top of page
BKG_edited.jpg

Developmental + Substantive Editing

Editorial Services

Congratulations—you have 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! That’s truly amazing—many kudos to you!


Now that your moment of celebration is over…it’s time to get to the hard work: editing the book. Writing is the 10%, and editing is the next 80%. (Hint: See copy editing/proofreading for the final 10%.)


Editing is a different skillset from writing. It requires big picture clarity—the 30,000 foot view—and close reading—the ground level view.


While writers should strive to become more adept at self-editing, the reality is that 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.


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.


Contact Helene for pricing

bottom of page