DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
The full picture and then some
Ready to transform your manuscript from a good read to a “must-finish-in-one-sitting” book? Picture developmental editing as a dazzling transformation for your story, sans glitter but rich with insightful guidance.
I’ll dive into big-picture elements, like your story’s plot, where your book is hits (or misses) expected tropes, how effective your characters’ motivations and goals are for moving the story along, and much more.
And don’t worry—your unique voice will still shine through! This is your book, I’m here to guide, not rewrite.
What a Developmental Edit Is NOT
I’m not line editing, copyediting, or proofreading here—developmental editing is all about story power, not nitty-gritty grammar or line-by-line polishing. Save the grammar goblins for the final stages of editing!
WHAT YOU GET
Rates start at $0.035/ word ($1200 minimum) | Turnaround time 6-8 weeks
Double Dip Detective Work
I’ll dissect your manuscript twice, as if I’m solving a mystery myself, hungry to uncover every twist, charming character quirk, and the world you’ve created.
Thoughtful In-line Comments
Discover thoughtful, supportive in-line notes designed to spark ideas, point out what’s already singing, and highlight where the story needs a boost.
Criminally Good Editorial Letter
Brace yourself for a 6-10 page personal guide filled with what’s working, what’s not, and doable action steps for nailing those revisions.
Actionable Feedback
After your edit, we’ll dive into a free one-hour consultation to brainstorm, clarify, and fine-tune your next moves, so you feel confident to tackle revisions! Alternatively, you can submit up to 5,000 words of revised content for one more round of feedback.
Want more? If you’re interested in more hands-on support after your evaluation, I offer one-on-one workshopping sessions to help you implement editorial feedback.
Upcoming Availability
- April: BOOKED
- May: BOOKED
- June: 1 available
- July: 2 available
- August: 2 available
- September: BOOKED
- October: 1 available
- November: 2 available
- December: 1 available
START WITH A SAMPLE EDIT
What is a Sample Edit?
In a sample edit, I edit a 1,000-word excerpt of your manuscript. I ask for the entire manuscript so I can get an overall feel for the story and your writing. I typically choose a section at least several chapters into the book because you’ve likely spent more time working on the beginning, and it often differs from the rest of your book since you are setting up the story and characters. Something from the middle better represents your writing style and structure for the bulk of your book.
This process serves two key purposes:
- Meet and Greet: It’s our literary “first date.” You experience my editing and communication style, which helps you determine if my approach aligns with your needs.
- Price Quote and Turnaround Time: No two manuscripts need the same TLC. By evaluating a section of your manuscript, I can gauge how long the full edit will take, which allows me to create an accurate price quote and timeline.
Please note, a sample edit might contain more or fewer marginal comments than the actual development edit, since I’m trying to show you what you can expect over a short section of text. With a full developmental edit, you’ll get an in-depth editorial letter with examples, resources, and more in addition to the in-line (marginal) comments.
How Does a Sample Edit Work?
Whether or not you choose to continue working with me, you’ll walk away with valuable feedback on the section I review, at no cost to you. If I feel like your manuscript isn’t quite ready for a developmental edit, I’ll be upfront with you about that and suggest alternative next steps.
When you request a sample edit, you’ll be taken to a short intake form. Here you’ll tell me about your book, any areas of concern you have, your timeline for editing, and some optional questions to help me get to know you a bit better. Finally, you’ll upload your manuscript as a Word doc.
Now the ball (or should I say book) is in my court. I’ll complete a free sample edit and provide you with a quote, an estimated time to complete the project, and delivery date options based on my availability.
You’ll review my edit and proposal, get all jazzed about how I can help you rock your revisions, and say “Rachel, let’s freaking do this.”
Once I get that enthusiastic thumbs up, we’ll pick a date for your edit and I’ll send you a contract to sign (with NDA included), and you will pay the deposit. Then it’s game on!
When you’re ready to get started, send that manuscript on over.
HAPPY AUTHORS
Rachel is the best editor I have ever worked with! She has a unique way of delivering her edits that makes you feel excited to make the changes instead of embarrassed that you need to edit that thing. Her deep knowledge of psychology allows her edits to enhance your writing so that it resonates deeper with your readers and helps you bring the rich complexity of your characters to life. Best believe she will be the first person I thank in my acknowledgements!
I received general feedback and specific edits from Rachel, and I was impressed. From her overall tone (upbeat, supportive, honest) to her keen eye, Rachel did not disappoint. I can highly recommend her to anyone wishing to improve their craft and reach their publishing goals.
The hardest part for me was getting started, and Rachel gently pushed me and offered me a structure to get going - and not to get stuck overworking any single chapter or paragraph (a big challenge for me!). I would have never started, let alone finished, without Rachel’s thoughtful, kind, and direct assistance. If you’re looking for a Method and Moxie, Rachel can help you.
Common Questions
Developmental editing and manuscript reviews both look at the big picture, but in different ways. This is reflected in the amount of feedback you get and thus the price tag.
A manuscript review is like a professional beta read. I will read through your book once with some in-line comments, and I’ll summarize my findings on a 2-3 page note. This is perfect if you’re early in your writing/ revising process or have already completed a round of edits and want to see if you’ve addressed earlier challenges.
Developmental editing is the big kahuna of editing, which includes two intense read-throughs, a ton of in-line comments, an 8+ page editorial letter, and a follow-up call or email. This process takes 40-60 hours and is ideal if you’ve already revised your book via self-editing or based on feedback from beta readers or a manuscript review.
If you aren’t sure which one would be the best for you, please reach out. I can take a look at a sample of your manuscript and we can chat from there about what the best course of action would be for you.
Developmental editing is the first round of editing and thus the heavy lifter. I read your book twice, with the first time being very slow. While reading, I’m keeping detailed notes about things like pacing, characters, and setting while making on-the-page (in-line) comments, offering suggestions, and more.
Finally, I spend a few hours compiling my thoughts, notes, feedback, examples, resources, and suggested next steps into an editorial letter. Plus, you get the choice of a follow-up call or email.
When it’s all said and done, an 80,000-word manuscript clocks in at 40-60+ hours of editorial work!
Depending on my schedule and how much time it will take to complete your edit, I might be able to fit you in. There will be a rush fee added to my normal price. Reach out via the sample edit form or drop me an email.
I work with authors of cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, fantasy, and YA. I do not edit science fiction, chick lit, poetry, literary fiction, speculative fiction, or children’s books. I occasionally take nonfiction clients based on referrals from my buddy Neno of the Writer’s Rebellion. If I’m not the right fit, I can refer you to another awesomesauce editor.
If an editor outright promises that your book will be on a bestseller list or land you an agent/ publisher that is a red flag. Editing is only one puzzle piece in the world of writing and publishing. I can promise to provide you with expert feedback and guidance based on my training and writing and publishing background. My goal is to help you confidently improve your prose and grow as a writer.
Workshopping
The full price of the workshop is due when you book the session.
Manuscript Reviews and Developmental Editing
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remainder is due upon completion of your edits. I will not send the edits until the project fee is paid in full.
Payment Provider
I use Stripe, which can accept international payments if you live outside of the United States.
Refunds
I do not offer refunds so make sure you are ready for and want a service before booking. I understand life happens so if you need to reschedule your workshop or editing service I will do my best to accommodate it if my schedule permits, but cannot guarantee this will be able to happen.
Clair Creative Co does not offer payment plans. However, I use Stripe to process payments and they often have payment plan options on the checkout page from providers like Affirm or Afterpay. If you choose one of those options the payment plan is through that company and not Clair Creative Co.