Developmental editing is the first step of the editorial process. It’s the deepest edit I offer, delivering a close reading and analysis of your manuscript with an eye on big-picture story elements. This is an ideal choice for self-publishing authors.

Detailed feedback will discuss characterization, point of view, plot, structure, pacing/tension, scene dynamics, worldbuilding/setting, and premise. My feedback process is three-part. I’ll point out what works well, describe what needs improvement in detail, and suggest structural changes to help bring the story more in line with your vision.

With a developmental edit, you’ll receive:

• A heavily annotated manuscript full of marginal comments
• An editorial letter (15+ pages) analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and areas for revision and improvement
• A book map: a structural, bird’s eye overview of the story
• An hour-long editorial call

Because of the level of detail involved in a developmental edit, I offer it only for 1) complete manuscripts* that 2) have gone through at least one round of revisions using feedback from critique partners.

Pricing starts at $0.03/word.

*Please note that if you’re a debut novelist who hasn’t worked with me before, I won’t be able to perform a sample edit or take a booking until you have a complete draft of the manuscript to show me. This policy is for our mutual benefit.

Looking for critique on an incomplete or ongoing work? I do those, too! You can check out those plans right here.

“I was so excited to work with Cee, and she didn’t disappoint. I went into my Manuscript Evaluation aware of my major problem areas, but with no idea how to fix them. Cee’s feedback helped me navigate what I already knew was wrong and tackle issues I wasn’t aware of yet. Her feedback was tailored to my goals and ideas and challenged me to look at my writing in new ways. Editing with her feedback as a guide has been a breeze. In all my time writing, this is the easiest round of self-editing I’ve ever done.“

Teresa J. Martin, author, USA
teressajmartin.com
More Testimonials

“I was so excited to work with Cee, and she didn’t disappoint. I went into my Manuscript Evaluation aware of my major problem areas, but with no idea how to fix them. Cee’s feedback helped me navigate what I already knew was wrong and tackle issues I wasn’t aware of yet. Her feedback was tailored to my goals and ideas and challenged me to look at my writing in new ways. Editing with her feedback as a guide has been a breeze. In all my time writing, this is the easiest round of self-editing I’ve ever done.“

Teresa J. Martin, author, USA
teressajmartin.com
More Testimonials

This is for the writer looking for a ‘lighter’ version of a full developmental edit. Though a manuscript evaluation follows the same process of close reading and structural analysis as a developmental edit, it addresses big-picture issues without the expense or (perhaps overwhelming) detail.

With a manuscript evaluation, you can choose one of two options:

Option One: Margin-Focused

• A heavily annotated manuscript full of marginal comments
• An hour-long editorial call

Option Two: Letter-Focused

• An editorial letter (15+ pages for a full-length novel) giving an overview of strengths, weaknesses, and areas for revision and improvement
• An hour-long editorial call

Please note that evaluations don’t include a book map.

At this time, I only offer manuscript evaluations for completed works that have undergone at least one round of revisions incorporating feedback from critique partners.*

Pricing starts at $0.015/word with a $360 minimum.

*Looking for critique on an incomplete or ongoing work? I do those, too! You can check out those plans right here.

Get detail-oriented, professional eyes on the first 5k words of your manuscript. The First 5k Pass is a deep look at your work that combines developmental feedback with a line edit. On a structural level, I’ll focus on your opener, hook, premise, characterization, and worldbuilding. On a prose level, I’ll provide a line edit with suggestions for strengthening and tightening style and voice where applicable.

This is an ideal choice for:

• Querying writers looking for feedback on their pages
• Experienced writers in search of extra polish on their opener

With a First 5k Pass, you’ll receive:

• An annotated copy of your first 5k words
  • Full of marginal comments
  • Line edited with track changes
• A short (1-2 page) cover letter summarizing strengths and weaknesses
• Links to craft resources where applicable

Cost: $300

Please note: the 5k Polish Pass is intended as a detail-oriented, late-stage service for manuscripts which have been through multiple rounds of revision. If you’re looking for critique on an incomplete or ongoing work, or if you’re a new writer hoping for guidance and feedback on storytelling and craft skills, you’ll get more bang for your buck out of my one-shot coaching services. You can check them out right here.