Mystery novel editing
How does mystery editing differ from other genres?
I know my logo says "fantasy and romance editor" but I love editing mystery novels too!
Because mystery books blend clues and red herrings, it's important that mystery authors create an authentic world that shapes a reader's interest without giving too much away.
No matter if it's an amateur detective, a whodunnit or a cozy, as a mystery editor, the type of questions I ask while editing a mystery novel are:
Is the mystery plot line balanced with characters' internal conflict arc?
Does the "big reveal" happen at the right time and does it have the desired impact?
Do the protagonists feel like real people (in other words, fully fleshed-out characters) and if not, what would make them more relatable to a reader?
Do the protagonists have unique goals and aspirations outside of solving the crime?
Have you left enough clues without making the criminal/outcome obvious?
Do the subplots build on and elevate the main story?
Are the motivations of the characters clear and used to drive the plot?
Are there any plot inconsistencies?
Are there any scenes that lack emotion or impact?
Is the world believable and immersive?
Does the world challenge the protagonists?
Are there any underutilised characters, devices or plot lines that would elevate the novel?
[If in line with the author's vision] Is the novel meeting mystery genre conventions? Is there anything that a typical mystery reader would find off-putting about this novel?
What is your approach to editing mystery novels?
My approach to editing mystery novels is to build on your core vision for your novel and ensure you feel motivated to finish your novel after receiving your edit.
Before I edit your work, I’ll ask you to fill in a questionnaire so I can understand you, your vision for your novel, and the ways you like to receive feedback.
There will be some things you won’t want me to change and that’s perfectly fine! I ask all of this in advance so I can keep your unique voice as a writer and find ways around any issues I see in your novel without disrupting your vision.
Some authors want to tell a story that's close to their heart, share the world they've created or let a character that's been with them for years come to life; others prioritise commercial success or want to find a balance between these goals.
Your vision also includes your key understanding of your novel such as if you're writing literary, upmarket or commercial fiction, or are writing a particular mystery subgenre.
Each of these paths will shape how I approach editing your novel.
I'll keep your core goal in mind and shape my suggestions accordingly. For example, if you want to keep a particular scene but I feel this scene doesn't elevate your novel, I'll find ways to integrate this scene into your novel rather than cut it.
Most importantly, I'll never try to make your novel something you don't want it to be.
I'm not afraid to give out-there ideas but I will always do this in a constructive, respectful way that will help you shape your novel into the best version of what you want it to be.
My goal is for you to be motivated to finish your novel after your edit – I don't want you to feel disheartened or overwhelmed with feedback. For developmental edits, I include suggested next steps so you have a clear direction and know how to dive into your next round of self-editing.
How much does it cost to edit a mystery novel?
Mystery novel editing services start at US$0.005 per word and go up to US$0.02 per word here at Jones Novel Editing. This equates to US$400 to US$1,600 for a novel of 80,000 words.
I have many wonderful clients from all around the world so please look at my international pricing list if you'd like to see how much each service costs in your local currency.
What editing services do you offer mystery authors?
As an editor, I understand writing a novel is expensive. Not only do you have to consider the costs for developmental editing, but there's also copyediting, proofreading, cover art and more that you need to budget for.
I want to ensure developmental editing is affordable so I offer a variety of services to meet the unique needs and budgets of mystery authors.
My novel editing services include:
Standard developmental edit (US$0.02 per word): the standard developmental editing experience. You'll receive in-text comments in your manuscript and an in-depth report including a chapter-by-chapter summary to help you understand the flow of your novel. After you've made changes to your novel, I'll read your novel again and produce a second report summarising how you've implemented the feedback and any new issues that have arisen.
Basic developmental edit (US$0.01 per word): a developmental edit that looks at plot, pacing and characters. You'll receive in-text comments in your manuscript and an editorial report.
Manuscript evaluation (US$0.008 per word): a basic developmental edit without in-text comments.
Novel scan (also known as a professional or paid beta read) (US$0.005 per word): high-level feedback in the form of dot-point notes.
Pre-querying package (US$180): a basic developmental edit on the first 5,000 words of your novel and a review of your query letter, author biography and synopsis.
Pre-publishing package (US$160): a basic developmental edit on the first 5,000 words of your novel and a review of your author biography, blurb and proposed categories if publishing on Amazon.
If you're a first time author or it's your first time writing a mystery novel, I recommend a developmental edit as you'll receive feedback in the form of an editorial report as well as in-text comments, which will help you understand how the issues identified in your report are playing out in across scenes in your novel.
A manuscript evaluation or novel scan is a good option if you'd like feedback on an early draft or are looking for a quicker turnaround time.
However, the best edit is the one you can afford!
What does the editing process look like for a mystery novel?
First steps
We'll start by discussing your novel and what you are looking for in the editing process.
Once we've agreed on dates and which service best suits your needs, I'll prepare the contract, invoice and questionnaire for your review.
Onboarding
The contract will clearly state the costs, timeline and inclusions of your edit. The contract also includes clauses to protect your rights to your novel and ensure I won't share your work with anyone. We will both sign the contract and I will send you a completed copy for your records.
You'll be asked to pay a deposit of 50% to secure your spot in my schedule. I am happy to work with you and your unique financial situation, but a deposit of some kind is required. After each payment, I'll send you a receipt.
If you are claiming your edit on tax, I can adjust the invoice format to include any wording requirements for your country of residence.
There is no rush with the questionnaire, so you can consider this as you finish writing your novel.
Two weeks before your edit
Two weeks or so before your edit I will reach out to see how things are tracking. I'll remind you to send your questionnaire and novel to me in .docx format three days before your edit is due to start.
Your edit starts!
You can give yourself a well-earned pat on the back as you've done an amazing job finishing your novel! Once you've emailed the files, I'll check they work on my computer and send you an email to confirm I have started your edit.
During the editing process, I'll send weekly updates during your edit so you know where I am up to.
Returning your edit
A week before your edit finishes, I'll resend your invoice (including the updated word count if required) and remind you of the final payment. You'll receive a receipt after making the final payment which confirms your edit has been paid in full.
On the day your edit is scheduled to finish, I'll email you a copy of your report, in-text comments (if included) and general tips on how to move forward.
After receiving your edit
If you pick a manuscript evaluation or developmental edit, your edit includes time for you to ask questions or send rewritten scenes/chapters for a second review. You generally have 6 months to use your follow-up question time.
For novel scans, I'm happy to answer a few questions or clarify if something in your report isn't clear.
Second round (standard developmental edit only)
A unique component of my standard developmental edit service is after you've implemented changes from your edit, I will read your novel a second time. This second edit will include a report highlighting how you have implemented the changes from your first edit and any new issues that have arisen.
How far in advance are you booked out?
This is a hard question to answer. Typically, I book several weeks out but I do leave room in my schedule to accommodate last-minute requests. Sometimes I also finish projects early so there’s no harm in asking if I can fit your edit in!
If you are in a rush, please provide as much information as you can when you reach out (i.e. you need your edit returned before April 28 or you’ve booked a copyeditor for November 19).
I'd like to know more. How do I get in contact with you?
You are welcome to reach out to me via email or using my contact form. I'm always happy to answer questions or discuss which edit will best suit your unique needs.
You can also take a look at my frequently asked questions here.
How do I book my mystery novel edit?
If you're ready to book your edit, please head over to my booking page and I'll be in touch within a few business days!