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Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is typically the first stage of the book editing process. The feedback at this stage helps the author strengthen and develop their initial draft before moving on to copyediting, proofreading, and publication.

This stage is focusing on the “big picture” of the manuscript, including all aspects of the book like its narrative and structure, plot and characters, readability, and pacing. Developmental line edits offer detailed, structural feedback on your draft at a paragraph, scene, and chapter level.

I will carefully read your book or short story and provide inline commentary with suggestions for rewrites along with a detailed, constructive critique addressing structure, voice, pacing, language use, and anything else I find that may help you develop your work to its potential. Are the characters believable and realistic? Are there any plot holes? Does the opening and the ending hit the required beats to satisfy readers? Is the pacing slow? Is there a healthy balance of dialogue and action?

This service includes inline commentary and a separate editorial report. I’m happy to discuss things over email and phone if required too.

Pricing

5,000 words = £45

25,000 words = £225

50,000 words = £450

Additional words

10,000 = £45

So a 70,000 word novel would cost £540.

US prices

5,000 words = $58

25,000 words = $290

50,000 words = $580

Additional words

10,000 words = $58

So, a 70,000 word novel would cost $696.

Contact me to get started! 🙂

Beta reading

If you’ve been through the editing process already, and you are looking for more of a “gut check”, a general overview of the story, this might be better suited for you. Does the reader enjoy the story, the characters? What areas could be improved, what did they enjoy?

With a beta read, I also comment reader reactions and impressions on the manuscript. As a writer, I find these so helpful as you can see how others are reacting to your book! A beta report is also included, detailing things such as characters, plot, pacing, and dialogue.

Pricing

5,000 words = £10

25,000 words = £50

50,000 words = £100

Additional words

10,000 = £10

So, a 70,000 word novel would cost £120.

US prices

5,000 words = $13

25,000 words = $64.50

50,000 words = $130

Additional words

10,000 = $13

So, a 70,000 word novel would cost $156.

Contact me to get started! 🙂

Are we a good fit?

Writing is a unique craft. One that takes commitment, passion, and hard work. My role is to work with you to shape your writing to find your perfect form. I believe in being kind, constructive, and honest. I pride myself on putting as much of my heart into the story as you do. That’s what book lovers do. We live and breathe stories.

I know how hard it can be to find a service that’s high quality and within your price budget. I want to remedy that. Helping writers develop and work towards their dreams is the best feeling for me. You shouldn’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get the service you deserve. That’s why I’ve spent years working with authors doing just that. Check out my testimonials to hear what they have to say.

So, if you’re looking to query an agent, or to take the self-publishing route, get in touch and let’s start working together to bring your vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at emily@purplecloudspress.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What’s the difference between beta reading and developmental editing?

Beta reading is shorter and more concise. It identifies the problems and comments about what can be improved but doesn’t delve deep into the whys. Beta reading tends to be more of a gut-check for the author. Does the reader enjoy the story, the characters? What areas could be improved, what did they enjoy?

Developmental editing is highly specific and detailed feedback. Comments will identify a problem, explain why it is an issue, and provide suggestions on how to solve or avoid the problem. Comments are much more frequent, and the beta report is much longer. Think of the beta reader as a general overview of the story, and a developmental editor as line, paragraph, scene, and chapter feedback, identifying things that could affect the global story.

What’s the difference between developmental editing and copy editing?

Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of a manuscript, such as plot, characterisation, structure, and style. Copyediting, on the other hand, focuses on the technical details of the writing, such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. While both are important, developmental editing comes before copyediting in the editing process, as it helps to ensure that the story is solid before polishing the prose. Copy editing should come after your story-level edits have been finalised (as rewrites mean this is wasted).

What’s not included?

Line editing, copy editing, proofreading (but I will pick up some things as examples of what to look out for in these areas)

Developmental Editing

Beta reading

Are we a good fit?

Frequently Asked Questions

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