A developmental edit is a foundational layer of feedback that comes before in-depth page-by-page editing: it ensures the story is in good structural shape before we polish each word.
Developmental editing evaluates the story’s strengths and opportunities to improve elements like
- Pacing
- Exposition
- Tension and suspense
- Characterization and character arcs
- Realism and suspension of disbelief
- Continuity and plot holes
- Flow and organization
- Incorporation of subplots
- How well a story delivers on its theme or message
- How a story fits into its genre and makes use of genre expectations
- Large-scale aspects of style, grammar, point of view, and tense
If you have specific concerns about your manuscript or questions for me to answer as your first reader and editor, please share them: I love to customize this service to each writer’s needs.
I provide developmental feedback in the form of a 3+ page memo that describes what is working well and offers specific, actionable suggestions to make the story stronger. In most developmental edits, I also share some line-by-line feedback in the manuscript to provide examples or point out details.
Manuscript Evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is a faster service in which I prepare a 2+ page “mini memo” that highlights the top three opportunities to strengthen your manuscript. I offer manuscript evaluations at the flat rate of $25 per 15,000 words (a 60,000-word manuscript would be $100).
To Hire Me:
Get in touch at tarkenberg199(at)yahoo.com with the details of your book (length, genre, your goals and priorities). If “Edit” is in the subject line, your email will automatically go to my high-priority work folder.
Client Testimonials:
“The [developmental] memo alone is like a writing seminar targeted at my particular story. Therese Arkenberg’s insights and editing skills were nothing short of remarkable. She seemed to know my characters better than I did. I was most fortunate to have found her.” – T. Hahm
***
“I can’t say enough about the timely and thorough manuscript evaluation I received from Therese. Her detail-oriented critique not only provided me with invaluable suggestions with regards to the overall structure of my story but, just as important, also touched upon how to fine-tune the subtle aspects of my novel to create a more superior read. I look forward to utilizing her skill set again during the editing phase.“ – Alex F.
***
“Therese is a talented writer and editor. I highly recommend her for manuscript review. She provided essential big picture suggestions for my novel with excellent ideas for conflict and character development as well as a close read with page by page comments to improve the draft. She made excellent and specific suggestions that improved my novel—and helped me strengthen my craft as a writer.” – Zahara Heckscher