✨ Professional Developmental Editing
Deep, story-level editing to refine your novel’s structure, character arcs, and emotional impact—scene by scene.
🎉 NaNoWriMo & Novel November Special
My editorial rates are deeply lowered to support authors during NaNoWriMo and Novel November, helping you finish, revise, and polish your story with professional guidance. Rates may increase throughout November depending on interest and availability, so booking early (pre-November) is the best way to lock in this special pricing before spots fill.
💰 $0.01 USD per Word ($250 Minimum Project Fee)
Get intensive, story-driven editing from a romance author who understands how to guide your manuscript from good to unforgettable. My developmental editing service includes detailed in-manuscript comments, a targeted editorial letter that looks at your story as a whole, and chapter-by-chapter insights to help shape structure, deepen emotional arcs, and sharpen reader engagement. Whether you’re pursuing traditional or indie publishing, this is your most comprehensive path to a stronger, more compelling novel that will leave fans wanting more.
📌 For manuscripts that are fully drafted, self-edited, and ready for intensive revision. I recommend it after alpha reading, a manuscript evaluation, and beta reading. It comes prior to any line editing or copyediting.
💬 Not sure if this is the right service for you? Let’s talk about where you are in your process. I’ll help you find your best next step!
💬 What Authors Are Saying
“Boy do I have something to say! I originally sent my manuscript to another editor who promised an 8–12 week turnaround. At the 12-week mark, after three months of silence, I checked in—only to be told they hadn’t even started and might begin within the next month. I had a line edit (and copyedit and proofread) already scheduled, and moving it would’ve cost me time, money, and a complete rescheduling of my publishing timeline.
A friend recommended Natasha, and I reached out. She responded quickly, let me know she was wrapping up another edit, and said she could start mine the following Monday, maybe even sooner. I sent the manuscript early just in case, and to my surprise, she started early and kept me updated every step of the way. No wondering, no ghosting. I always knew exactly where she was in the process.
This was a 150,000-word epic fantasy manuscript, and she turned it around in just two weeks without cutting corners. Over 1,500 in-line Track Changes comments. A detailed editorial letter. And her chapter-by-chapter report which gave me even more to think about. She was supportive, yet critical in the best way.
I hope Natasha likes epic fantasy, because this entire series is coming straight to her from now on.”
—Terry
“I’ve worked with multiple developmental editors over the years—including senior editors from Big Five publishers—and Natasha’s edit was the best I’ve ever received. Period. Her feedback was sharp, clear, and deeply insightful, and she somehow balanced big-picture structural guidance with scene-level emotional nuance. I had a tight deadline after one of my usual editors fell behind, and Natasha stepped in and turned around a comprehensive, high-quality edit that kept my release schedule on track. I write several books a year under multiple pen names, and from now on, she’s the only developmental editor I want touching my work.”
—K., Multi-Pen Name, Multi-Genre Author
“I thought my romance manuscript was in pretty solid shape—until I saw Natasha’s developmental edit. She found pacing issues, flat emotional beats, and missed opportunities between my characters that I never would’ve noticed on my own. Her in-manuscript comments were kind, specific, and incredibly insightful, and the chapter-by-chapter feedback helped me see where the emotional tension needed to rise or pull back. Her edit didn’t just improve the book—it made me a stronger romance writer. I already have my next project lined up with her.”
—S.A., Romance Author
“This was, hands down, money well spent. I sent Natasha my 120,000-word fantasy manuscript on a tight turnaround, and not only did she finish it fast—she gave me the most in-depth, thoughtful developmental edit I’ve ever received. Her feedback included over a thousand in-manuscript comments, plus chapter-by-chapter notes and a clear plan for revision. It was sharp, encouraging, and incredibly energizing. I came away with a stronger story and a clear sense of what it could become. I can’t wait to see where this book goes from here—and I already know who I’m hiring for the next one.”
—Ron
💡 What Is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing focuses on the core structure and emotional effectiveness of your story. This isn’t about fixing typos or grammar—it’s about making sure your novel works at every level: plot, pacing, character arcs, emotional payoff, and reader engagement.
This is my most time-intensive and personalized service, designed to support you through a transformative revision.
You’ll receive detailed, hands-on feedback through in-manuscript comments, a targeted editorial letter, and a chapter-by-chapter report—giving you a clear path forward from scene-level adjustments to structural reshaping.
📘 What You’ll Receive:
- Two full read-throughs of your manuscript—because some issues don’t reveal themselves until the second pass.
- Track Changes comments throughout your manuscript, providing scene-level reactions, questions, and suggestions.
- A focused editorial letter summarizing broader developmental insights on structure, character, romance arc (if applicable), pacing, and tone.
– 📝 This letter won’t be as lengthy as a manuscript evaluation, since the bulk of specific commentary will be in your manuscript via Track Changes.
– For example: I may leave notes throughout your manuscript identifying moments where pacing drags, while the editorial letter will zoom out and explain how pacing affects the story’s overall flow and engagement. - A chapter-by-chapter feedback report that evaluates:
1. Whether each chapter is pulling its weight.
2. Pacing and flow.
3. Whether it starts and ends with momentum.
4. How it contributes to the plot, character growth, and emotional arc. - A blend of story-level guidance and scene-level suggestions to help you revise with clarity and purpose.
- Email follow-up support after delivery—ask questions, clarify feedback, or talk through revision ideas (no extra charge)!
💡 For example, if your manuscript is 50,000 words, the total cost would be $500 and include two full reads, in-document edits, chapter feedback, and a summary letter.
💬 Please note: The number of Track Changes comments and the level of detail in your editorial letter and chapter notes will vary based on how much work your manuscript needs. Every story is unique—my feedback is always tailored to meet your book where it is.
🧠 What I Analyze in Your Edit
Your feedback package is delivered in three layers:
1. ✍️ Editorial Letter
Summarizes the manuscript’s overall structure, character arcs, emotional beats (if applicable, such as for romance), genre fulfillment, pacing, tone, and reader experience.
2. 💬 In-Manuscript Comments
Plentiful, detailed comments using Track Changes, offering:
- Scene-by-scene suggestions
- Clarification or expansion prompts
- Emotional tension notes
- Praise for what’s working
- Redirection where momentum dips
3. 📄 Chapter-by-Chapter Report
Chapter-specific notes addressing:
- Is the chapter essential and engaging?
- Does it move the story forward emotionally or structurally?
- How effective are the hooks and endings?
- Are there any flat, repetitive, or off-tone moments?
🔁 Optional Add-On: Follow-Up Developmental Edit
Have you revised your manuscript after a full developmental edit and want a second set of eyes before moving on to line editing?
This optional one-pass follow-up is designed for returning clients who’ve completed meaningful revisions based on my original developmental feedback. I’ll do a full read-through and leave new Track Changes comments on any added or revised scenes, as well as highlight lingering issues that still need work.
This is not a full developmental edit—it’s a focused, final pass to help ensure your revisions are strong and your story is ready for the next stage.
You’ll also receive:
- A short summary of updated feedback across key areas (plot, character arc, romance progression, pacing, etc.).
- Chapter-level review notes highlighting any remaining or new issues—not a full chapter breakdown.
💰 Rate: $0.0075 per word (USD) (Lowered for a limited time)
🔒 Minimum fee: $150
📌 Requires: A completed Developmental Edit through me and clear, meaningful revision work.
📅 Scheduling: Must be booked separately and scheduled after revisions.
🎁 Request a Free Sample Edit
Curious how I approach developmental editing? I offer a free sample edit of your manuscript’s opening scene (up to ~ 1,500–2,000 words).
You’ll receive in-manuscript comments via Track Changes and a short summary of the developmental areas I’d focus on if we worked together.
This no-pressure sample is a great way to see if our styles click—before you book.
Even better, I also include a sample line edit and copyedit so you can see how these stages can benefit your book, too.
📩 Ready to request a sample? Reach out through my contact form and mention you’d like a free developmental sample edit!
💼 Confidentiality & Professional Agreements
Every developmental edit includes:
- A signed confidentiality agreement.
- A clear, professional contract outlining scope, expectations, and payment terms.
💵 Payment Terms
NaNoWriMo & Novel November Discount Rate (Rate subject to availability)
$0.01 USD per word
🧾 Minimum Project Fee: $250 USD
✨ Includes two full read-throughs, in-manuscript Track Changes comments, a focused editorial letter, and chapter-by-chapter feedback
To reserve your spot, a non-refundable minimum payment of $250 USD is due at the time of booking. This deposit secures your place on the schedule and applies toward your total project fee.
If your manuscript exceeds 25,000 words:
• 50% of your total fee is due on or before your scheduled start date (minus the $250 deposit)
• The remaining balance is due upon project completion, prior to delivery of your editorial materials
💡 Example pricing:
For a 50,000-word manuscript at the standard rate ($500 total):
• $250 due at booking (non-refundable deposit)
• No additional payment by your scheduled start date (covered by the deposit)
• $250 due at project completion (before materials are delivered)
💸 Manuscript Loyalty Pricing Applies
This service qualifies for my Manuscript Loyalty Pricing program. When you complete more than one editorial service for the same manuscript, you’ll unlock growing discounts (2.5% per service) and earn retroactive credit—up to a total of 20% off.
👉 See how Loyalty Pricing works →
🪜 Need Help Planning Your Writing Journey?
Each of my services fits into a structured, author-tested 11-step writing process designed to take your romance novel from concept to polished manuscript.
👉 Explore my 11-Step Romance Writing Process →
📄 Submission Requirements
- Manuscripts must be complete and self-edited.
- I do not accept partial manuscripts, unfinished drafts, or rough first drafts for this service.
– Please submit your current best version—the draft you’ve already revised and are serious about improving.
📩 Manuscript Submission
- Submit your manuscript in .docx format
- Files are due by 8:00 AM (ET) on your scheduled start date
- Late submissions may result in rescheduling or a delay in receiving your edit
🔍 Genre & Content Guidelines
This service is designed for fully drafted novels of any genre of fiction. While I specialize in romance, I’m happy to work with authors across any genre as long as the manuscript focuses on character development, emotional arcs, and story structure.
I do not accept manuscripts that include rape as an active plot element. If this occurred off-page and is only referenced, I’m happy to discuss comfort levels in advance. If your story includes dark or taboo elements, please provide appropriate content or trigger warnings so I can ensure the project is a good fit before booking.
🕒 Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is variable, depending on manuscript length and my writing schedule. Your edit may be completed in as little as a week or two, or may take several weeks to a couple of months.
💬 Have a target deadline in mind? Reach out—I’m happy to discuss availability.
🛠️ Why Work With Me?
As both an author and editor, I understand what makes a story resonate—whether it’s a sweeping romance, a deeply entertaining fantasy journey, or a high-stakes plot driven by emotional depth and character growth.
Working with me means more than just receiving a brief report or a handful of comments. You’re getting a deep, story-level edit that explores structure, character arcs, emotional throughlines, and pacing. I act as a creative compass—guiding you toward a more cohesive, compelling version of the story you want to tell.
I specialize in helping authors bring clarity to their revisions, strengthen character motivations, deepen emotional impact, and ensure their story delivers on the promise it makes to readers. Whether you’re writing romance or another genre entirely, I’ll help you tighten what’s working, fix what’s not, and move forward with confidence.
💌 Ready to Book?
Let’s talk about your manuscript and get you on the schedule.
💰 Rate: $0.01 per word (USD) (Pricing while it lasts)
🔒 Minimum Project Fee: $250
✨ Includes two full read-throughs, in-manuscript Track Changes comments, a focused editorial letter, and chapter-by-chapter feedback
Visit my contact form so we can get started! (I reply fast!)
💬 Not sure if this is the right fit? I’m happy to answer questions.