DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS

Get IN-DEPTH and ACTIONABLE EDITING FEEDBACK to make your book THE BEST IT CAN BE.

For writers who have a revised manuscript, developmental editing can help you strengthen your story and draw out its full potential so you’re publishing your best work.

Here’s the deal: every book needs an editor.

Even I, as an editor, need an editor for my stories. Why? Because it’s so hard to be objective about our own work. It’s hard to see what we’re missing, it’s hard to know what a new reader would struggle to understand, it’s hard to fix what we don’t know needs fixing.

That’s why a fresh perspective helps. And not just a fresh perspective, but a professional, trained perspective. As a fiction editor with over 7 years of both in-house and freelance experience, I’m well equipped to dig deep into your manuscript and draw out your story’s potential.

You’ve done the hard work of writing the book, now let me help you shape it for success.

Developmental Editing

This is an in-depth analysis of the big picture elements of your novel, such as character development, plot, structure, worldbuilding, pacing, themes and more. My feedback, in the form of an extensive editorial report, will help you ensure everything in your story is working together.

What’s included:

In-line comments and suggestions.

Tracked Changes to show suggested edits.
A detailed editorial report upwards of 10k words which includes character profiles, creative element analysis, a Three-Act Structure breakdown, and “next step” advice.
An optional 60-minute coaching call post edit.

Get in touch for a quote

Investment: Prices are calculated per word in Great British Pounds.

Payment plans are available.

A developmental edit is best for writers who…

☑ Have a completed and revised manuscript nearing the stage of publication or querying.

☑ Want in-depth feedback on how the creative story elements can be developed for maximum impact.

☑ Work well with written feedback that can be used as a guide.

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 respond with a proposed timeline and quote. If my availability or genre specialties don’t align with your book, I may refer you to my associate editor. To book your place, you’ll need to sign a contract.

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.

Let’s work together

Why might I be the best editor for you?

☑ Broad genre knowledge — including fantasy, crime, thriller, mystery, romance, historical fiction, YA and MG.

☑ Accredited, editing-specific training and in-house experience.

☑ An empathetic and solution-oriented approach that empowers my writers and nurtures creativity.

This is just what I need

WHAT THEY’RE saying

“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 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.”

— Victoria, fantasy writer

“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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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.
Editors can book out months in advance. (I’m usually booked out around 8 months in advance. My associate editor is usually booked 1 month 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.

The editing process can vary depending on how many projects I have on the go, the word count of your book, and the level of work required. I usually complete developmental edits in 5-8 weeks. My associate editor usually gives about 7-10 weeks.
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!
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.
I’m not the best fit for gory horror or erotica.
My associate editor works with fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and romance.

WHAT THEY’RE saying

“I had been revising the beginning of my book for a while and it had gotten to a point where I was just too close to the text to work out what was working and what wasn't. Having Isobelle's trained eye on my chapters was exactly what I needed to see the woods from the trees. She took the time to understand my story and what I wanted to achieve and then she compiled a comprehensive report on what she thought was working and what could be improved. Her feedback has been incredibly instructive and has also shown me where I can build on my writing craft for the future.”

— Megan, historical fantasy writer

“The first thing that made me want to work with Isobelle is the fact that when she asked about my book she sounded genuinely interested. She's such a thoughtful person, never pressuring me or trying to change my story to fit her image of what it should be. Instead she makes suggestions on how certain aspects might be improved, and leaves it up to me to make the ultimate decision. She's enthusiastic and attentive about her work, and it's really easy and comfortable working with her. She's not only a really down to earth person, but also brings a genuine passion into her work which will no doubt bring the best out of your stories.”

— Joanna, fantasy writer