What is a basic developmental edit?
A basic developmental edit sticks to the basics of your memoir. You’ll receive feedback in the form of in-text comments in your manuscript and an editorial report covering into strengths & weaknesses, narrative arc, pacing, structure, readability and recommendations. I’ll also touch on the other key areas to improve in your memoir, such as your introductory hook or suitability for your target audience.
Common feedback includes identifying narrative arc issues, building on scenes that lack emotion, and polishing the pacing in the middle half of your book. I’ll provide insights into the reasons why this feedback is important, and offer suggestions on how to resolve the issue.
For narrative arc, I’ll focus on if your memoir is sharing the story you want to tell. For example, are your readers feeling the right emotions at the right times? I will also look at your unique voice and point of view, are relatable to your reader, and have a clear character arc that elevates your story.
Inclusions of a basic developmental edit
A basic developmental edit includes two passes (the number of times I’ll read your memoir) and a single round (the number of times your memoir is returned to you). In other words, I will read your memoir twice then return it to you with in-text comments and an editorial report, which completes the round.
You’ll also get half an hour of follow-up questions via email. This allows you to ask about your editorial report, send paragraphs you’ve rewritten for a second assessment, or get feedback on your ideas to improve your memoir.
Summary
- Cost (per word): US$0.015
- Cost (80,000 words): US$1200
- Focus of the edit: narrative, structure and readability
- Report format: structured report (4-10 pages)
- In-text comments: included
- Passes: 2
- Follow-up question time: 30 minutes
- Second round: not included
If you’re looking for something more thorough, take a look at a standard developmental edit.
Is this the service you’re looking for? Head over to the booking page to arrange your edit, or if this isn’t what you had in mind, check out my other services or contact me for advice.