Inkswell Wright

Writing & editing

Developmental editing

Big-picture feedback on structure, pacing, character, argument and audience.

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In short: developmental editing looks at the whole book, not the sentences: structure, pacing, character and plot for fiction, or argument, organisation and reader takeaway for nonfiction. You get an editorial letter and margin notes that show what to revise and why.

Who is developmental editing for?

Writers with a complete draft (or a substantial part of one) who want expert feedback before polishing the language. If the structure already works, copyediting may be the better next step. Read Start here if you're not sure.

What's included

  • A full read of the manuscript against your goals, genre and readers
  • An editorial letter: what works, the main issues and suggested solutions
  • Margin comments pointing to specific passages
  • A follow-up conversation to agree your revision plan

What you'll need to provide

  • The manuscript (Word or Google Docs)
  • Your genre, intended readers and comparable books
  • Anything you already know isn't working

How long it takes

Your written quote gives a confirmed delivery date. The time needed depends on the word count and whether you want a full edit or a shorter manuscript assessment, and on how quickly feedback comes back between rounds.

What's not included

Line-by-line correction of grammar and style, rewriting the book for you (see ghostwriting) and a second full read after you revise, unless quoted.

Price

Where packages are shown on this page, they are our standard prices. Prices depend on word count, and whether you need an assessment letter or a full edit with margin comments. For a standard package you can request an invoice: we confirm the scope first, then email the invoice, and nothing is charged online. For anything else, request a free quote that lists exactly what's included before you commit.

What you gain

  • See the whole picture

    A detailed editorial letter explains priorities for revision.

  • Actionable notes

    In-manuscript comments show exactly where changes help.

  • Revision plan

    A clear path to the next draft.

How it works

  1. 1

    Manuscript and brief

    You send the full manuscript and tell us about your goals, genre and readers.

  2. 2

    Full read and assessment

    We read the whole book, focusing on structure, pacing, character or argument, and genre expectations.

  3. 3

    Editorial letter and notes

    You receive a detailed editorial letter plus margin comments explaining what works and what to change.

  4. 4

    Follow-up call

    We talk through the feedback so you have a clear revision plan.

Questions

What's the difference between developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading?
Developmental editing addresses big-picture content and structure. Copyediting corrects and improves sentences: grammar, consistency and clarity. Proofreading is the final check for errors, usually on the formatted pages. They're done in that order.
Will you rewrite my book?
No. A developmental editor diagnoses and explains; you make the revisions, so the book stays yours. If you want the writing done for you, look at ghostwriting.
Is a manuscript assessment the same thing?
A manuscript assessment is a shorter version: an overall report without detailed margin notes. It costs less and suits early drafts.

Packages

Choose a package to request an invoice, or ask for a quote if your project is outside its scope. Every project starts with written confirmation of scope, timing and payment.

Prices are set in USD. Other currencies are estimates using the European Central Bank reference rate of 26 October 2026. The final amount and payment currency are confirmed on your invoice; showing a currency here doesn't mean payment can already be made in it.

  • Manuscript assessment

    USD 450

    Up to 90,000 words

    For writers with a complete draft who want an expert view of what works and what to fix before paying for a full edit. We read the whole manuscript, write an editorial letter on structure, pacing, character or argument, and genre fit, then talk it through with you on a call. There are no in-line edits, which is why it costs less than a developmental edit.

    Included

    • Full read of the manuscript
    • Editorial letter (typically 6–10 pages)
    • 30-minute follow-up call

    You provide

    • Complete manuscript
    • Short synopsis and goals

    Not included

    • In-line edits
    Turnaround
    2–3 weeks, starting once payment and the manuscript are received
    Revisions
    Follow-up questions by email for 14 days
    Payment
    Invoiced in full once we've confirmed the scope. Work starts when payment has arrived.
    Request an invoiceAsk a question first

    The price shown is indicative. We review your request, confirm the scope and email an invoice; nothing is charged online.

  • Developmental edit

    From USD 1,800

    Up to 50,000 words; then USD 0.035 per word

    For writers ready for detailed structural feedback throughout the manuscript, not just a summary. You receive an editorial letter, margin comments on the full text and a revision plan, then a call to agree priorities. Do this before copyediting: structural changes can rewrite whole scenes or chapters.

    Included

    • Editorial letter
    • Margin comments throughout
    • Revision plan
    • 60-minute follow-up call

    You provide

    • Complete manuscript
    • Synopsis

    Not included

    • Line editing or proofreading
    Turnaround
    3–5 weeks, starting once the deposit and manuscript are received
    Revisions
    Review of one revised chapter
    Payment
    Invoiced as a 50% deposit to book your slot, then 50% before the final files are delivered.
    Request an invoiceAsk a question first

    The price shown is indicative. We review your request, confirm the scope and email an invoice; nothing is charged online.

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