode! If you choose (especially if you've added or changed a lot), another pass of grammar checking is a good idea. This is also a great time to listen to your book. I use naturalreaders.com to read my books aloud while I follow along on the manuscript, flagging anywhere that isn't smooth or any other issues that pop up to me. Working with your book in an alternate form really helps you notice issues. Downloading it to your kindle or e-reader is a great option too, or even printing it out in hard copy!

Once the manuscript is as clean as you can possibly make it, it is time for line editing. Be sure to get a sample edit so that you know you and the editor are a good match. This can also be a way to double check that your book is ready for a line edit or if you might have more work to do first. If your book is cleaner, your line editor fees may be lower.


*Remember, this is your story; you are not obligated to use all (or any) of the feedback if it doesn't resonate with what you are trying to say. But editors are there to help, so it's good to seriously consider all notes.