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Story Editing
  • Story Editing
  • Story Editing
Story Editing

Story Editing

$0.04
$0.04
per word
ServiceStandard

Typical novels range from 70,000–100,000 words.

Total Editing Price: $0.00

Deposit Due Today: $0.00

Remaining Balance: $0.00

Placing your deposit reserves space on my calendar for your project.

Before work begins, I will confirm your submitted word count and send over an official contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and terms.

If, for any reason, I am unable to complete your submitted project, your deposit will be refunded in full. Once the contract is signed and work has begun the deposit is nonrefundable

For larger projects, I offer an optional 30 minute discovery call so we can discuss your manuscript, goals, and ensure the service is the right fit for your needs.

This conversation gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the editing process and helps ensure you feel confident moving forward before committing to a larger project.

If you would like to schedule a discovery call or submit a sample for evlautaion prior to booking, please contact me so we can work through next steps.

Accepted file types: DOC, DOCX

The dates shown are currently available editing completion dates (the date your edited manuscript will be returned).

A strong story does more than sound good on the page—it delivers a satisfying emotional experience for the reader.

Story editing (also known as developmental editing) is a big-picture review of your manuscript. This stage focuses on whether the foundation of your story is working: structure, pacing, character motivations, stakes, and the promise your story makes to the reader.

At this level, we are not focused on sentence polishing. Instead, we evaluate whether the core elements of your story align with reader expectations for your genre and the journey you intend for your ideal reader. 

If the structure underneath the prose is not working, even beautifully written sentences cannot carry the story. Story editing helps ensure the underlying framework is strong enough to support everything built on top of it.

Story Editing Includes

Story Editing looks at how all the moving pieces of your manuscript work together to create a cohesive narrative.

Story Structure & Plot

  • does the story follow a clear narrative arc?
  • does the opening establish the right expectations?
  • does the pacing maintain momentum?
  • are key turning points positioned effectively?

Character Development

  • does the protagonist have a clear goal and motivation?
  • do character choices feel believable?
  • does the emotional journey evolve in a satisfying way?
  • are supporting characters contributing to the story?

Conflict & Stakes

  • are the stakes clear and meaningful?
  • does tension build appropriately throughout the manuscript?
  • does the story escalate in a way that keeps readers engaged?

Genre Expectations

  • does the manuscript deliver the core elements readers expect from this genre?
  • does the story fulfill the promise it makes to the reader?
  • are familiar story patterns being used intentionally rather than accidentally?

Clarity & Cohesion

  • are there plot gaps or confusing elements?
  • are important ideas introduced clearly and followed through?
  • does the story maintain internal consistency?

What You Will Receive

Your Story Edit includes detailed in-line feedback designed to help you strengthen the manuscript as a whole:

  • detailed in-line feedback, including reader reactions
  • a comprehensive editorial letter outlining strengths and opportunities for improvement
  • specific recommendations for strengthening structure, pacing, and character arcs
  • identification of plot gaps, inconsistencies, or areas needing clarification
  • suggestions for improving reader engagement and narrative flow
  • guidance on aligning the story with genre expectations
  • margin comments throughout the manuscript highlighting key areas for revision

Feedback is designed to be clear, practical, and actionable so you know exactly what to revise and why.

When Story Editing Is Most Helpful

Story Editing is ideal if:

  • you have complete or mostly complete full draft
  • you feel something isn’t quite working but aren’t sure why
  • you want to strengthen the emotional impact of your story
  • you want to ensure your manuscript meets reader expectations for your genre
  • you want guidance before investing in line editing or proofreading
  • you are preparing to query agents or publish