Congratulations — you completed your manuscript! Take a moment to bask in the glow. You determined you were going to write a book and now, gosh darn it, you have done just that. You wrote a whole book! With your own brain! Many kudos to you! Now that your moment of celebration is over…it's time to edit.

Editing yourself is both difficult and insufficient. You know your story. You know what is supposed to be there, how everything fits together, and why your characters act and speak the way they do. You know the whole backstory and context.

Put another way, writers know exactly what they meant to say. But does the audience?

A developmental edit provides you with a close read of your book, identifying big picture issues and flaws (and strengths!) invisible to the writer. Developmental edits include a multi-page summary of strengths and opportunities for improvement, as well as extensive in-line comments on each page.

You will be armed with the exact tools you need to revise your work with gusto and purpose.

But here's what makes a truly transformative developmental edit:

Your story structure might be solid, but are your pacing and tension keeping readers turning pages? Are your characters compelling enough that readers care what happens to them? Does your opening hook grab attention from page one, and does your ending deliver the emotional payoff your readers crave?

These are the questions that separate published authors from aspiring writers. And these are exactly the areas where a skilled developmental editor becomes your secret weapon.

The Reality Check Most Writers Need:

You've invested months (or years!) writing this book. You've poured your heart, soul, and countless late nights into these pages. The last thing you want is to send it out into the world before it's truly ready.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: most manuscripts aren't ready after the first draft. Or the second. Sometimes not even the sixth. But with the right developmental feedback, you can transform a good story into an irresistible one.

Why Choose a Boutique Approach?

Unlike other editors in the marketplace, I accept only one developmental edit at a time. What does that mean for you?

You'll receive a 100% bespoke edit, exclusive to you, and tailored completely to your needs. Plus, I guarantee deadlines. No checking your inbox every five minutes, worrying what's happened to your manuscript and when, oh when, will you hear from your editor.

Here's what this exclusive attention gets you:

• Unlimited questions by email during your revision process
• Two 30-minute consultation calls, one at the start of the project and one at the end (optional)
• Priority scheduling for your next round of editing (if needed)
• A partner who genuinely cares about your book's success, not just another manuscript in the queue

Beyond the comprehensive summary and in-line comments, you'll get targeted feedback on:

• Character development and motivation - Are your protagonists driving the story or just along for the ride?
• Plot structure and pacing - Does your story have the right rhythm to keep readers engaged?
• Dialogue authenticity - Do your characters sound like real people or like the same person wearing different hats?
• Scene effectiveness - Is every scene earning its place in your book?
• Emotional resonance - Are you hitting the right emotional beats at the right moments?
• Answers to your specific questions!

Your Book Deserves This Level of Attention

Think about your favorite books. The ones that kept you up reading until 3 AM. The ones you've recommended to friends. The ones that made you laugh, cry, or think differently about the world.

Those books didn't happen by accident. They were crafted, revised, and polished until every element worked in perfect harmony.

Your book has that potential too. It just needs the right eyes to see what's already there and help you bring it to the surface.

Ready to Transform Your Manuscript?

Don't let your book languish on your hard drive for another month. Don't second-guess yourself into paralysis. And definitely don't send out a manuscript before it's had professional developmental attention.

Investment: Pricing depends on length and level of editing needed. A sample edit of your first 10 pages can be purchased at $200. If we want to move forward together after the sample is delivered, that initial payment will be applied in full to the total contract fee.

Timeline: 3-6 weeks from full manuscript receipt to delivery

Your Readers Are Waiting

Every day your manuscript sits unedited is another day your future readers are waiting for the story only you can tell. But they need the best version of that story.

Have Questions? Let's Talk.

Not sure if your manuscript is ready for developmental editing? Wondering if we're a good fit? Get in contact today!

Contact Helene