In-depth and solutions-based editing to help you write your best book.
Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or getting ready to query, editing can help hone your writing skills and set you on the right track.
Developmental Editing
A developmental edit is for writers who have finished their draft and completed self-edits. This edit will help you smooth out and strengthen your story before pursuing publication.
This is an in-depth analysis of the big picture elements of your novel. I will edit your manuscript in Word using Track Changes and Comments to highlight your areas of strength and provide suggestions for improvements.
Developmental edits are accompanied by a detailed editorial report of between 10-30 pages, which features character profiles, an overview of your plot and conflicts, in-depth creative element analysis (plot, setting, pacing, themes, etc.), a Three-Act Structure breakdown, and “next step” advice.
Investment: Prices are calculated per word. Get in touch for a quote! (Payments are made in installments to make them more manageable.)
Who this is for:
Writers with revised manuscripts ready to self-publish or query for traditional publishing.
What’s included:
• In-line comments and suggestions.
• A detailed, personalised editorial report.
• An optional 60-minute coaching call post edit.
“Working with Isobelle was a pleasure and really helped me identify my strengths as a writer and home in on areas for improvement.
Isobelle is so gracious in how she delivers feedback and had my story’s best interests in mind as she did. I can move forward with my developmental edits confident that my story will improve thanks to Isobelle’s recommendations!”
— Catherine, historical fiction writer
The process
STEP ONE
Get in touch for a quote and to check my availability. Make sure you let me know in your enquiry your word count, genre, and when you’re looking to work together.
STEP TWO
I’ll get back to you with a proposed timeline and quote and we’ll discuss your book and what you need. If you’re happy, I’ll send over the contract for you to sign. Your place in my schedule is booked as soon as the contract is signed.
STEP THREE
Before our start date, I’ll send over the first invoices. Most of my payments are split into three — a non-refundable 25% deposit with the contract, 25% before the edit, and the remaining 50% before returning the edit.
STEP FOUR
Send me your manuscript and additional documents before the edit and I’ll get to work! I’ll email everything back to you once I’m done, send out the final invoice, and be available for a follow-up coaching call.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Let’s be honest, you don’t need anything. However, an objective, professional set of eyes on your work could make a big difference and better your chances of producing a book that will hook agents and publishers.
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Beta readers are invaluable for gaining a reader’s perspective of your work. However, they are not a trained professional. An editor will have knowledge and insights your beta readers won’t, so it is certainly advantageous to work with an editor.
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Editors can book out months in advance. (I’m usually booked out 6 months in advance.) So, to avoid disappointment, I suggest you reach out to an editor once you’ve finished your first draft. That will give you time to do your own revisions, get beta feedback and implement it. You don’t want to be cutting it fine to deliver your manuscript.
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The editing process can vary depending on how many projects I have on the go and the level of work required. However, I usually complete developmental edits in 5-8 weeks and the coaching and critique in 8 weeks.
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Firstly, you send me an email enquiry and tell me about your book. I’ll be in touch with a quote and proposed timeline. If they suit you, I’ll send over a contract for you to sign. I’ll also invoice for a 25% holding deposit. 25% will be invoice again just before the edit begins and the remaining 50% will be due just before completion. I will explain the process when you enquire and I’m always happy to clarify anything you’re unsure about!
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My first loves are crime — I am a big fan of thrillers, locked-room mysteries, cosy mystery, etc. — and fantasy — from urban to magical realism to epic.
I also work with historical fiction (big history buff here!) and romance.
“Isobelle gave me such detailed and specific feedback that I feel confident now not only in editing what I have so far but also in moving forward with my story.
Isobelle’s report was immensely thorough and helped me with my characterization, setting, pacing, and many other elements that needed work. Isobelle gave me such detailed and specific feedback that I feel confident now not only in editing what I have so far but also in moving forward with my story. I’ve read her report through many times so far, and I know that I will be returning to her advice many more times in the future. I now understand why she is booked so far in advance! Working with Isobelle was a great experience. I had never worked with an editor before and didn't know exactly what to expect, but Isobelle’s feedback was beyond anything I ever expected to receive. I will absolutely be using Isobelle’s services again in the future and I would definitely recommend her to other writers.”
— Victoria, fantasy writer