For novel writers with completed manuscripts.
Developmental editors assist authors prior to a book’s publication in big-picture editing, such as story structure, character arc, plot development, pacing, and much more. They are not ghostwriters and do not rewrite books for writers. In addition, they are not copyeditors, who work to improve line-level accuracy and readability as well as to spot errors, inconsistencies, omission, and repetition.
The role of a developmental editor is to teach writers to identify the gaps in their stories and characters. Developmental editors will pinpoint problems within a story and offer suggestions for how to improve it. Writers have the freedom to address those problems in the way that best suits the story (and how they want to tell it). In other words, developmental editors do not dictate the direction of the book but offer suggestions. Or, they may simply identify the weaknesses within the story, depending on the style of the given editor.
If you would like to work with a developmental editor, come into the process with an open mind about your story and be prepared to be challenged. Editors aren’t here for self-assurance or to tell a writer how wonderful their story is (whether or not that’s true), but to collaboratively work with a writer to make their story the best it can possibly be.
Writers looking to self-publish their books are often encouraged to seek out professional freelance editors to help them polish their manuscripts prior to publication; whereas writers hoping to be traditionally-published do not need to work with a developmental editor. Though they certainly can if they have the budget and would like a deep-dive into craft or professional assistance on how to improve their manuscript.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, WATCH MEG’S IWRITERLY VIDEO: WHAT IS A FREELANCE DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR?
If you’d like to work with a freelance developmental editor (whether you are pursuing traditional- or self-publishing), it is often recommended to do so after you have edited your manuscript several times on your own AND worked with beta readers and critique partners (on several more rounds through your manuscript). That way, by the time it gets to a freelance editor, we can work on high-concept concerns to get the book ready for the query trenches or self-publishing (work on character development, the pacing of stakes, marketability, etc.).
Most writers want to come out of this (potentially expensive) editorial service with a polished, shelf-ready manuscript, which likely won’t happen if the book needs several rounds of significant edits. Red flags of a writer not having self-edited or worked with critique partners or beta readers prior to reaching out to a developmental editor include the word count of the manuscript (either too high or too low for the age group/genre), lack of a definable genre, the story starts in the wrong place, and more.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, WATCH MEG’S IWRITERLY VIDEO: WHEN WRITERS SHOULDN’T WORK WITH A DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR.
A Note From Meg: If there was enough time in the day, I’d love to work with every single writer to help you make your manuscripts the best they can be. But since most writers operate on a limited budget, I often will recommend writers work on certain things prior to hiring a freelance developmental editor in order to get the most possible out of the developmental edit.
Please be aware: Meg usually books several months in advance.
Meg specializes in the following age groups and genres: young adult (YA) and adult fantasy (including epic fantasy, urban/contemporary fantasy, and everything in between), science fiction (including space opera and dystopian), historical fiction, and romance.
For more information about Meg’s video coaching services, please click here.
Are you ready to take the next step? Fill out the form below.
*If you're interested in a full manuscript developmental edit, please copy and paste your first chapter here. This is to help ensure a good fit for both parties. The pages will not be shared.
A Note From Meg: Just like you want to be sure you pick the right editor for your manuscript, I want to make sure I’m a good fit for your writing style and (ultimately) your manuscript. Therefore, I will be selective of which full manuscripts and folks I choose to work with—as you should, too! Feel free to inquire about complimentary sample critiques (for full manuscript critiques only).
Since we are a small team here at iWriterly, we do (unfortunately) have limited availabilities for our editorial services.
If you are unable to book an editorial package with Meg LaTorre, we encourage you to consider working with the Scribendi team.
Below are additional resources about developmental editing, should you wish to learn more.
iWriterly video: What is a Freelance Developmental Book Editor?
To learn more about freelance editing (what it is, types of editing, and common rates), visit the EFA’s (Editorial Freelancers Association) website.