This is the first step in the editing process which focuses on the foundations of your novel. It looks at big picture storytelling components, such as:
- Premise
- Story
- Plot
- Characterisation
- Structure
- Tension
- Theme
- Genre
- POV (point of view)
- Show vs tell
- Worldbuilding and setting
- Voice
- Pacing.
The developmental edit looks at what will make your story more appealing to its intended reader. It needs to take place before any other editing such as line editing, copyediting or proofreading. This is to avoid extensive rewrites later on down the line that could add extra costs for the author.
Feedback will be provided via:
- An editorial report – a 10-20 page report of how effectively you’ve handled key storytelling elements, offering craft-based suggestions to help strengthen your work, with suggestions being just that!
- In-manuscript notes and edits – highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, with suggested solutions – such as balancing narrative summary and scene to keep readers engaged.
This service also includes a book map – a table tracking elements such as chapter/word count, POV, story, setting/location, and timeline. Essential for major edits or restructuring.
This might a be good option if you are a writer who:
- Feels you need in-depth help within the manuscript
- Wants to troubleshoot specific parts of your story
- Prefers a more hands on approach to editing.
A developmental edit will usually take between 4-6 weeks depending on the length and complexity of the manuscript.
The Editorial Space 