Developmental Editing Services
Have you completed a book but aren’t quite happy with it? Maybe you’ve shared it with readers and they’ve complained about plot holes, pacing, unclear character motivations, or have come away confused. Or maybe it doesn’t match the vision you had for it. You know it could be better, but you’re not sure how to take it to the next level.
If so, it may be time to consider hiring a developmental editor.
Developmental editing (also called structural editing) is the first step in the book editing process. As a developmental editor, I evaluate writer’s manuscripts from a broad perspective, considering structure, plot, character development, and more. My goal is to give writers the tools and information they need to strengthen their story as a whole and make it the best it can be.
What Sets me Apart
I’m a writer with fifteen years of hard-won experience writing novels, short stories, and articles. I’ve developmentally edited a large range of work from fantasy and sci-fi novels to short story collections, nonfiction books, and memoirs. I’m passionate about story structure, dialogue, and character-driven narratives.
Thanks to my own novel-writing journey, I have on-the-ground knowledge of what kind of feedback is most helpful, practical, and constructive for writers.
41 Orders
26 Clients
5-Star Rating
The first time I paid for a developmental edit on my work was eye-opening in the extreme, but it made a huge difference in my novel’s quality and the quality of the writing I’ve done since. My one wish was that I’d done it way sooner.
If you’re looking for someone to help you make sure your story pivots perfectly, catch inconsistencies, and make sure everything is clear, bright, and POPS off the page, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing an editor who gets your work is crucial. I can’t stress that enough. However, I’d love for you to consider me for the role.
What’s included
I will read your book, adding in-line comments to your document (with tracked-changes enabled) and write a detailed editor letter when finished.
My in-line comments:
* Include my reactions as a reader as I go read
* Identify what you do well
* Suggest improvements for clarity
* Offer examples of how to tighten your prose
* Comment on the story, plot, flow, POV, pacing, tone, inconsistencies, characters, clichés, etc.
* Catch grammar mistakes/light proofreading
My editor letter may include:
* Story structure recommendations
* Pointing out plot holes and inconsistencies
* Suggestions to improve the readability, tone, POV, and pacing.
* Suggestions to improve clarity, impact, and flow of prose
* Identification of character inconsistencies, on-the-nose dialogue, etc.
* Suggestions to correct clichés and other issues
* Advice, support, links, resources, & recommendations
Costs and Turnaround Time
I charge $0.0125 per word. Half the payment must be made in advance, the remainder upon receipt of the order. I accept payment through PayPal.
Turnaround time is typically two to six weeks depending on my availability and the length of your manuscript.
Developmental editing is for you if….
- You’re determined to make your book the best it can be.
- You’re open to constructive feedback.
- You are willing to edit your work, extensively if necessary.
- You understand that editing is a subjective process and can evaluate the feedback to determine what fits your vision and what does not.
- You know why you write and will persevere.
Developmental editing is NOT for you if…
- You’re submitting a first draft.
- You’ve never shown anyone else your work or self-edited.
- You’re looking for someone to tell you your work is perfect.
- You’re not open to feedback.
- You’re not willing to put in the effort to edit your work and implement feedback.
- You want someone else to do the editing for you.
- You will be crushed by negative comments.
- You have not yet developed confidence and grit as a writer.
- You used Artificial Intelligence to write your content.
Ready to work with me?
Email me at contact [at] yvonnemcarthur.com and let me know more about you and your work!
Testimonials
Yvonne is a marvelous editor! This is the first book I’ve written, and I believe Yvonne’s editing will be very helpful to me in my journey to completion. She can point out issues and easily explain why and how they could be better, including suggestions! It’s hard to explain but Yvonne critiqued my book with such professionalism and caring that I felt she really wanted to help me improve my writing and my book. She was never harsh, always informative. I never once wanted to trash her comments, instead I was compelled to read them and learn from them. I thought she was masterful in her criticisms! Exactly what and how I wanted to hear from my editor. And she is my editor now! Give Yvonne a try you won’t be disappointed!
Dana Fennie
Author of The Secret of Sutter Island, a middle-grade dual timeline novel
Yvonne is the consummate professional. Her technical writing skills and understanding of what makes the perfect story are amazing. She promised a lot and over-delivered, ahead of schedule. Her developmental report and inline edits were incredibly useful. I’m most grateful for the constructive feedback and suggestions. Thank you!
Christopher Lude
Author of A Perfect Finish, a fiction novel
Yvonne’s attention to detail and her insightful feedback were invaluable. She not only provided detailed notes for each story but also offered suggestions that were both practical and enhancing. Her ability to understand and appreciate the essence of my writing while guiding me on how to refine it was impressive. As an advertising writer used to quick story resolutions, her advice on pacing and not overexplaining was particularly enlightening. I’m thrilled to have had her expertise and am excited to credit her as one of the editors in my book. Highly recommend Yvonne for anyone looking for a thoughtful and skilled editor who genuinely cares about your work!
Anibal E. Quiñones
Author of Sin Preludio, a collection of love stories in Spanish
Yvonne was very helpful and insightful in their feedback on my novel. I felt stuck, and the feedback and encouragement were really helpful and very useful. Will love to work with you again.
Jasmine Louisa
Paranormal Fantasy
It has been a great experience working with Yvonne, who has provided real insight and support with the book I have written… I will not hesitate to use her services again and strongly recommend using her services 1000% … Thank you again, Yvonne!
Chris Owen
Non-fiction Photojournalism
I can’t say enough about Yvonne! I could not have completed my memoir without her heart, her inspiration, and her encouragement to keep pushing through my emotions to make my story stronger each time. In my final task to complete and publish my memoir, I asked Yvonne to write my book blurb for Amazon and her words brought me to tears! Yvonne, thank you from the bottom of my heart for pouring into my story and treating it as if it were your own.
Crystal Morgan
Author of Faith Rewrote My Story, a memoir
Top-shelf work from a top-shelf editor. I couldn’t be happier about Yvonne’s superb suggested edits on a line level, and her developmental suggestions on a macro level. She’s clearly a wizard at the craft of dramatic storytelling. Highly recommended!
Charles
Magical Realism
FAQs
How do I know if we’re a good fit?
Please get in touch! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. When you write, please tell me about your book (genre, audience, length), and what you’re looking for from the editing process. If you are interested in proceeding, I am often able to provide a sample edit so you can get a feel for my editing style.
What sets you apart?
I’m thorough, detailed, and I’ve spent the last 15 years honing my writing and editing skills. I’ve put my own work through up multiple rigorous rounds of beta reading and developmental edits, so know what if feels like to be on the receiving end of critique. I also continue to develop my craft through courses, practice, and extensive reading.
What genres do you read?
In fiction I love to read fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, young adult fiction, and middle grade fiction. I enjoy tales of friendship, adventure, bravery, and fascinating worlds. I also enjoy memoirs, narrative nonfiction, and how-to books that incorporate storytelling.
Are there any genres you don’t accept?
Horror, erotica, LGBTQ, and steamy romance novels aren’t my thing. Since I don’t enjoy reading these genres, you’ll be much better off finding an editor who loves them.
Why is developmental editing so expensive?
Developmental editing is a very time-consuming process. Every manuscript is different and requires an intelligent, thoughtful, and comprehensive approach. Not only do developmental editors leave in-line and embedded comments, they also write a report outlining key problems and recommending solutions. This takes time and thought!
How is developmental editing different from beta reading?
Beta readers can often tell when something isn’t working in your book. Maybe they lost interest, they were confused, or a character didn’t capture their interest. But they can’t always say why they feel the way they do. Most can’t say how to fix it, while a dev editor aims to offer solutions.
Is my manuscript ready for a developmental edit?
Have you edited your manuscript & gotten it to be the best you can make it? If not, I recommend doing at least 1 round of beta-reading and subsequent self-editing first, preferably a couple of rounds. The better your manuscript, the better feedback a dev editor can offer (& the less $s you’ll spend).
Ready to work with me?
Email me at contact [at] yvonnemcarthur.com and let me know more about you and your work!