At its core, a developmental edit answers one deeper question: What is holding your manuscript back, why, and how can it be strengthened?
Our developmental editing package evaluates every element of your story—character, plot, pacing, arcs, romance (if any), and overall story development to identify strengths and uncover areas for improvement. In short, we provide a clear roadmap for revision to strengthen your manuscript.
Unlike a beta read, developmental editing doesn't simply identify where readers struggle. It explains why and provides detailed recommendations for how to strengthen the manuscript's structure, emotional arcs, pacing, character development, and overall storytelling. It is, effectively, a comprehensive diagnosis of your entire manuscript.
This service is ideal for authors who want more than reader reactions—they want a professional editorial roadmap for revision.
Starting at $0.035 per word
Booking: A 20% deposit of the total cost is required to secure your developmental editing slot.
Over 100,000 words? Fill out this form to get a custom quote.
What you'll receive:
“Finishing my first novel was exhilarating. Figuring out what to do next? Perplexing. Maybe a little terrifying. There is no roadmap for first-time novelists—at least not one that is particularly easy to follow. I came across Alexa and Luna Imprints Author Services when I was researching possible editing avenues and knew in my bones that she was the editor for me. Alexa is friendly and approachable, incredibly professional and organized, and, by the end of our time working together, she knew my story better than I did. Alexa took all of my rookie-writer oversights and smoothed them out. Her constructive feedback was peppered with lots of praise and many compliments for my characters and plot, and I finished our time working together feeling exhilarated again. Alexa is insightful and experienced, and it is clear that she invests a great deal of time and effort in her writers. Without question, Alexa will be my go-to for any editing services I need in the future.”
Author of That Weekend We Were Millionaires, a middle-grade novel
Pricing is in US dollars and is subject to change. Manuscript length and complexity can lead to additional charges. We will always contact you before proceeding in such cases.
We do not accept manuscripts with a poor mastery of the English language. If you are unsure, please send us the first chapter of your work. Any misrepresentation of the complexity of your novel will lead to your order being cancelled.
Unless otherwise specified on your invoice, turnaround for the majority of our packages is 3-4 weeks. We can accommodate urgent requests, but there will be an additional rush fee. Please contact us in advance.