Developmental Editing
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Not sure what developmental editing is? Click the icon to view the FAQ:
For non-UK pricing please contact me.
Try Me – 1-2 pages (a representative sample) edited free-of-charge. I will return your sample, fully checked, with no obligation to continue.
Multiple formats catered for.
Standard format: Word doc with 'track changes' showing plus a 'clean' copy (track changes accepted).
Other digital formats, or hard copy with copy-editing mark-up provided if preferred. Just ask.
Why Choose Me?
1. I am experienced and thorough
With more than 25 years academic experience, and as many years writing for areas as diverse as poetry, fiction, translation, promotion, music and arts events, media and journalism, I have earned my spurs and will use my professional and life experience to refine your work.
I can edit all forms of fiction, as well as non-fiction. Simply put: I love reading, I love tidying, I love getting things clear, and so helping you find your voice and improve your words is my idea of a damn fine day on earth!
2. I correct grammar and punctuation . . . and so much more
Developmental editing is my speciality. I will substantively respond to everything about your work, whether it is an academic essay or thesis, non-fiction book, story, web article, blog post or poem. Look upon me as your 'creative consultant'. My aim is to give you advice that will help you see your strengths and weakness at all levels, from language use to concept, structure and argument. This will be important for the work in front of you, and for your writing to come – the ideas you take away will have an impact on how you think about your writing life as you grow.
Developmental Editing
Non-fiction
With over 25 years of high-level academic research behind me (1st class degree, MA, PhD) alongside various teaching and editing roles, I have the experience and knowledge to advise and guide you, to bring out the best in your writing. Developmental editing – sometimes called content editing – is suitable for all kinds of non-fiction – essays and articles at all levels, both academic and non-academic, non-fiction books in all genres, whether personal or technical, web content or business-related. I will show you where your work is strong, and where it could be improved. This will give you the guidance you need to raise your work to its highest potential. My critical perspective will help you get clear about your ideas, about any expectations and requirements in your area, and then, most importantly, it will help you communicate your meaning in the most effective way. Ideas are one part of the equation; but it is not enough to have a good idea. Knowing how to get your ideas across is an often-neglected, but critical step. Only when you are communicating clearly, concisely, and without unnecessary padding or complexity, will you get the marks, the audience, or the recognition you deserve.
Note: Prices will vary due to the different demands of projects. Some projects are more complex than others. If you need extra support with your written English, or your work needs an extra level of care, the rate may change. Sending me a sample of your work will enable me to offer you the appropriate price, which will always be as low as possible. Discount offers available for longer projects.
Developmental Editing: Advanced (price after viewing sample)
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Close reading of entire manuscript, feedback given in an essay
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Email access to editor
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Comments and marks on manuscript (digital or paper)
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Forensic-level analysis: every line, paragraph and chapter considered, from word choice, phrasing and sentence structure to content and structure of your argument, requirements of your genre or course guidelines, reader expectation, clarity of your ideas and options for optimising or revising your text.
Developmental Editing: Pro (price after viewing sample)
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All Advanced services plus:
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More comprehensive email access, enabling you to develop and revise your work in a supported, real time environment
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Even more detailed analysis of your text, from granular detail to general structure, theme and argument.
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Skype/Zoom call to discuss your work (up to 10K wds: 1 hour; over 10K: 2 hours)
Novels
Based upon over 25 years of top level academic research and a lifetime’s passion for reading, I have learned to analyse a story for the elements that are successful . . . and those that need attention. My developmental editing – sometimes called content editing – will show you where your work is strong, and where it could be improved. This will give you the guidance you need to bring out the best in your writing. The end result will be a book you can be proud of, that will be satisfying, entertaining and – bottom line – attractive to publishers.
I tailor my feedback according to the principles of good writing found in Larry Brooks’ Story Engineering, which contains a clear, complete set of tools for writing and structuring your story. With these tools in our hands, we can develop your concept and theme, clarify character, reinforce structure, fine-tune pacing and bring your narrative voice into focus.
Note: Prices will vary due to the different demands of projects. Some projects are more complex than others. If you need extra support with your written English, or your work needs an extra level of care, the rate may change. Sending me a sample of your work will enable me to offer you the appropriate price, which will always be as low as possible. Discount offers available for longer projects.
Novel Pro (price after viewing sample)
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Entire book read, feedback given in an essay
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Email access to editor
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Comments and marks on manuscript
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Forensic-level feedback: my most detailed analysis of the sentence and paragraph level of your writing, alongside wider structural, thematic and stylistic dimensions
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I hr Zoom/Skype call to discuss your book
Novel Advanced (price after viewing sample)
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Entire book read, feedback given in an essay
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Email access to editor
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Comments and marks on manuscript (digital or paper)
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Extensive feedback addressing all the elements of your book
Novel Basic (price after viewing sample)
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Entire book read, feedback given in an essay
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Email access to editor
Short Stories, Short Story Collections
How Does It Work?
Literary magazines publish less than 5% of the stories they receive. Professional editing and feedback will elevate your manuscript, vastly improving your chances of getting noticed. That's where I can help.
You will receive a detailed essay responding to all the different elements of you story:
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concept / characters
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plot / theme
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tone / scene execution
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opening / conclusion
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point of view / authorial voice
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I'll read and re-read your work – in-depth feedback will be tailored to your needs.
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I will be available by email for discussion and clarification (and by skype if we agree it is needed).
The bonsai of the literary world, the short story can be devilish to master, and is devilishly beautiful when you have. It is its own unique craft. Let me help you choose between those details that should be left in, and those that should be left out, or merely implied. Compression, economy, pacing and thematic depth are crucial. We can work together to find your perfect form. Let's craft your gem.
Short story collections: I offer special pricing that costs less per story. Please contact me. I help authors with basic editing, naturally, as well as:
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Selection and sequencing of stories - often, a few stories don't quite fit. Thinking about what works with your editor - about which stories best complement each other - discussing your ideas for the collection is valuable and can be a revealing process!
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Identifying your theme and discovering your title - this also prepares you for marketing and writing jacket copy for your book.
I focus on your vision, not mine.
Too many editors impose their ideas on your work. I don't. I respond to the intentions you have placed in your work and commit to developing these to their full potential. It is your writing, not mine, that matters.
I am always constructive, kind and clear
Compliments won't polish your writing. Neither will insults. I offer clear, practical and focused advice on how to improve your work. I love reading and will share that love with you, in the form of firm, fair and reasoned feedback.
Poetry
Suitable for individual poems, small sets for magazine submission, chapbooks or collections.
From Renaissance to the present day, I’ve studied most kinds of English-language poetry in more than 25 years of academic life, with as many years’ experience writing my own. Such a fascination led me to choose poetry for my doctoral thesis (the modernist poetry of Laura Riding). I have a deep knowledge of what makes a poem work, whether figurative and conventional in form, or challenging and experimental in linguistic exposition or grammatical play. Whether you are a Christina Rossetti, a Sharon Olds, an e. e. cummings or an Edwin Morgan, I can help you crystallise and refine your work.
How Does It Work?
Together, we will look at how you employ
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diction
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meter, rhythm, ‘music’ – whether formal or free verse, rhythm is key
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verse form & stanza usage
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line breaks (enjambment & caesura)
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rhyme (if used)
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meaning
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inclusion, arrangement and sequencing of poems
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collection title
Any other aspect can be discussed, just ask.
My prices are structured around three major lengths for poetry, based upon one poem per page:
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A Submission: up to 10 poems
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Chapbook: up to 30 pages
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Full-length poetry collections: usually about 50 pages
For additional pages, add £10 per page. Remember: one poem per page.
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I'll read and re-read your work - in-depth feedback will be tailored to your needs.
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You will receive a detailed essay responding to all the aspects of your poetry that need attention.
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I will be available by email for discussion and clarification (and by Zoom/Skype if we agree it is needed).
I focus on your poetic vision.
Too many editors impose their ideas on your work. I don’t. I respond to the intentions you have placed in your work and do everything I can to develop these to their full potential. It is your writing, not mine, that matters.
I am always constructive, kind and clear
Compliments alone won’t polish your writing. Neither will insults. I will always offer clear, practical advice on how to go about improving your work. I love reading (and love reading poetry above all else) and will share that love with you, alongside firm but fair feedback.
Of course, you will choose the advice to follow and to reject. Disagreement proves as useful as agreement, you may find; the ideas and convictions arising from our dialogue will have a positive impact on all of your writing, not merely this poem or set of poems.
Follow-up Editing
If you would like me to check your document/manuscript after receiving it back and making changes, I will do so at a 25% discounted rate (providing the changes made do not constitute a new manuscript).
I am a devotee of language; language that speaks through you, through me – through all of us. Helping you bring your writing into being is my passion – your writing is a gift to the world, and your voice deepens the world's timbre, enriching and improving it. Writing is permanent; it leaves its mark on the skin of the universe.
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Note – this button is for all payments after projects have been agreed.
Please contact me to discuss your option before making a payment.
CONTACT
email me here:
Based in Brighton, UK. Postal address for manuscripts provided as required.