Editing

Overview Edit

A thorough evaluation of a manuscript’s overall strengths and possible weaknesses, with clear, actionable suggestions for addressing the latter in a comprehensive, detailed editorial letter. Without the embedded notes this is a less granular editorial pass than the full developmental edit, but may be well suited for authors looking to get objective, experienced editorial feedback for revisions, or prior to publication or submission.

Just a few of the exhaustive questions considered are:

• How well does the story work, overall? Does it hold together from beginning to end? Are dramatic tension and conflict sustained throughout? Is the payoff satisfying? Are all the story questions answered and resolved, all loose ends tied up? Are there holes in logic, consistency, or sense?
• Are the characters and their actions believable? Are they three-dimensional and compelling?
• Is the manuscript structured in a way to give the story maximum impact and flow? Are there “dead zones” in forward momentum? Is pace strong? Does the plot compel readers—and the characters?
• Are the stakes high enough to keep readers invested? Consistent? Urgent? Are tension and suspense maintained throughout to keep readers engaged? Is the story immediate, intimate, and visceral?
• Does the prose itself most efficiently serve the story while still conveying the author’s “voice”?

This edit offers an extensive and thorough consideration and analysis of every facet of the story, including all the areas addressed in my downloadable Self-editing Checklist.