Developmental Editing
Your story has heart—now let’s shape its structure.
A developmental edit helps you refine your manuscript’s foundation, ensuring your narrative resonates deeply with readers.
About Developmental Editing
You’ve got the words on the page—now you want to make sure they’re building a story that truly works.
A developmental edit gives you big-picture feedback on your manuscript’s structure, plot, pacing, and characters. It’s the ideal next step if you’re ready to revise deeply and want to make sure your story connects emotionally and structurally from beginning to end.
Price: $48 per hour (USD). Depends on word count & sample review.
Check the calculator here for a price range as an indication.
Format: Microsoft Word doc.
Don’t have Word? You can convert your manuscript using your preferred text editor, and for review, use the free Office browser version or a free trial of Word.
Sample edit: Once you send your inquiry and manuscript, I’ll return a free sample edit of up to 1,000 words. This helps you get a feel for my approach, and helps me assess the time and scope of your project.
I do not edit in PDF, Scrivener, or other writing tool. Please submit your file as a .docx.
Genre fit: I specialize in fantasy, cozy mystery, and self-help nonfiction. Not sure if your book fits those genres? Please tell me more about your book, and I'll let you know if it's a story I can work on.
This Is for You If...
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You’ve revised your manuscript a few times, but you’re still not sure if the structure or pacing is working.
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You know something isn’t landing—whether it’s the stakes, character arcs, or subplot threads—but you’re too close to see what’s missing.
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You’ve received beta reader feedback on plot or characters and have implemented it, but something still feels not quite right.
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You want professional guidance to take your manuscript from “decent draft” to “reader-ready.”
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You’re not sure if your story fits reader expectations for your genre or if it’s hitting the right emotional beats.
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You’ve written a dual timeline, ensemble cast, or twisty plot and want to make sure it’s cohesive and clear.
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You’re hoping to self-publish and want your book to feel as strong as something from a traditional press.
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You’re feeling overwhelmed by feedback or unsure how to prioritize your revisions.
If you're past the messy first draft and ready for a deeper, structural edit, this service will help you shape your story into its strongest form.
"I liked how detailed Iris is with her feedback. It makes me think about things that I might have overlooked or not thought of. Always insightful and always helpful to have a talented pair of eyes look at my manuscript."
Jordan Spicer, author of Tales of Reverba (Epic Fantasy)
The Process at a Glance
Once you reach out for a quote, this is what you can expect:
1. Free Sample Edit
You send me your manuscript or an excerpt. I’ll return a short sample edit, so you can get a feel for my editing style. And I’ll include a personalized quote based on the scope of the work.
2. Booking
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll confirm your project timeline, sign a contract, and secure your spot with a 50% deposit. (Need a different payment option? Let me know!)
3. Editing Begins
I’ll complete a full developmental edit of your manuscript. Once finished, you’ll receive:
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your manuscript with tracked changes and margin comments
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a detailed editorial letter summarizing strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps
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a follow-up video call to go over the feedback, answer questions, and discuss your revision plan.
4. Next Steps
You revise your manuscript using the feedback provided. Once your revisions are complete, you’re welcome to send the manuscript back for a free second pass (up to 10,000 words of new or changed material).
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Send me a message or request your free sample edit below—I’d love to hear about your book.
Not sure if you’re ready for a full developmental edit? Send me your draft and I’ll help you decide—no pressure.
What It's Like to Work Together
Here’s what you can expect when you book a developmental edit with me.
1. Cold Read & Clarifying Questions
Before making any edits, I’ll read through your manuscript to get a sense of your plot, structure, character arcs, and themes. I may send a few clarifying questions to make sure I fully understand your vision before we begin.
2. Full Developmental Edit
I’ll go through your manuscript using comments and tracked changes to suggest structural shifts, ask key questions, and recommend additions, deletions, or rearrangements where needed. My goal is to support your storytelling—not rewrite it.
3. Weekly Updates
You’ll never be left wondering. I’ll send brief updates each week so you’re always in the loop and can reach out with questions or concerns.
4. Review & Reflect
Once the edit is complete, you’ll receive your manuscript with all comments and a detailed editorial letter. You’ll have time to sit with the feedback, and then we’ll schedule a 1-hour follow-up call to talk through your questions, ideas, and revision strategy.
5. Free Second Pass
After you revise, you’re welcome to send the manuscript back for one final review. I’ll do a global pass on any new or revised material (up to 10,000 words) to ensure everything still flows and fits your vision.
What You'll Receive
When your developmental edit is complete, you’ll receive:
A comprehensive editorial report (40–50 pages)
This in-depth document covers major story elements and offers detailed feedback on:
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genre and market fit
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story conventions and reader expectations
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theme and emotional resonance
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point of view and narrative voice
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character wants, needs, and arcs
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global story structure, including a scene-by-scene breakdown
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worldbuilding (if applicable)
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pacing and tension
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setting and description
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dialogue and character voice
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emotional impact
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grammar and punctuation (as needed for clarity).
Action plan
At the end of your report, you’ll find a clear, prioritized list of next steps—so you’ll always know what to do next in your revision.
Manuscript comments
You’ll receive your manuscript with minor in-line edits and margin comments (via Track Changes in Word) for clarity, consistency, and specific suggestions.
A 1-hour follow-up call
Once you’ve reviewed the feedback, we’ll schedule a live video call to talk through any questions, brainstorm solutions, and ensure you feel confident about your next revision phase.
Free second pass (up to 10,000 words)
After your revision, you can send your updated manuscript back for one final review. I’ll do a global pass on any new or revised material (up to 10,000 words) to ensure everything still flows well and fits your story.
My Editing Style
I know how much heart and effort goes into writing a novel—and I’ll treat your manuscript with the same care and thoughtfulness you brought to the page.
My approach to developmental editing is honest but collaborative. I focus on helping you strengthen the structure, deepen your characters, and shape a story that resonates—without ever trying to rewrite your voice or vision.
You’re still the author. My job is to offer clarity, guidance, and fresh perspective so you can revise with purpose and confidence. By the end of the process, I want you to feel more connected to your story—not more overwhelmed by it.
Price Calculator & Dates
Price: $48 per hour (USD).
Your custom quote will be based on your manuscript’s word count, overall condition, and the sample edit I complete.
To get a ballpark estimate, feel free to use the pricing calculator below.
I typically split payment into two parts: 50% upfront, 50% upon delivery. If you need a custom payment plan, just let me know—I'm happy to work with you.
Working within a tighter budget?
You might consider a manuscript critique or next step assessment—both offer professional story-level feedback at a lower price point and are great options if you're looking to guide your own revisions.
Dates: We’ll decide on a start and end date together when you book. Once the edit begins, the turnaround time is typically 6–8 weeks, depending on word count and the manuscript’s condition.
You’ve taken your story as far as you can on your own—let’s take it the rest of the way, together.
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