Manuscript Evaluation:
I read the entire work and then write a report on all aspects of storytelling and development. This covers:
- overall first impressions,
- plot/storyline,
- conflict and tension,
- character development,
- dialogue,
- pacing/readability,
- point of view,
- voice and tone,
- consistency, and
- what stage I think your manuscript is in (e.g., start over, fix “x, y, and z” and re-draft, you’re set to submit, etc.), and the next steps you should take with your manuscript.
After my service: You will receive the manuscript evaluation, which is the written analysis of the areas listed above.
Developmental Edit:
A developmental edit is like implementing a manuscript evaluation: I go line by line in your manuscript/project and evaluate it for readability, consistency, and storytelling. This will include:
- Marking/rewriting areas for clarity or readability (using Word track changes or Google Docs edits).
- Querying (using Word or Google Docs comments) where things are unclear or unfocused and may need further explanation or a change in how you worded/presented a phrase/idea.
- Commenting on the elements listed in the Manuscript Evaluation that may need attention, such as plot/storyline, conflict and tension, character development, dialogue, pacing/readability, point of view, voice and tone, and consistency.
After my service: You will receive your manuscript back with developmental edits and queries in the document (as a Word document with track changes and comments or a Google doc with edits and comments). An accompanying cover letter will explain how to work with the edited document and will include my overall impressions of your manuscript.
The Tailored-to-You Edit:
What if you want only some of the Manuscript Evaluation and/or Developmental Edits, not all of their parts, or aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for? Then this tailored experience is for you!
Just pick the items you want from the Developmental Edit, Manuscript Evaluation, and/or the Mix-n-Match section (see below).
After my service (depending on the selection you choose, this may vary):
- If your service leans toward the Developmental Edit, you will receive your manuscript with edits (Word track-changes or Google doc edits) and a cover letter.
- If your service leans toward the Manuscript Evaluation, you will receive the typed analysis of the selected areas.
- If your service combines the two, you will receive your manuscript with edits and a separate document with the evaluation.
Beta Reading:
So, you’ve finished your draft. Now what? You might need a beta reader to know how your story, characters, and writing elements are coming across. As a beta reader, I will:
- Write out my reactions to scenes and characters (if something made me laugh, cry, shiver, swoon, etc.).
- Note areas that are confusing or don’t make sense and explain my concerns to help you understand what may not be coming across to readers.
- Note when pacing is off or a scene seems unnecessary (e.g., if a scene isn’t moving the plot forward).
- Write a summary of what I found enjoyable and what needs work.
Ideally, a beta reader is someone close to or experienced with the manuscript’s intended audience. I have the most experience with the following genres:
- Young Adult Fiction
- New Adult Fiction
- Fantasy
- Cozy mysteries
- Contemporary Romance
- Historical Romance
I’m excited to be your first reader!
Mix-n-Match (extras that can be added to your editing service):
Beginnings deep dive: a close look at your opening sentence, paragraph, and chapter to see if they capture a reader’s attention (you need to hook them—agent, publisher, reader—so they keep reading to the following sentence, paragraph, chapter).
Endings deep dive: a close look at the ends of chapters to see if they further the story/sustain suspense so the reader will be compelled to read the next chapter.
Reader Reactions: comments in the manuscript margins about things that happen within the storyline, which can include but are not limited to:
- If I think a particular sentence is just *chef’s kiss.*
- How awesome that scene was.
- How awful that character is (like they are a terrible person, not that they’re two-dimensional or need work).
- I can’t believe the character just did that!
Reader reactions can be beneficial; they allow insight into how a first-time reader reacts to characters and events in your manuscript, whether events and characters are perceived by readers the way you intend, and whether a reader picks up your foreshadowing, clues, etc. into what you are doing well,
Your choice: other feedback you desire that is not listed. I want to ensure you get the writing help you are looking for, and if you are unsure what that is, please reach out, and we can have a more in-depth discussion about what you would like evaluated.
Developmental Editing Services 