Developmental Editing
A Developmental Edit, also known as Structural Editing, is a more creative, rigorous and hands-on style of edit than a manuscript assessment. The focus is on the big picture, and on the essential elements that go into making a great story: plot, voice, style, tone, pacing and consistency.
The idea is to work together to see exactly what needs doing so that your book is engaging and makes sense as a whole, while ensuring it keeps its integrity and essence.
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Because this service includes assessing the overall structure and coherence of the manuscript, as well as revising the narrative arc and character development, it's only available for completed manuscripts.
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What do you get?
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I'll carefully read and review your manuscript, and using Tracked Changes or Comments (or a mixture of both) mark-up individual scenes and lines throughout the manuscript, leaving detailed comments as to what you’re doing well, and what’s working less well, and why. This sometimes means restructuring paragraphs or chapters, reorganising scenes, or removing or suggesting added content.
In highlighting possible edits to the text I'm looking to offer clarifications, as well as suggestions on how to help you improve your writing and elevate your writing style
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You’ll get a feedback package which includes the following:
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A written editorial report
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A mark-up of your manuscript
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A one-hour follow-up session: Post-feedback support addressing what you're most in need of. This might include help with incorporating edits in order to improve and develop your writing, generating ideas, or offering practical advice for next steps.
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Fees: from £450
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“Hannah immediately is able to feel the intention of the writing. I worked with Hannah on two of my novels in the first-draft-stage and one book of nonfiction at final-print. At every moment Hannah held me and my words and with the utmost respect. She was able to communicate big changes my first novel needed (but I was reluctant to hear) with compassion, and inspiration. Sometimes we are so isolated in our work that we get lost in it. Hannah as a writer, editor, and person, accompanies us to exactly where the writing needs to be. I am so grateful to have had the opportunities to work with her.”
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– Birgitta Bellême