Developmental editing is an in-depth approach to working with a writer’s manuscript. I help clients help them build, shape, revise, and polish their work based on where they are in the process. Each editor defines development editing a little differently, but for me, it includes pointing out the writer’s strengths and addressing opportunities for development on both the macro and micro levels. Coaching and consulting help clients get the most out of their feedback are also important parts of my developmental editing process.

Developmental editing is not proofreading or copy editing. I only note typos if a manuscript is close to completion. Otherwise, it’s assumed the writer will spot typos as they revise.

Once we decide to work together, I provide a free 30-minute consultation to meet the client and get a feel for the project. We sketch out a schedule, and I provide an invoice for the entire project, breaking down what is due at each stage. Then the client emails me their pages as a Word document attachment; I don’t edit pdfs, hard copy manuscripts, or receive manuscripts by mail.

As far as delivery, I provide line edits (not all editors do) based on the manuscript’s level of completion. In the early stages, writers may want more line edits to hone their language as their project takes shape while writers at a more advanced stage may only need selective line edits to illustrate techniques they can apply more broadly in their work. I also provide an in-depth letter that elaborates my feedback, provides big-picture notes, and details the next steps.

You should hire a professional editor when you want an objective, third-party perspective on your work. Friends, family, and writing groups can provide valuable feedback, but they are close to you and cannot view your work objectively. Similarly, writers are often too close to their work and can’t always step back far enough to see what is and isn’t working. Professional editors can help you:

• Hone your writing process and refine your ideas

• Organize your writing schedule and provide time-management solutions

• Improve your writing style, tone, or voice

• Address large-scale issues like structure, theme, and characterization

• Sharpen scene crafting, dialogue, and plot development

• Assess whether your work is ready for publication

• Polish work to professional standards for self-publishing authors

Writing query letters, book synopses, and book proposals are additional services I

provide for clients who are ready to submit their work to agents and presses.

No, I do not offer high-level reads. A high-level read is a service in which an editor reads a writer’s work and gives their opinion on it without providing edits or substantive feedback. Some writers want this service as a check-in to see if their manuscript is on the right track or if it’s “good enough.” I find writers who ask for high-level reads actually want detailed rather than surface-level feedback, and the best way to get that is to hire a developmental editor.

I work in all genres, including short and long-form fiction, creative nonfiction, memoirs and essays, poetry, bilingual and multilingual texts, hybrid genres that include music or visuals, analytical and critical work, verse novels and memoirs, and any other written form you might create.

I also work on cover letters, queries, synopses, book proposals, application essays, and other publication-related documents for writers at that stage.

The project timeframe depends on the work’s length, the consultation scheduling, and the writer and editor’s availability. I maintain frequent communication with clients throughout the process in case delivery or consultation dates need to change. Before clients pay for services, they will always know when to expect their edits.

Consultations are informal hour-long discussions in which clients have the opportunity to ask about their feedback and brainstorm approaches to incorporating it in their work. Often, clients have “a-ha” moments as we talk through sticky issues and address craft points in greater detail. Consultations are remote and take place on Zoom or over the phone, depending on the client’s preference.

Absolutely. Though writers benefit most from combining editing and consultations, my in-text comments, edits, and letters are detailed enough to set your work on the right track.

The minimum project size is 20 pages. There is no maximum project size. I break longer manuscripts into parts, with 100 pages being the greatest number of pages you will receive feedback on at once.

Not at the moment, but check back as my online content develops!

My rates are $120 per 10 typed pages (12 pt. font, double spaced), roughly equal to 3300 words. Consultation rates are $120/hr.

Professional editors typically charge between $60 and $150 per hour. All editors’ styles and the type/amount of feedback they provide are different, so it’s important to find a professional who resonates with your project, needs, and personality.

If you’re interested but still not sure, fill out the contact form, tell me about your project, and ask any follow-up questions you have. I’m not a salesperson. There’s no obligation or pressure to commit. No matter your question, you’ll hear from me within 1-2 business days. I can answer a quick q or help you clarify whether this is a good time (or not) to get started.

Fill out the contact form, and tell me about your project! I respond within 1-2 business days and will guide you through the process of getting started. I look forward to working with you!