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Check Your Story Pulse

Be true to your story

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Developmental Edit

Your manuscript, seen clearly and a map to make it better.

You’ve written it. Maybe rewritten it. You know something isn’t working but you’re too deep inside it to see what, or you suspect what the problem is but aren’t sure how to fix it without pulling everything apart.

Developmental editing for fiction writers works differently from any other kind of editing, and that difference matters. It doesn’t touch your words, but looks at the bones: structure, character and story arc, stakes, emotional payoff, and genre fit. The things that determine whether a reader stays up too late, feels something they weren’t expecting, and tells a friend.

This is for fiction writers (novels, novellas, and short stories) who are ready for an honest, expert read and a clear path forward.

What You’ll Get:

A comprehensive editorial letter (6–10 pages)
This is the heart of the edit. Not a list of challenges, but a thorough in-depth analysis of your story’s foundation: structure, character and story arc, stakes, emotional payoff, and how well your story delivers on its genre’s expectations.

Every observation comes with an explanation of why it matters on the story level, because understanding the why is what turns feedback into genuine craft development. You won’t just know what to fix. You’ll understand what it means for your story, and how to approach it.

Inline comments throughout your manuscript

Specific, targeted notes directly on your pages with examples. If a scene needs more emotional interiority, I won’t just say so – I’ll show you, in that specific scene, one way to bring it onto the page. My comments are designed to illustrate principles, not just point at challenges.

A Zoom call to unpack it together

We talk through the feedback, you ask every question you need to ask, and we make sure you leave the call with full clarity on how to improve your story.

A clear revision roadmap

The editorial letter closes with prioritised next steps, what to address first and what to watch out for as you revise, so that you leave with a clear plan.

Additional tools and resources where relevant

Specific to your story or references that speak directly to the challenges your manuscript presents. They are designed to help you improve your manuscript.

How it works

You arrive with a manuscript that almost works and a feeling you can’t quite name.

You leave with clarity: what’s working and why, what needs attention and why, and the concrete tools to address it. No vague encouragement. No ‘show don’t tell’ without showing you exactly how, in your own pages.

That understanding  (not just what to fix but why it matters)is what makes revision feel purposeful instead of overwhelming.

Pricing is based on project length, because a short story and a 100,000-word novel are genuinely different amounts of work, and I want the investment to feel fair.

ProjectLengthPriceCall
Short storyUp to 8,000 words$27560 min Zoom
Novella10,000–40,000 words$70060 min Zoom
Standard novel40,000–80,000 words$1,70090 min Zoom
Longer novel80,000–120,000 words$2,40090 min Zoom

Working in euros? All prices are available in EUR, just ask when you reach out.

Who it's for:
  • Writers with a complete or near-complete manuscript who want to know clearly what's working and what needs to change and why
  • Writers who've revised multiple times but feel like they're going in circles without understanding what the real issue is
  • Writers preparing to query agents or self-publish, who want to make sure the story is as strong as it can be
  • Short story writers preparing for submission, competition, or collection
  • Writers who want feedback that is genre-aware, emotionally intelligent, concrete, and genuinely useful, not just a list of issues to address.
Who it's not for:
  • First drafts that haven't been revised at all (give it a few passes so you get more value out of this)
  • Writers looking for proofreading, copyediting, or line-level polish
  • Writers who want someone to rewrite the story for them
Availability:

A developmental edit of about 80 000 words typically takes 3 about weeks from the day you submit the material. Spots are limited to ensure every manuscript gets the attention it deserves. If you're thinking about booking, reach out sooner rather than later to check availability.

The process:
  • 1
    You reach out

    Tell me about your project using the form below. I'll reply within 3 working days and may ask for a a few additional details.

  • 2
    We have a free discovery call

    We talk through your manuscript, your goals, and what you need. If we're a good fit, I'll send a contract and invoice with the payment details.

  • 3
    You submit your manuscript

    Once the first payment is received, you send your manuscript as a Word document in standard formatting.

  • 4
    I do the work

    A developmental edit of up to 80,000 words typically takes 3–4 weeks from submission. I'll confirm the exact timeline when we book.

  • 5
    You receive your feedback

    You'll receive my feedback; an editorial letter, inline comments, and an invitation to book your Zoom call.

  • 6
    Zoom call

    We talk through the key points, address any questions or concerns and make sure you have a clear roadmap for revision.

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