Developmental Editing

Details

Developmental editing is one of the most comprehensive editing services, focusing on the overall structure, content, and flow of your manuscript. It includes detailed revisions of plot, character development, pacing, tone, and consistency. The developmental editor works with the author to ensure that the story or content is as engaging, clear, and well-organized as possible, without losing the author’s voice.

Below is a detailed content and pricing structure for developmental editing services based on the number of pages in the book. These prices may vary based on factors such as the complexity of the manuscript, the genre, and specific author needs.

1. What is Developmental Editing?

Developmental editing focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript, including but not limited to:

• Plot Structure: Ensuring the storyline flows logically, with appropriate conflict and resolution.
• Character Development: Assessing the depth of characters, their motivations, and whether they evolve in a believable way throughout the story.
• Pacing: Adjusting the speed of the narrative to ensure the plot moves forward without dragging or rushing at inappropriate moments.
• Point of View: Ensuring consistency in narrative perspective and voice.
• Theme and Message: Helping to clarify the underlying themes and whether they resonate clearly throughout the story.
• Dialogue: Checking that dialogue is natural and consistent with each character.
• Tone and Style: Ensuring the tone matches the genre and audience expectations while maintaining the author’s voice.

2. Target Audience

• Fiction Authors (Novelists, Short Story Writers)
• Non-fiction Writers (Memoirists, Self-Help Authors, Biographers)
• Academic Writers (Research Papers, Textbooks)
• Scriptwriters and Playwrights

Developmental editing pricing can vary depending on the complexity and type of manuscript, but below is a general guideline based on the page count:

Note: These are general estimates, and the final pricing will depend on factors like genre, manuscript complexity, and the level of revision needed.

Service Breakdown by Page Count

Up to 50 Pages ($1,200)

• Typical Projects: Novellas, short stories, brief self-help manuscripts, and academic papers.
• Services:
  • Plot Evaluation: Analyzing the structure and flow.
  • Character Development: Reviewing key character arcs and interactions.
  • Pacing and Tension: Ensuring every scene has purpose and maintains the reader’s interest.
  • Overall Readability: Making sure the manuscript is engaging and clear.
• Time Frame: 4 to 6 weeks for completion.

Up To 100 Pages ($1,800)

• Typical Projects: Short novels, memoirs, mid-length non-fiction books.
• Services:
  • Detailed Structural Feedback: Comprehensive analysis of how the story flows from beginning to end.
  • Deep Character Insights: In-depth look at how characters are developed and their arcs.
  • Pacing Review: Adjusting areas where the story may lag or feel rushed.
  • Thematic Consistency: Ensuring the book’s themes are clear and cohesive.
  • Dialogue and Voice: Providing feedback on how well dialogue serves the narrative and characters.
• Time Frame: 6 to 8 weeks for completion.

Up To 200 Pages ($2,800)

• Typical Projects: Novels, longer memoirs, business books, self-help books.
• Services:
  • Comprehensive Structural Feedback: Detailed revision of the manuscript’s flow, including plot points, character development, and narrative arcs.
  • Character Motivations and Development: Ensuring characters feel real and evolve in the right way.
  • Pacing Adjustments: Identifying where pacing issues exist and providing suggestions to enhance the overall flow.
  • Tone and Voice Feedback: Ensuring the book’s tone matches the target audience while maintaining an authentic voice.
  • Detailed Chapter-Level Notes: Providing feedback on each chapter’s effectiveness.
• Time Frame: 8 to 10 weeks for completion.

Up To 300 Pages ($3,500)

• Typical Projects: Full-length novels, advanced non-fiction, textbooks, academic manuscripts.
• Services:
  • Extensive Plot Development: Deep dive into the major story elements, including subplots, conflict, and pacing.
  • Character Arcs and Consistency: Detailed analysis of every character’s development and consistency.
  • In-Depth Thematic Feedback: Ensuring all themes are developed properly and that the narrative delivers a clear message.
  • Target Audience Evaluation: Making sure the tone, language, and content are appropriate for the intended readership.
  • Extensive Dialogue and Scene Feedback: Reviewing every dialogue and scene for effectiveness and relevance.
• Time Frame: 10 to 14 weeks for completion.

301+ Pages ($4,000+)

• Typical Projects: Epic novels, large non-fiction books, extensive research papers, reference books.
• Services:
  • Total Manuscript Review: An in-depth analysis of the entire manuscript, focusing on structure, flow, pacing, and cohesion.
  • Advanced Character Development: Detailed feedback on how characters interact and evolve across complex narratives.
  • Comprehensive Thematic Assessment: Thorough analysis of themes and their development throughout the manuscript.
  • In-Depth Pacing and Scene Structuring: Ensuring the pacing is even, and that no scene feels redundant.
  • Complete Dialogue Assessment: Evaluating dialogue consistency, tone, and its contribution to the narrative.
  • Multiple Feedback Rounds: Offering revisions and suggestions over multiple rounds for larger manuscripts.
• Time Frame: 12 to 16 weeks or more, depending on the manuscript length and complexity.

Add-Ons (Optional)

• Revisions after Initial Feedback: Additional rounds of edits to address specific areas post-feedback, often priced hourly.
• Consultation Sessions: One-on-one sessions to discuss manuscript revisions or receive guidance on next steps (typically priced per hour).
• Manuscript Assessment: If you’re unsure about the level of editing needed, a detailed manuscript assessment can be provided to clarify how extensive the work will be.

Developmental editing is a highly personalized and comprehensive service designed to help authors improve the quality of their manuscript, ensuring that the content resonates with readers. Pricing varies by the size and complexity of the manuscript, but these rates provide a clear structure depending on your needs.

Price Range: $1,200 – $4,000+

When you click checkout, you will have the option to pay either in one-time or in installments. You can modify the price depending on how many pages your book has.

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