Working with an editor is a big investment for an author. For you and your manuscipt to get the best from the experience, it’s essential to understand what you can expect from the different types of editing, and the kind of feedback that will be most beneficial at your manuscript’s current stage.

I offer a free no-commitment 2,000-word sample edit for authors enquiring about developmental, line, or copy editing. This helps to give you a sense of my approach and whether this feels like a good fit for you and your work. For my part, it helps to give me a feel for the project and the level of editing that’s likely to be most beneficial at this stage, and to provide an accurate quote and turnaround time.

Ready to find out more? Get in touch.

Developmental Editing

A developmental or structural edit is an in-depth analysis of the many ‘big picture’ elements that combine to make an unforgettable story. I carry out a detailed review of your manuscript, adding extensive commentary throughout. You will also receive a thorough editorial report (typically at least 5,000 words) addressing key aspects in more depth. Feedback highlights strengths and positives as well as opportunities for improvement, and suggestions and guidance to help you consider options for approaching any revisions to bring out the very best in your work.

No two developmental edits are identical, but feedback will typically cover the following areas:

• Characterisation
• Narrative voice and point of view
• Structure and pacing
• Story and plot
• Setting, atmosphere, and world-building
• Genre expectations and marketing considerations
• Writing style and craft
• Sensitivity and authenticity

After you’ve received your manuscript and editorial report, I offer a 1:1 phone or video meeting of up to one hour to answer any questions and help you plan your next steps for the revision process.

Line Editing

Line editing comes after developmental editing. This stage is about polishing the writing at sentence level, ensuring consistency of fine details, and maximising effectiveness of word use, tone, and language to create a smooth and immersive narrative that will sweep readers along from beginning to end.

I typically offer a combined line and copy edit. This provides greater flexibility and more detailed polishing at sentence level, alongside the same close focus on grammar, spelling, and consistency offered by a traditional copyedit.

I edit in Microsoft Word using tracked changes and comment boxes. You will also receive a customised style sheet noting spelling, grammar and stylistic preferences, along with a reference list for character, plot/timeline, and world-building details.

This type of edit will typically cover:

• Sentence structure and flow – ensuring the writing is smooth and polished whilst retaining your unique voice and style. Examples of editorial suggestions may include: cutting or changing frequently used words or phrases; removing extraneous adverbs, and tightening sentence structure.
• Clarity of language
• Subtle slips in narrative perspective or tone
• Exploring effective use of language to convey the tone and emotion you want your reader to feel
• Accuracy and consistency of spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Dialogue and dialogue tags
• Continuity and consistency of character descriptions, settings/locations, and timelines
• World-building logistics and accuracy
• Fact checking (whether real-world or within the context of your book’s created world!)