What does a Developmental Editor do, anyway?

Most people hear “editor” and they think about grammar and punctuation, but as a Developmental Editor, I’m there to take a much bigger picture view. I’ll read (and re-read) your manuscript, and provide feedback on how the major elements of your book are working, such as:

  • Plot

  • Characters

  • Pacing

  • Point of View

  • Genre

I work with authors of Contemporary Romance, Romcom, and Women’s Fiction, helping to bring their vision to life.

My Services

Maybe you just need a set of eyes on your outline to make sure it all hangs together, or maybe you’re looking for an in-depth analysis of your full manuscript… whatever your needs (and your budget) I’ve got you!

  • How it works: You send me your scene-by-scene outline, and I analyze it to test for pacing, plot beats and character development.

    Deliverables: A detailed written analysis of your outline (2-5 pages), with suggestions for areas to improve; follow-up Zoom call

    Turn around: One week

    Cost: $250 USD/CAD

  • How it works: I read your full completed manuscript through once, analyzing the pacing, plot beats, character arcs, tension, stakes and conflict.

    Deliverables: A detailed edit letter (5-10 pages), focusing on what is working, as well as areas of improvement; a follow-up Zoom call and email support

    Turn around: Two weeks

    Cost: $6 USD/CAD per 1000 words

  • How it works: I read your full completed manuscript through twice, analyzing the pacing (on both the scene and big picture level), plot beats (romance and b-story), character arcs (as well as misbeliefs, motivations, agency, relationships, and inconsistencies), character voice and POV, subplots, story world/setting, tension, stakes (internal and external) and conflict (initiation, escalation and resolution).

    Deliverables: A detailed edit letter (10-20 pages), focusing on what is working, as well as areas of improvement; in-line editorial notes; a Reverse Outline (to give you a big picture look at your story); a follow-up Zoom call and email support

    Turn around: Three weeks

    Cost: $22 USD/CAD per 1000 words

A note on pricing: To compensate for the disparity between USD and CAD, my pricing is on par in both currencies.

Work With Me!

Kind words

  • Working with Joanna was an absolute gift. Her editing brought clarity, rhythm, and polish to my work without ever losing or compromising my voice. She has an exceptional eye for detail and a deep understanding of narrative flow, making the entire process seamless and empowering. I can’t recommend her highly enough—Joanna elevates your work and makes you feel like a true collaborator every step of the way.

    Jess Robertson, author of The Reset Journal

  • I wasn’t sure what to expect, as this was my first time working with an editor. Joanna completely blew me away with her thoroughness and insight. Her suggestions on where to start were also super helpful.

    NC Barton, author of The Now in Forever

  • Before I worked with Jo, I thought my manuscript was in pretty good shape--but I was struggling to figure out how to make the first act in particular truly sing. She provided insightful comments that affirmed where it was strong and, even better, helped me understand where it could use work to really connect with readers. Best of all, she offered ideas that helped me bring a fresh eye to characters and storylines I'd been living with for a very long time. Her feedback gave me what I need to take the book from good to great.

    Sarah Rosewolf

  • This was my first time receiving an edit letter and I can tell now why my friends are so excited to get one. It really dove into my issues, the strengths of my manuscript and gave new insight to things I hadn’t considered before. Honestly, I was afraid that it wouldn’t work out but Joanna was such a wonderful person to discuss with on the call and I quite enjoyed her insight into my work and what could potentially make it sing. Her edit letter was robust, there were also comments in the manuscript to help me understand what she was feeling as she read it and it was all delivered to me much earlier than I expected.

    Charisma Williams

Let’s work together.

Think a developmental edit might be right for you? Fill out this form and I’ll be in touch to schedule our FREE Discovery Call!