Developmental Editing Services
Find Your Perfect Developmental Editor
Discover the right fit for your project in our network of editors, offering developmental editing services that strengthen your story’s structure and bring your vision to life.
Find Your Developmental Editor
Mastering Manuscript Structure
Shaping stories that flow and resonate
Every great manuscript starts with a solid story structure. Our developmental editors build that foundation by digging into the heart of your writing—restructuring chapters, strengthening transitions, and sharpening your narrative arc. We focus on what moves the story forward—and trim what doesn’t. Whether you're crafting fiction or nonfiction, we’ll help shape your ideas into a clear, cohesive, and compelling work that keeps readers turning pages.
Crafting Meaningful Characters and Plots
Creating emotionally engaging narratives
Characters with depth and plots with purpose are at the heart of every compelling narrative. ServiceScape developmental editors help you bring them to life—whether you're writing fictional characters or biographical subjects. We work with you to shape believable motivations, layered arcs, and storylines that unfold with intention. By refining the emotional and structural beats, we ensure your plot stays focused and leaves a lasting impression.
Refining Tension and Pacing
Maintaining momentum to keep readers hooked
Great stories keep readers leaning in. Our developmental editors help you manage momentum by adjusting scene length, narrative buildup, and the release of key information. We identify slowdowns that dull interest and spikes that feel rushed, creating a rhythm that sustains engagement. Whether your story simmers or sprints, we’ll help you maintain just the right level of urgency from beginning to end.
Communicate With Your Developmental Editor
Brainstorm and refine through collaborative editing
We believe that effective communication lies at the heart of a successful developmental editing process, fostering collaboration and helping your ideas thrive. With ServiceScape, your developmental editor will always be within reach, whether through a quick message or a scheduled teleconference call. Engage in brainstorming sessions, freely share your ideas, and receive expert feedback that sharpens and refines your manuscript.
Specialized Expertise for Your Manuscript
Developmental editors who understand your subject
At ServiceScape, finding a developmental editor with real-world expertise in your subject matter is simple. Our professionals bring years of experience and subject-specific insight to every project. By understanding the nuances of your genre or field, they enhance your manuscript’s clarity, accuracy, and depth—while also aligning it with industry expectations. The result is writing that feels both informed and engaging, fully tailored to your subject and audience.
How It Works
Have your manuscript edited in three steps
Browse profiles of accomplished editing professionals.
Send your files and provide any details regarding the project.
Receive the edited manuscript before your requested due date.
Our Editing Service Marketplace
Choose your own developmental editor
With ServiceScape, you can select the perfect developmental editor for your needs from our network of highly skilled professionals.
Many of our developmental editors:
- Hold Ph.D. or Master's degrees
- Offer decades of developmental editing experience
- Have hundreds of client ratings and reviews
- Are experts across a wide range of genres
330 Client Reviews
10,101 Pages Edited
B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina
2,316 Client Reviews
55,473 Pages Edited
J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law
447 Client Reviews
23,677 Pages Edited
M.A. in Asian Studies from UC Berkeley
2,460 Client Reviews
106,307 Pages Edited
Writer at PBS
995 Client Reviews
67,131 Pages Edited
Copy Editor at McGraw-Hill Publishing
25 Client Reviews
751 Pages Edited
Copy Editor at Nella Media Group
732 Pages Edited
Ph.D. in Education from the University of Central Florida
4,557 Client Reviews
247,776 Pages Edited
Ph.D. in History from the University of Virginia
7,658 Client Reviews
282,684 Pages Edited
M.A. in TESOL Education from the University of North Carolina
116 Client Reviews
9,450 Pages Edited
Ph.D. in Political Science from Claremont Graduate University
124 Client Reviews
4,251 Pages Edited
Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of California
230 Client Reviews
15,897 Pages Edited
Director of Communications at the Yale Center
490 Client Reviews
25,351 Pages Edited
Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Illinois
852 Client Reviews
31,253 Pages Edited
Director at Aetna
2,384 Client Reviews
52,608 Pages Edited
Copy Editor at Intergroup Japan
15 Client Reviews
596 Pages Edited
Lecturer at the University of Pretoria
2,333 Client Reviews
90,023 Pages Edited
Ph.D. in English from the University of Nebraska
308 Client Reviews
15,657 Pages Edited
Editor at Elsevier Inc.
Learn More About Our Editing Services
The ServiceScape Advantage
Your Questions, Answered
FAQ
At ServiceScape, our developmental editing services are designed to enhance the fundamental aspects of your manuscript, preparing it for success in the publishing landscape:
- Structure and Organization Refinement: Evaluating and reorganizing the manuscript's structure for logical flow and coherence, essential for maintaining reader engagement.
- Character Development: Deepening character complexity and relatability, ensuring characters contribute effectively to the narrative.
- Plot Enhancement: Strengthening plot structure, addressing plot holes, and ensuring pacing keeps readers captivated from beginning to end.
- Theme and Message Clarity: Clarifying and intensifying the manuscript's themes and messages to resonate more profoundly with readers.
- Narrative Voice and Tone Adjustments: Fine-tuning the manuscript's voice and tone to align with its genre and target audience, enriching the reader's experience.
- Feedback and Recommendations: Providing in-depth feedback and actionable recommendations for overall improvement, focusing on narrative strengths and weaknesses.
- Dialogue Refinement: Enhancing dialogue to ensure it's authentic, engaging, and serves the story effectively.
- Conflict and Tension Building: Amplifying narrative conflict and tension to maintain intrigue and propel the story forward.
- Worldbuilding for Fiction: Expanding the manuscript's setting details for fiction, creating immersive and believable worlds.
- Argument Strengthening for Non-Fiction: Solidifying arguments and supporting evidence in non-fiction works to increase persuasiveness and impact.
- Reader Engagement Strategies: Implementing strategies to heighten reader interest and emotional investment.
- Genre-Specific Guidance: Offering insights based on genre conventions while encouraging elements that distinguish your manuscript.
- Market Positioning Analysis: Assessing how the manuscript fits within the current market and suggesting adjustments for enhanced appeal.
Our developmental editors are seasoned professionals with the expertise to tackle these complex components, ensuring your manuscript not only meets but surpasses the expectations of publishers and readers alike. Choosing ServiceScape connects you with experts dedicated to the craft and success of your narrative journey.
ServiceScape editors have proudly contributed to the publication success of authors across a wide range of genres, both fiction and non-fiction. Our clients' works have been accepted by various publishing houses, including:
- Penguin Random House
- HarperCollins
- Cambridge University Press
- Oxford University Press
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Tor Books
- Scholastic Inc.
- Simon & Schuster
- Wiley
- SAGE Publishing
- Elsevier
- Routledge
- Hachette Book Group
- McGraw-Hill Education
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Baen Books
- Berkley Books
- Hay House
- Zondervan
- Palgrave Macmillan
- Algonquin Books
- Chronicle Books
- Candlewick Press
- Peachtree Publishers
- InterVarsity Press
- Skyhorse Publishing
- The MIT Press
- Beacon Press
- DK Publishing
- Jossey-Bass
You can hire an editor by just browsing our marketplace of editors, clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to hire, and clicking on the "Hire Me" button. After your payment method has been processed, your editor will get to work and will deliver the edited version before your due date.
A list of prices and due dates can be found within each editor's profile. Just find your editor and click on the "View Profile" button.
Our fastest delivery option is one hour using our Express Delivery service.
Sure! Many ServiceScape editors provide free samples. You can submit a free sample request by just browsing our marketplace of editors, clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to request a free sample from, and clicking on the "Free Sample" button. If the editor accepts your free sample request, you will receive the sample edited version within a couple of days.
You can send a message to an editor by just browsing our marketplace of editors, clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to contact, and clicking on the "Send Message" button. We will email you a notification as soon as your editor replies to your message.
You can schedule a teleconference call by just browsing our marketplace of editors, clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to contact, and clicking on the "Teleconference" button. We will contact you right away about availability and set up the teleconference for all parties involved.
You can find ratings and reviews from past clients within most editor profiles. Just find your editor and click on the "View Profile" button to see them. You can also read thousands of ServiceScape ratings and reviews on eKomi.
In addition, ServiceScape has been featured in several publications and websites, including The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, UpWork, HuffPost, and The Ladders.
Many editors have portfolios which feature their editing. Just find your editor and click on the "View Profile" button to view these edited versions.
Yes, we provide editing certifications. Simply request the document when you hire an editor. When your project is delivered, you can download the editing certification by clicking on your project and clicking on the "Certification" button. These signed declarations certify that a document has been professionally edited by a ServiceScape editor.
Our Testimonials and Experience
What we bring to the table
ServiceScape is built on 25 years worth of experience, working on over 345,000 projects with over 99,000 clients. Our developmental editing services are rated 5 out of 5 stars, based on 13 reviews collected over the last 5 years. Join the thousands of people who have chosen ServiceScape to find the best and brightest talent.
"My freelancer's attention to detail and commitment to quality exceeded my expectations. Every aspect of the project was handled with utmost professionalism."
"I was amazed by the promptness and efficiency of the person I hired. The project was completed well ahead of the deadline, without compromising on quality."
"The level of creativity and innovation in his approach was outstanding. He truly transformed my ideas into something extraordinary!"
"Exceptional service! The professional was incredibly responsive and attentive to all my requirements, making the entire process seamless and enjoyable."
"I highly recommend her services. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the freelancer were top-notch, and the results were simply superb."
"The quality of work delivered was impeccable. Every detail was carefully considered and executed to perfection. Absolutely thrilled with the service!"
"Her ability to understand and adapt to my specific needs was remarkable. The final product was exactly what I was hoping for, and more."
"Prompt, professional, and passionate about her work. She went above and beyond to ensure the project's success."
"The service was outstanding from start to finish. Communication was clear and frequent, keeping me in the loop at every stage."
"Truly impressed by the quick turnaround time. This professional managed to deliver a high-quality result in a remarkably short period."
"His commitment is evident in his work. He made sure I was completely happy with the final outcome."
"A blend of professionalism, skill, and creativity. This individual brought a fresh perspective to the project that was both inspiring and effective."
"The freelancer's expertise in his field is unmatched. He provided invaluable insights and suggestions that greatly enhanced the project."
"I appreciated his attention to detail and dedication to delivering a product that not only met, but exceeded my expectations."
"Her approach to the project was both thorough and innovative. She managed to capture the essence of my vision perfectly. Thank you so much!"
"Remarkable service! The quality of work was consistently high, and her ability to meet tight deadlines was impressive."