Developmental Editing, Editorial Assessment, and Beta Reading

Your story should leave a mark on your readers’ hearts.

Cozy reading nook with a plaid upholstered armchair, a white bookshelf filled with books, a vintage radio, stacks of magazines, a laptop, a desk lamp, and a window with green view.

We all have that one book—or several—we still think about years after finishing. These stories carry us through life’s hardest moments, and it reminds us who we are when we feel lost.

I believe every story has the potential to leave that kind of mark. As a developmental editor, my goal is to help you push your story to exactly that point.

For every project, I dedicate my full atte, skill, and passion, so your story can truly connect with readers, and you can feel confident in the work you share with the world.

“Your comments were not only insightful, but they helped me articulate things I already sensed about the story but hadn’t quite figured out how to fix. You helped me see it more clearly, and that’s such a rare and valuable gift. I feel more excited and motivated than ever to keep working.
I also want to thank you for how kindly everything was delivered. All of your notes came through with such care, and it made it easy to trust and take them in. You saw the heart of what I was trying to do, and that means the world.
I can’t say thank you enough. Collaborating with you has been such a bright spot in the process.”
— Anna G.

What our collaboration looks like

We chat briefly to make sure we’re a good fit and discuss your manuscript’s current stage, your goals, and how I can best support you. You can request a free sample edit (up to 1,000 words) to see if my editing style resonates with you.

Developmental editing process

After we sign a contract, you send me your manuscript, and I dive in for a full read. I will also read your comp titles and do additional research to better understand the context of your story and its themes.

Developmental Editing process
Book editing process

I read your manuscript 2 times.Throughout the process, I stay in touch, asking questions and keeping the conversation open so the edit stays aligned with your vision.

I return your feedback by the agreed deadline. You’ll receive an editorial letter (10+ pages) with big-picture notes. If it’s a developmental edit, you’ll also get margin comments and chapter-by-chapter breakdown.

beta reading books
manuscript critique

You have my ongoing support. There’s no ticking clock after delivery. You’re welcome to take your time, reflect, revise. Then, we exchange voice notes or direct messages to go over your questions, ideas, and next steps.

Once you’ve revised, feel free to send me your next draft. I’m happy to take a look and offer feedback, free of charge.

good book developmental editor
book editing services

Developmental Edit

For authors who need thorough, detailed guidance - every chapter, every scene

Your manuscript is written, and you've poured your heart and soul into building this world and these characters. You've spent countless hours with your story, taking it from an idea to a completed and revised draft.

After all that dedicated work, it can be incredibly challenging to see the big picture when you're so close to your own words. You don’t see if your plot threads are in place, if character motivations are clear, or if the pacing is right. It takes a fresh, expert pair of eyes to see the forest and the trees.

I'll dive deep into your manuscript to make the foundation of your story stronger. I'll look at core elements like plot, pacing, character arcs, world-building, and thematic development.

A piece of brown paper with creases and slight wrinkles.

What’s Included:

  • A detailed editorial letter covering:
    - Plot, pacing, and emotional flow
    - Character development and arcs
    - Worldbuilding clarity and consistency
    - Loose ends or confusing sections
    - Overall strengths and areas to deepen

  • In-line margin notes throughout the manuscript

  • Chapter-by-chapter breakdown of what’s working and what needs more development

  • Suggestions on structure, character arcs, scene tension, emotional continuity

    - Specific recommendations on what to cut, expand, or move

  • Bonus: Forever support – no deadline on post-edit questions.

Rate: $0.02/word
Turnaround time: 4-7 weeks (depends on the word count)

Living room corner with a plaid armchair, wooden bookshelf filled with books and magazines, a vintage radio on the shelf, a floor lamp, and large windows showing green outdoor scenery.

Editorial Assessment

For authors who want expert feedback they can implement themselves

An editorial assessment is perfect when you’ve got an already self-revised draft but need a professional perspective on what’s working and what isn’t.

Maybe you’re not ready for deep edits yet, or you’re the type of writer who likes to tackle revisions independently. Either way, I’ll give you a detailed, big-picture evaluation of your story’s strengths and areas to refine. ou’ll walk away knowing exactly where to focus your energy.

Think of it as your roadmap to a stronger, more compelling book.

A crumpled brown paper bag flat on a surface.

What’s Included:

  • A detailed editorial letter covering:
    - Plot, pacing, and emotional flow
    - Character development and arcs
    - Worldbuilding clarity and consistency
    - Loose ends or confusing sections
    - Overall strengths and areas to deepen

  • Unlimited support post-delivery

Rate: $0.015/word
Turnaround time: 2-4 weeks (depends on the word count)

A tall bookshelf filled with old, leather-bound books with a metal ladder leaning against it in a library.

Beta Reading

For authors who need to know how real readers will respond

Before you hit publish (or send to the agents), it’s important to discover how your book is actually received by readers. Are they hooked from chapter one? Do some scenes drag? Is your ending as satisfying as you hope? I’ll read your book as a passionate (but honest!) test audience, giving you detailed feedback on pacing, emotional impact, and overall readability.

Consider it your book’s trial run before showtime.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

A close-up of a sheet of brown paper with visible creases and texture.

What’s Included:

  • A feedback letter covering:
    - Reader Reaction Summary
    - Pacing & Engagement Notes
    - Character Impressions
    - Emotional Impact Assessment
    - Clarity & Consistency Checks
    - Ending Satisfaction Evaluation
    - General Reader Experience

Rate: $0.007/word
Turnaround time: 2-3 weeks (depends on the word count)

“You truly have a gift. You were able to see every plot line and eloquently summarize them. I can’t get over how amazing your work is. You have given me something that is worth more than gold.”

Liam L., Fantasy author

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not necessarily. Most writers prefer to communicate via email. If you’d like a short call to talk through your goals before we begin, I’m happy to schedule one.

  • I offer two payment options for your convenience. The first option is to pay 25% upfront, with the remaining balance due on the day I deliver the edits. Alternatively, you can choose a payment plan through Klarna, which allows you to spread out the cost over time with installments.

  • If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help. Just send me a short message describing your draft’s current stage and what kind of feedback you’re looking for. We can figure it out together.

  • Finding the right editor is a big decision, and I want you to feel confident before you commit. That’s why I offer a free sample edit of up to 1,000 words. This gives you a chance to see how I approach your work and whether my editing style resonates with you.

Professional Accountability

As an active member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), I adhere to strict industry standards. Should any concerns arise, clients retain the right to file a complaint through the EFA’s formal review process—ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage.