Our Top 15 Developmental Editors

What makes a good developmental editor?

What makes an editor the right fit for your developmental editing project? Qualifications are one key component, but in most cases a résumé is just the tip of the iceberg. At ServiceScape, our developmental editors are not only professionals with good qualifications who can correct errors in your book. They are also project partners who are happy to work with you every step of the way.

We specialize in offering top-tier developmental editing services. Your developmental editing partner will consult with you regarding plot development, character creation, and narrative structure. They will respond to your needs, answer every question, and brainstorm with you to approach problems from new angles. They are ahead of the curve in understanding what is expected from your manuscript, and they will apply their knowledge of industry standards to ensure your book is ready for publication.

Use ServiceScape to find the best developmental editing talent

With ServiceScape, you can browse profiles, ratings, and reviews to find the very best professional developmental editor for your project. To get a better sense of what our editors can offer, you can see what types of writing they have edited in the past and read samples of edited materials within their portfolios. Many of our editors have been rated hundreds or even thousands of times. With their proven track record and performance history, you can be confident that your chosen developmental editor will be your perfect partner in perfecting your manuscript for publication.

In addition, our directory of editors is divided into more than 15 developmental subdisciplines. Whether your book is a nonfiction manuscript, an adventure novel, or a collection of short stories, it is easy to navigate our pool of editing talent to find the right editor with the right skill set for your project. We also have editors who specialize in several style manuals, including the Chicago Manual of Style. Just choose your style guide requirement within our directory, and you will be presented with editors who specialize in that style.

Your pathway to the perfect prose

With ServiceScape, you’re not just buying an editing service; you’re investing in your story's potential and in your growth as an author. Our highly skilled and experienced developmental editors dive deep into the heart of your manuscript. We identify strengths, flag weaknesses, and work with you to bring your story to life in the most compelling way possible.

Each project is unique, a reflection of the author's distinct vision. Therefore, our editors adopt a personalized approach, focusing on the intricate details of your story’s architecture. We do more than check for errors; we delve into the DNA of your narrative. We examine pacing, plot consistency, characterization, themes, and conflict, weaving together all these aspects to ensure your story is engaging, cohesive, and, most importantly, yours. Specifically, our developmental editors will provide:

• Plot Assessment: Evaluate the plot structure for consistency, logic, and flow. This includes examining pacing, tension, and conflict to ensure they effectively drive the story forward.
• Character analysis: Review character development for authenticity and growth. This includes assessing the motivations, actions, and dialogue of each character.
• Setting and worldbuilding review: Examine the descriptions of settings and worldbuilding elements to ensure they contribute to the overall narrative.
• Theme evaluation: Identify and analyze the themes and motifs in your manuscript to ensure they align with the story’s intent and will resonate with readers.
• Narrative voice and point of view check: Assess the narrative voice and point of view for consistency and effectiveness in conveying the story.
• Style and tone analysis: Review the style and tone of the manuscript to ensure they complement the story, genre, and target audience.
• Continuity check: Look for any inconsistencies or discrepancies in the plot, character attributes, timeline, or other story elements.
• Feedback and recommendations: Provide a detailed report or annotated manuscript with clear, constructive feedback and actionable recommendations for improving the manuscript.
• Revision support: Offer guidance during the revision process based on the feedback and recommendations provided.
• Consultation and collaboration: Act as a sounding board for your ideas and potential revisions and collaborate with you to enhance the manuscript while preserving your voice and vision.

Your editor will leave comments in the margins regarding any issues that require additional clarification, will highlight ambiguous or factually incorrect statements, and will ensure that everything is internally consistent and ready for publication. They may even suggest rewrites of sections of your manuscript if there could be a better way to get your point across. By the time we are finished, your writing will be enhanced so your voice as an author can shine through.

We offer open and easy communication

At ServiceScape, we believe that authors and editors are co-creators. That's why our developmental editing process is built on a foundation of communication and collaboration. With ServiceScape, it is easy to communicate with your editor before, during, and after your developmental editing project.

If you have any questions regarding experience or expertise, the editor will answer them before you submit your manuscript, and any questions or issues that come up during the editing process will be addressed right away. Once you have received the edited version, you are welcome to continue communicating with your developmental editor to ask questions about the suggested changes, request input regarding further revisions, or share updates on your publishing status. You can even set up a teleconference call with your developmental editor to talk one-on-one regarding your project. With free and open communication, we guarantee that you and your developmental editor will be on the same page throughout the editing process. Our seasoned developmental editors offer insightful feedback and practical suggestions, but you, the author, will always have the final say. We ensure that your voice and your vision shine through!

Developmental editing that covers all of the bases

It's never too early or too late to seek a developmental edit. Whether you have a first draft in need of direction or a near-finished manuscript that lacks that final flourish, ServiceScape is here to assist. We understand how much time and effort you have dedicated to your manuscript. That’s why we offer our services at affordable rates, with a transparent pricing structure listed on each and every editor profile.

When you work with our developmental editors, we promise your manuscript will be protected. We respect your intellectual property, treating every project with the strictest confidentiality. We adhere to the industry’s best practices for data security, ensuring your work is safe in our hands.

Ready to set out on the journey to prose perfection? ServiceScape is eager to partner with you, offering the guidance and support necessary to elevate your story. Contact an editor today and let us help you reach the untapped potential of your manuscript. It's time to turn your storytelling dreams into published reality with ServiceScape's developmental editing services.