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Bold Ideas Become Powerful Stories with Developmental Editing

We believe in the psychology of storytelling, the science of narrative, and the art of writing fearlessly.

Let us help you bring your vision to life, and transform your story into a powerful, immersive experience that resonates.

The Wicked Ink Editing Approach:

Fearless Editing

At Wicked Ink, we don't just edit—we unleash the full potential of your story. Our team of editors are not only passionate about the craft of storytelling, but we also possess a deep understanding of the psychology behind powerful narratives. We embrace fearless writing, pushing boundaries to help you tap into the heart of your story, uncovering its deepest layers, and amplifying the emotional impact that will resonate with readers. We believe in challenging the norms.

Tailored Developmental Editing

Your story is one-of-a-kind, and so are your editing needs. That's why our developmental editing service is completely personalized to align with your vision. We collaborate closely with you, ensuring every aspect of your manuscript is honed to perfection. From strengthening plot dynamics to deepening character arcs, we refine and enhance your narrative, shaping it into a compelling, immersive experience that captivates readers from beginning to end.

Collaborative Follow-up

The editing process doesn't end with the final draft. Once your edit is complete, we’re here to ensure you fully understand the feedback. Enjoy a 60-minute virtual call where we dive deep into the suggestions in your Editorial Letter. This collaborative follow-up gives you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify ideas, and discuss any revisions, empowering you to confidently move forward with your story.

Transparent Pricing

At Wicked Ink, we value honesty and transparency. We offer clear, straightforward pricing, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. No surprises. We believe in providing peace of mind throughout the editing process, so you can focus on your writing while we focus on refining it to perfection. With us, you can trust that every penny spent is an investment in your manuscript's future success. (Priced at $0.02 / per word)

How We Transform Your Manuscript:

In-Depth Story Analysis

Our approach goes beyond simple edits—we conduct a thorough, in-depth analysis of every aspect of your manuscript. From the intricate structure of your plot to the subtler nuances of your themes, we ensure that each chapter builds upon the last, advancing the story in meaningful ways. This detailed examination guarantees that every element of your narrative works together seamlessly, creating a cohesive, captivating story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Fearless Feedback

We don’t shy away from giving you the honest, constructive feedback that your story deserves. Our fearless approach to critique highlights both the strengths of your manuscript and areas for growth, empowering you to tackle your narrative with confidence. We encourage you to push boundaries, explore new directions, and take creative risks, unlocking the full potential of your story and helping you craft something truly exceptional.

Character Psychology Enhancement

Characters are the heart of every great story, and we make sure yours come alive in the most authentic way possible. Through deep exploration of your characters' psychology, we work to add layers of depth and complexity to their motivations, actions, and relationships. This ensures that your characters feel real, relatable, and engaging, making every twist, turn, and emotional beat resonate deeply with readers.

Story Pacing Perfection

The pacing of your story can make or break its impact. That’s why we focus on perfecting the rhythm of your narrative, ensuring that each scene flows seamlessly into the next. Whether it’s heightening tension in pivotal moments or slowing down to allow for emotional depth, we refine your pacing to create a dynamic flow that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to turn each page until the very last one.

Key Areas of Focus in Developmental Editing

We focus on the "big picture," helping you identify opportunities for growth and improvement while maintaining your unique voice and vision.

Plot Structure:

A strong story arc is essential to keeping readers engaged. In this phase, we evaluate the flow and development of your plot, ensuring it’s both compelling and engaging. We’ll help you identify any pacing issues, plot holes, or missed opportunities for tension, and refine the story to maintain a dynamic, captivating rhythm that builds toward a satisfying conclusion.

Dialogue:

Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character and advancing the plot. We’ll help you sharpen your characters’ voices, ensuring their conversations are authentic and purposeful. Dialogue should never feel filler—each line should reveal something about your characters or propel the story forward. We ensure that every exchange contributes meaningfully to the plot and deepens readers’ connection to the characters.

Character Development:

Your characters are the heart of your story, and we work to ensure they are fully realized and multi-dimensional. This means delving into their motivations, fears, and desires, and making sure their growth throughout the story feels natural and impactful. We focus on creating well-rounded characters whose actions and choices resonate with readers, making them emotionally invested in their journey.

Setting and World-Building:

An immersive setting can make or break your story. From vivid descriptions to well-thought-out systems and cultures, we focus on ensuring your setting enhances the narrative and supports the themes of your story. A strong world-building foundation makes your characters’ actions more meaningful and draws readers into the universe you’ve created, heightening their emotional investment.

Pacing:

Pacing is crucial to maintaining tension and keeping your readers hooked from the first page to the last. We help you refine the rhythm of your story, balancing fast-paced action with moments of reflection and emotional depth. Whether you’re building suspense or allowing for character development, we’ll help you keep the narrative moving smoothly and engagingly, avoiding lulls and ensuring each scene serves a purpose.

Narrative Cohesion:

A well-structured story is one where all the pieces fit together seamlessly. We work to ensure that every element of your manuscript—from setting and dialogue to plot and character arcs—feels interconnected and cohesive. We help you weave a tight narrative fabric that keeps readers engaged and ensures your themes, tone, and style are consistent throughout.

When Should You Consider Developmental Editing?

After Completing Your First Draft:

Once your first draft is complete, it’s time to step back and take a deeper look at your story. Developmental editing focuses on refining the overall structure, characters, and themes. It's when you’re ready for substantial revisions to enhance key aspects of your manuscript and transform it into a well-rounded, compelling narrative.

Challenges with Plot and Structure:

If your story struggles with pacing, lacks direction, or experiences major structural issues that disrupt its flow, developmental editing can provide much-needed guidance. Whether it’s fixing plot holes, rearranging scenes, or improving the overall narrative arc, this phase is designed to ensure your plot is tight, engaging, and coherent from start to finish.

Character Development and Consistency:

When your characters lack depth, realistic growth, or consistency, they fail to resonate with readers. Developmental editing helps shape your characters into multi-dimensional individuals who evolve throughout the story. This process ensures that their actions, motivations, and growth are consistent and meaningful, creating a more emotionally engaging reading experience.

Disjointed or Incoherent Elements:

If your manuscript feels disorganized or disjointed—perhaps there are scattered plot points, unclear themes, or mismatched tones—developmental editing ensures that all elements of the story are aligned. We help you weave these components together into a cohesive narrative that flows smoothly and keeps readers invested from beginning to end.

Intricate or Complex Storylines:

For stories with intricate or layered plots, multiple viewpoints, or non-linear timelines, developmental editing is essential for bringing clarity. We help you streamline complex narratives, ensuring each storyline is easily navigable and that all threads of the plot come together in a satisfying and cohesive way. Whether it's managing flashbacks or refining shifting perspectives, we’ll help your narrative shine.

Preparation for Submission or Publishing:

If you’re planning to submit your manuscript to agents, publishers, or self-publish, developmental editing ensures that your work is polished and meets professional standards. We focus on sharpening the manuscript to make it as compelling and market-ready as possible, ensuring it stands out in a competitive industry.

Refining Voice and Style:

Every writer has a unique voice, but sometimes, you may want to enhance or tailor your style to fit your genre, audience, or narrative tone. Developmental editing helps you refine your writing voice, ensuring it’s consistent, engaging, and aligns with the expectations of your target readers. Whether you’re writing literary fiction or fast-paced thrillers, we help you fine-tune your style to maximize its impact.

Post-Beta Reader Feedback:

After receiving feedback from beta readers, you may encounter a range of suggestions, questions, or concerns. Developmental editing offers professional guidance on how to address these points, resolving any narrative inconsistencies, pacing issues, or character development gaps. With expert support, we help elevate your manuscript, ensuring it reaches its full potential and resonates with a wider audience.

Our Developmental Editing Service: What You’ll Receive

Our comprehensive editing process is designed to refine your manuscript while supporting your creative vision.

🔍 Comprehensive Manuscript Evaluation

We begin with three thorough read-throughs of your manuscript to gain an in-depth understanding of your work. This process ensures we capture every essential element of your story.

What you'll receive:

  • Detailed In-Line Comments: Specific suggestions on structure, character development, pacing, and other critical areas.

  • Chapter-by-Chapter Summaries: A breakdown of your manuscript’s strengths, essence, and areas needing improvement.

🖋️ Detailed Editing Markup

Your manuscript will be edited using Track Changes in Microsoft Word, allowing you to see every suggestion, revision, and comment clearly. This organized approach ensures you can easily navigate through all the feedback.

📝 Extensive Editorial Letter

Alongside your edited manuscript, you'll receive a comprehensive editorial letter (typically 20–30 pages, depending on your manuscript’s length).

The editorial letter includes:

  • Actionable Feedback: Practical recommendations on plot structure, character depth, pacing, and dialogue.

  • Personalized Insights: Tailored suggestions that enhance your unique voice and writing style.

  • In-Depth Evaluations: A detailed analysis of all critical elements, such as:

    • Atmosphere & Setting

    • Character Development

    • Dialogue & Pacing

    • Plot Structure & Story Arc

    • Themes & Writing Style

    • Chapter-by-Chapter Summaries

📞 Collaborative Follow-Up

We include a 60-minute virtual call to discuss your Editorial Letter and overall feedback. This one-on-one session is your opportunity to:

  • Ask questions about the feedback.

  • Clarify specific points or suggestions.

  • Develop a clear action plan for the next stage of your manuscript.

💰 Cost: $0.02 / per word

📆 Delivery Time: 20 business days

Take your manuscript to the next level with our comprehensive developmental editing service designed to refine and elevate your story.

This is more than an edit—it's your pathway to a compelling and an unforgettable manuscript.

How to Book Our Developmental Editing Service

From inquiry to delivery: With our simple 6-step booking process.

  • Submit your Developmental Editing Quote to get started. An editor will contact you within one business day with a personalized quote. This form allows us to gather key information about your manuscript, including:

    • Genre

    • Word count

    • Your preferred completion date

  • Once you accept the quote, we’ll send you a detailed service agreement outlining:

    • Terms and conditions

    • Agreed-upon timeline

    • Deliverables & scope of work

    • Payment schedule

    Once the service agreement is accepted, we’ll send you a deposit invoice to confirm your booking. A $150 deposit is required, this deposit secures your spot on our editorial calendar and ensures we can begin work on your manuscript as planned.

  • To officially start the editing process, 50% of the total project cost must be paid by the agreed-upon start date.

    Once the payment is processed:

    Submit your manuscript to us the day prior to when your service is to officially begin. The required manuscript file can be submitted via email and is due by 11:59pm MST, prior to the project start date.

    Follow the submission guidelines below:

    • Full Manuscript

    • 1.5 or 2.0 Line Spacing

    • 12 point font - Times New Roman

    • File Type: .docx

    • File Name: “yourname_title”

  • With your manuscript in hand, our experienced editors will:

    • Thoroughly review your work.

    • Provide suggestions, revisions, and detailed feedback on plot, pacing, character development, and narrative style.

    • Deliver a tracked document with clear edits, comments, and actionable suggestions.

  • As the editing process nears completion, we will send the final invoice balance. The remaining balance must be paid in full before the project’s delivery date to ensure we can provide all agreed-upon deliverables.

  • After receiving your final payment, we will:

    • Deliver the fully edited manuscript.

    • Provide all additional project deliverables, ready for the next phase of your writing journey.

    • Booking link for your follow-up call.

    • Also a link to fill out a feedback (testimonial) form if you wish.

Still Unsure? Let's Talk Editing!

Book a Discovery Call now to make sure a Developmental Edit is the "write" choice for you.

Not ready to commit? Submit a Sample Edit and experience our editing expertise firsthand before making your decision!

Learn More About Developmental Editing

We specialize in the following genres for Developmental Editing

Action & Adventure | Contemporary | Contemporary Romance | Cozy Mystery | Cozy Romance | Crime | Dark Fantasy | Dark Romance

Dystopian | Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Horror | Literary Fiction | Mystery | New Adult | Paranormal | Psychological | Romance

Science Fiction | Serial Killer | Slasher | Supernatural | Suspense | Thriller | Women’s Fiction | Young Adult

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our Developmental Editing service is priced at $0.02 per word, with delivery within 20 business days.

  • Below is an example of a Developmental Editing Quote price breakdown:

    Booking Date: March 1

    Word Count: 75,000

    Project Start: April 1

    Project Due: May 15

    For a 75,000-word manuscript at $0.02 per word, the total cost is $1,500. Here’s an example breakdown:

    • Deposit: A $150 deposit is due upon booking, on March 1 to secure your spot.

    • 50% of the remaining balance ($675): Due at the project start, on April 1.

    • Final balance ($675): Due before receiving the completed deliverables, on May 15.

  • Our developmental editing service provides a comprehensive review of your manuscript, focusing on structure, character development, pacing, and overall story progression:

    • Comprehensive Manuscript Evaluation: Three thorough read-throughs to understand your story’s core elements and identify areas for improvement.

      • Detailed In-Line Comments: Specific suggestions on structure, pacing, and character development.

      • Chapter-by-Chapter Summaries: A breakdown of your manuscript’s strengths and areas needing improvement.

    • Detailed Editing Markup: Using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes, we provide clear and organized feedback, highlighting revisions and comments for easy review.

    • Extensive Editorial Letter: A comprehensive letter (20-30 pages) offering actionable feedback on key areas such as plot structure, character depth, dialogue, and pacing.

      • Personalized Insights: Tailored suggestions to enhance your unique voice and writing style.

      • In-Depth Evaluations: Analysis of atmosphere, setting, themes, and overall writing quality.

    • Collaborative Follow-Up: A 60-minute virtual call to discuss your editorial letter, clarify feedback, and plan your next steps.

  • Developmental editing should be done after the first draft is complete and you're ready for substantial revisions. It’s an essential step when you want to elevate your story’s impact before focusing on line edits and proofreading.

  • To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book your Developmental Editing service on average 1–3 months in advance. However, timelines may vary based on our editorial schedule. If you have a specific deadline, contact us early and we can help secure a spot and plan for any additional editing services.

  • Yes! We love working on all fiction genres. If you’re unsure on what we might bring to your work (genre), feel free to contact us to discuss your project or submit for a Sample Edit.

  • After you receive your edited manuscript and deliverables, we suggest reviewing the feedback and then scheduling your included 60-minute virtual call where you can:

    • Ask questions about the feedback.

    • Clarify specific points or suggestions.

    • Develop a clear action plan for your next draft.

  • Yes, of course! We encourage open communication and are happy to answer any questions. This is why we include the 60-minute virtual call. This is your opportunity with us to answer any questions you may have and go over the feedback!

  • Yes, confidentiality is a top priority. Your manuscript will remain secure and private throughout the editing process. If you decide to move forward with us and book a full editing service, part of our service agreement includes a non-disclosure clause. So your work is fully protected.

  • Yes! We offer a Sample Edit, so you can experience how our feedback works and decide if it aligns with your vision before committing to the full editing service.

    You can also download our Developmental Edit Booklet (Link download) which has more information and a sample of a Developmental Edit.

  • Yes! Absolutely! We provide a free, no-obligation discovery call where we can answer any questions you may have regarding our services. We’ll go over your goals, answer your questions, provide clarity, and recommend the best editing service for your story.

    You can Book your Discovery Call now.

  • Absolutely! After we send you the deliverables and complete the follow-up call, we'll provide you with a link to a feedback form. We truly value your feedback, as it helps future writers who may want to work with us. As a token of our thanks, we offer a discount code for your next editing service after completing the feedback form. While it's entirely up to you, we encourage you to share your thoughts to help us improve and continue offering the best service possible.

  • You can always reach out to us through our Contact Form and we would be happy to answer your questions.