Developmental Editing

Developmental editing (also known as structural or substantive editing) provides an in-depth assessment of the structural components of your manuscript. This is “big-picture” editing and covers everything from plot, pacing, and characterization to perspective, narrative style, and voice. The primary goal of developmental editing is to help identify and solve any structural issues your manuscript might have.

I offer two types of developmental editing: 

1

EXTENDED EVALUATION LETTER

In 12–15 pages (approx. 5,000 words), I break down your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses with specific examples from your text and suggest revisions to solve issues of plotting, character development, narrative voice, pacing, etc. This letter may come with supplementary materials, like suggestions for a new outline, a detailed breakdown of your character arcs, or a chart to help you keep your timelines straight—whatever your manuscript needs most. 

2

EDITORIAL LETTER + MARGIN NOTES

This includes an editorial letter of 7-10 pages (approx. 3,000 words), accompanied by comments in the margins of your manuscript. These comments will point to specific passages that need further development, ask questions to help increase clarity, and flag areas that could be cut, expanded, or otherwise improved. I assess each chapter/section for plot holes, inconsistencies, conflict (or stakes), pacing issues, believability, and entertainment value.

What does developmental editing cover?

In short, anything to do with your manuscript’s structure. A developmental edit of a fiction or narrative nonfiction manuscript will focus on things like plot, narrative organization, characterization, voice, worldbuilding, scene-setting, and the progression of the work’s central themes and motifs. For critical manuscripts, the organization, strength, and clarity of the manuscript’s arguments are my primary concern. I may also query areas that need further substantiation or fact-checking.

Please note that, as a “big-picture” edit, developmental editing does NOT aim to correct things like spelling, grammar, usage, or articulation. These elements are addressed through stylistic editing or copy editing.

Is your work ready for developmental editing?

A developmental edit is an excellent option if your manuscript has been through multiple rounds of revision (on your own or with beta readers/critique partners); or if you are on your third or fourth draft and feel like you can’t make further progress without professional intervention.

That said, I always recommend that writers begin their professional editing journey with a manuscript evaluation (for a full manuscript) or reader report (for the first 10-15K of a manuscript). Both of these services cover the same elements as a developmental edit in broad strokes.

How much does it cost?

The cost of developmental editing varies widely based on a manuscript’s length, stage of development, and genre. That said, my developmental edits usually range between $1,700 and $3,000 CAD. For shorter works like short stories, novellas, and essays, I have a minimum fee of $250.

If you are interested in working with me, please complete an estimate request and email the first 3 chapters of your book to senicamaltese@gmail.com. If you are inquiring about a short story, novella, or essay, please send the full manuscript. To avoid confusion, I ask that you supply your sample within 72 hours of completing your estimate request.