Beta readers are an invaluable tool, but they are not the same as a developmental editor. I recommend getting a developmental edit around the 3rd draft, after you’ve done your first edits and gotten feedback from an alpha reader (the first reader). The beta reader will be most useful after you’ve made the structural changes from the developmental edit. From there, you can focus more on the nuance of themes and the writing itself.

If your book is in a later draft, though, it can still benefit from developmental editing as long as you’re willing to change structural and plot elements of the book.

Agents and publishers want a book that is as close to being finished as possible. While they do provide edits, most publishers are not going to want to spend a lot of time restructuring the book if it’s needed. You only get one shot to make a good impression and show them the best possible version of your book. I recommend developmental editing for everyone, regardless of what type of publishing you plan to pursue.

For now, I am solely focused on developmental editing so I can provide the best edit possible. In the future, look for outline evaluations to be offered as well!

Yes, I’m open to editing other genres that are not listed as my focus genres. Just reach out on the contact form and we can decide if your manuscript is a good fit for me or not!

It takes me about 3 months to read the book and complete all of the materials. While other editors may have quicker turnarounds, a lot of them are editing as their main job and can get through books very quickly. I want to give myself enough time to be as detailed as I can with the edit.

Just as you are looking for an editor that is the right fit for you, I also want to work on projects that I will be able to fully contribute to. I ask for the first 2,000-3,000 words of the manuscript so I can determine if this is a book I have the skillset to work on.

When you send this writing sample, I will provide a short editing sample that includes in-line comment and an editorial summary.

It is essential to choose an editor that is the right fit for you. This is why I have built in a process to evaluate if we are a good match.

I also offer a full scene-by-scene breakdown analysis that is unique to my editing process, and my editorial letter will be an exhaustive analysis of all characters, storylines, and relationships. There are samples on the “Services” page so you can determine if you’re interested in the type of edit I provide.

My goal is to provide you with tools and support as you work on the development of your book. I am not editing with the intention of changing the heart of your story or turning it into something I would write. My job is to support you as the author—and I take that job very seriously.

Certainly! Send your question in the contact form and I can add my answer to the blog.

Please reach out on the contact form, and we can discuss any questions that you have!