Developmental Editing

Manuscript Assessment

A high-level editorial review that helps you understand what's working, what isn't, and where to focus your revisions before moving to the next stage.

Is this service right for you?

To help your novel reach its full potential, a comprehensive, unbiased review is essential. Our full developmental editing service provides an in-depth analysis of your manuscript, identifying issues at the scene and chapter level, explaining why they occur, and offering detailed suggestions to strengthen every aspect of the story.

A manuscript assessment serves a different purpose. Rather than providing a full editorial breakdown, it offers a high-level professional evaluation of your completed draft, helping you understand the biggest opportunities for improvement before investing in a developmental edit or embarking on another round of revisions.

If you're feeling stuck in your manuscript—or unsure whether your story is truly landing—this service is designed to give you clarity without the time or cost of a full developmental edit. After reading your novel, we'll identify the three or four key areas that deserve your attention and help you build a practical roadmap for moving forward with confidence.

 

Our expertise, cost, and turnaround time

Genres:
Fantasy, romance (including paranormal), young adult (romance, dystopian, fantasy), and thrillers
Cost:

Starting at $495 USD (final quote based on manuscript length).

 

What’s included:

  • A complete read-through of the manuscript.
  • A 2–4 page assessment letter (not an editorial report) covering:
    • What is the novel's strongest element?
    • What is the biggest obstacle holding it back?
    • Is the opening working?
    • Is the structure fundamentally sound?
    • What should the author prioritize over the next revision?
    • Is the manuscript ready for a developmental edit, or would additional self-revision be more cost-effective?
  • A 45-minute strategy call to discuss the assessment and next steps.

What's not included:

  • Scene-by-scene analysis.
  • Chapter-by-chapter feedback.
  • Inline manuscript comments.
  • Detailed structural solutions or rewrite suggestions.

Best suited for authors:

  • with a completed first draft
  • who want to know whether they're ready for a developmental edit or what to tackle first.

 

Limited availability: To ensure quality and quick turnaround, I take on a limited number of these each month. You will be notified of the first available opening upon receipt of the form.

 

Booking: A 20% deposit of the total cost is required to secure your slot.

 

Turnaround:
1 week

Quick Quote

Round up to nearest 1,000 words
Estimated Cost:
Estimated cost subject to change. You can request an official quote here.
USD 
0.00

Do you need this?

Questions?

What authors say about us

“Her word is her bond, and her abilities are stellar”

“Alexa with Luna Imprints Author Services has been my only editor for eight books, ranging from historical fiction to paranormal mystery. She is incredibly thorough and professional. She does what she says she will do, in the time that she says she will do it. Her word is her bond, and her abilities are stellar. Highly recommended!”

Grace Colline

Author of Ladies of Lytchley and Jenna Rayne series

IMPORTANT NOTICES
Pricing

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.

English Proficiency

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.

Turnaround

Unless otherwise specified on your invoice, turnaround for the majority of our packages is 2-3 weeks. We can accommodate urgent requests, but there will be an additional rush fee. Please contact us in advance.