A strong developmental edit can be the difference between “promising” and “publishable.”
More detailed than a manuscript assessment, a developmental edit highlights examples and patterns of what works, and what needs to be powered up. You will get valuable page edits focused on narrative effectiveness, including pacing, dialogue, logic, voice, and more. A strong developmental edit is strongly recommended before investing in a line edit. This guide will show you how to grab your readers’ attention and keep them with you from the first page to the last.
What You'll Gain:
By the end of the process, you’ll walk away with:
Specific recommendations to make your story more compelling throughout
A deeper understanding of how readers will experience your book
Renewed confidence in the value of your work so you can finish strong
A livelier, robust, and more irresistible manuscript
In the book world, the terms “developmental edit,” “substantial line edit,” and “copyedit” can overlap, and may even mean different things to different people. When interviewing potential editors, make sure you understand how they define each term and what their services will or will not include.
What's Included:
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A detailed editorial letter summarizing strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement
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In-document margin comments and limited edits throughout the manuscript
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Specific feedback on:
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Narrative structure and pacing
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Character development
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Dialogue effectiveness
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Voice and tone consistency
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Thematic clarity, logic and flow
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Readability and engagement
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This service is ideal if:
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You’ve completed a full or nearly complete draft
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You’ve revised on your own but need professional feedback to go deeper
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You’re serious about improving your book before querying or publishing
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You want detailed, experienced insight—but with kindness and collaboration
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You’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a story-driven hybrid project
“Judy enhanced my book in so many ways with her professionalism and attention to detail. At the same time, she really works with the client, never heavy-handed, but rather with a sense of respect and collaboration. I recommend her work highly!”
Ruchi Koval
Author, “Soul Construction: Shape Your Character Using 8 Steps from the Timeless Jewish Practice of Mussar"