Developmental Editing for Children’s & YA Manuscripts
Every manuscript has potential. My developmental editing strengthens your story’s foundation—plot, pacing, character arcs, voice, and emotional impact—so your work resonates with readers and is ready for submission or publication.
What Developmental Editing Involves
My developmental edits focus on the big picture of your story, not just surface-level fixes.
We examine:
✿ Narrative structure & pacing
✿ Character motivation, arcs and conflict
✿ Voice and emotional resonance
✿ Scene effectiveness and transitions
✿ Theme and clarity of purpose
This is collaborative, in-depth editorial work designed to transform your draft into its strongest possible form.
Is Developmental Editing Right for You?
This service is ideal if you:
✿ Have completed a full draft
✿ Are preparing to query agents
✿ Find beta feedback confusing or contradictory
✿ Sense something isn’t working in your story but can’t pinpoint it
✿ Need expert guidance on story shape and direction
✿ Want to strengthen your manuscript with craft and strategy
What You’ll Receive
✿ A comprehensive editorial report
✿ In-manuscript margin comments
✿ Revision strategy summary
✿ Resources and links to help you on your writing journey
✿ Optional follow-up support via email for four weeks after your edit to answer questions or clarify suggestions
Optional Add-On
One-Hour Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Enhance your editing experience with a personalised one-hour virtual session. Discuss feedback, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into strengthening your manuscript. This session occurs after your developmental edit helping you get the most value from your edit.
Investment
The cost of developmental editing varies depending on your manuscript type, word count, and complexity.
Each project is unique, so I provide a personalised quote tailored to your story and needs.
Request a Quote
Submit your manuscript details to receive a tailored quote and timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Developmental editing focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript, including plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, and theme. It ensures your story works as a whole before line edits, copy edits or proofreading.
-
Timing depends on manuscript length and complexity. Typically, a children’s/YA manuscript takes 2–6 weeks for a full developmental edit.
-
Developmental editing targets story structure and clarity, not grammar. Typos are noted but copyediting is a separate service.
-
A detailed editorial report, in manuscript comments, resources as needed, a clear revision roadmap, and four weeks ongoing email support after your edit is returned.
-
Your draft should be complete (all chapters written) and ready for strategic feedback.
Not sure? Book a Free First Bloom Call for guidance.
Got a Quick Question
Every writer hits those small moments of doubt—Is this the right genre? Does this POV work? What does “show don’t tell” even mean? The kind of questions that don’t require a full manuscript review… just a little guidance.
Think of this service as a creative “nudge.”
Send me one story or writing question, and I’ll send back a detailed voice note with clear guidance, gentle direction, and the reassurance you need to keep growing your manuscript with confidence. Find some example questions here.
A tiny pocket of clarity—delivered straight to your inbox.
Book Your Free First Bloom Call
Take 15 minutes to explore your story’s potential and discover how developmental editing or story coaching can help your manuscript blossom.
Perfect for children’s, middle grade, and YA authors ready to move their story forward.