Developmental editing is like sculpting.
You’ve already gathered the raw material: your research, your ideas, your stories. The substance is there. But to create a book that feels deliberate and well-formed, you need to shape that material into something with structure, balance, and intention.
That’s what I help you do.
Together, we look at the whole manuscript: the form it’s taking, what it’s trying to say, and how each part supports the larger work. We smooth out what’s rough, cut away what’s not working, and clarify the contours of your argument or narrative until the shape is strong and clear.
My role is to help you turn a promising draft into a clear, well-structured manuscript that holds your reader’s attention and delivers on what your book sets out to do.
Starting price: from £450, depending on word count and level of support. I’ll provide a tailored quote once I’ve reviewed a sample.
What I do
Developmental editing involves a close, structural reading of your manuscript. I’m not focusing on spelling or sentence-level fixes: I’m looking at the shape of the work as a whole.
That includes:
The form of the manuscript: does the structure support the book’s purpose?
The flow: how do ideas move from one section to the next?
The balance: are any chapters overlong, underdeveloped, or in the wrong place?
The tone: does it speak clearly to your intended reader?
The coherence: does each part contribute to the whole?
This kind of editing is both analytical and creative: less about fixing and more about refining the form of the book you’ve already begun to build.
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“This chapter raises a strong point but it’s disconnected from the central argument. Consider integrating it into Chapter 3, where you discuss X.”
“There’s a lot of repetition in this section. Can we consolidate these examples into one clear case study?”
“The introduction doesn’t yet make a promise to the reader. What’s the question this book is answering?”
“Chapters 5 and 6 cover similar ground. Would a single chapter on this theme be stronger?”
“This section shifts in tone. Can we make the voice more consistent here with the rest of the chapter?”x
What you’ll receive:
A detailed editorial letter (typically 5–10 pages, depending on the manuscript)
In-text comments using Word or Google Docs (your choice)
Optional check-in call to discuss the feedback
Add-on support available (e.g., follow-up review or coaching)
If you’re unsure whether your manuscript is ready for developmental editing, or whether it needs this level of feedback, get in touch and I’ll take a look.
Why work with me?
I combine my editorial background with practical publishing knowledge to support authors who want to publish with intention and professionalism. I’ve helped nonfiction authors prepare their books for print and digital platforms, and I know where things often get stuck and how to move forward. Check out:
