{Developmental Editing}
Your story is waiting to bloom.
My professional developmental editing services will take the story you've crafted so far and water it, loosen the soil, and build a trellis.
Together, we'll take your story to the next level.
What is It?
My developmental editing process focuses on these key areas:
Organization
Content and prose instruction
Clear edits
Creative input
Getting unlost
This article - What Is Developmental Editing? - will tell you what developmental editing is, what it isn't, and when to use it.
Stuck?
Are you stuck?
Is your story feeling stale?
Do your characters need more depth?
Are you looking for those 'aha' reflections that will help tie everything together?
Congrats, you're a writer!
Getting lost is part of the journey. Helping you get unlost is where I excel.
I'll join you on your journey, dive into your story, and emerge with strategies, recommendations, and specific solutions to help unlock your story's full potential.
What You Can Expect
Editorial Memo - This is a personalized document summarizing my developmental edits. I provide big picture reflections and chapter-by-chapter analyses. The editorial memo will help you zoom out from your process, get clear action steps, and return to your next draft with the tools you need. You can see sample editorial memo here.
Manuscript Notes - The notes come ready to use in a Microsoft Word document with Tracked Changes. If the editorial memo identifies a tendency to use incomplete sentences, the manuscript notes will highlight the specific sentences. These notes will provide greater clarity, along with examples, for your story. You can see a sample of manuscript notes here.
1 Hour of Phone Support - Lost in email translation? You may have further questions or need clarification on specific notes. Let's talk it out. I love building relationships with my clients through good 'ol fashion conversation.
Bonus - Writing Support Documents - You'll receive immediate access to writing tools I've created ($150 without a package) when you buy a Professional Developmental Editing package. These tools contain tips, strategies, and examples on narration style, character development, and more, and are designed to help you become a better writer.
Discounted Add-ons - How do you condense your beautiful long form story into a back cover or Amazon summary? I know the tips and tricks used by pros. For an additional $150, I'll write your back cover or Amazon description (originally $250).
Discounted Hourly Support - If you need additional support after the 1 hour included in this package, you'll receive 50% off my hourly rate.
Pricing
Developmental editing is a full-service, hands-on commitment to helping you unlock your story's full potential.
Your story deserves an editor. I'd love the be the one.
Each project receives a custom quote*
Typical range - $2,000 - $4,500
Payments
2 payments - 50% at beginning, 50% at the end.
*The final quote will be based on both word count and specific needs of your project. Before you receive an offer, I will review your manuscript. If I believe it needs more support, the quote may be higher than the base rate.
{About Laura Thomas}
Laura founded Next Level Story to help authors unlock their stories' true potential. She's an in-demand developmental wizard, er, editor and writer who's helped dozens of writers, speakers, and thought leaders. She's been writing and acting for over 20 years, including 2X Storytelling State Champion (Go Eastview!). Laura publishes around the web daily and is a Top Advice Writer for Medium. Full bio