Fiction editing
Developmental editing gives you detailed feedback on what works in your story and what doesn't. All developmental editing services include a report full of tips and actionable feedback to improve your novel, and there'll be plenty of opportunities to discuss your project and the feedback with me too.
Fiction developmental editing is for:
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New authors who want to query or self-publish confidently
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More experienced authors who feel something isn't right or does not work in their novel
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Authors who want to take their writing up a level and discuss their craft
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Authors who want to better understand what they do well and what is unique about their style
My aim is to leave you feeling well-supported, aware of what you do well and what could be improved, and with a clear plan of what to do next.
You will receive feedback on:
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Problems with your manuscript
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Things you do well
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Audience
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Point of view
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Plot
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Pacing
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Characters
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Character arcs
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Setting/worldbuilding
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Culture and representation
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Messaging/subtexts
These are my top genres:
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science fiction (YA and adult)
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fantasy (YA and adult)
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literary fiction
I also enjoy editing:
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LGBTQ+ fiction
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Westerns
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horror
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memoir
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ethnography
My background in cultural anthropology means I am the perfect choice for any fiction dealing with social themes or topics linked to culture and representation.
I'm happy to complete more targeted manuscript evaluations too, such as an evaluation focused on worldbuilding issues.
About Me
Hi there! I’m Dr Andrew Hodges, the owner of The Narrative Craft. My editorial business offers professional book editing and coaching services to indie and traditionally published authors.
I'm a setting and worldbuilding expert who edits fiction and creative non-fiction. Science fiction, fantasy, and ethnography are my specialist areas.
What developmental editing services do I offer?
I offer various services:
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a full developmental edit
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a detailed manuscript evaluation
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a basic manuscript evaluation
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detailed critique comments
You can find more information about these services below.
All services include an initial optional Zoom meeting to discuss your writing context, aims, and story. This meeting is 30 mins for manuscripts under 75K words, and one hour for longer manuscripts.
Please note you can upgrade from a basic manuscript evaluation to one of the other services by simply paying the difference in price.
Full developmental edit
This includes two rounds of editing and two close read throughs of your manuscript:
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Round 1: a basic manuscript evaluation (see below; after Round 1 you can take time out to work on the manuscript if you wish.)
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Round 2: detailed MS Word comments on your manuscript (an average of three to five per page). These comments give you actionable feedback and developmental suggestions. These comments also form the basis for a more detailed editorial report that sets out possible visions for revising the manuscript.
Developmental editing also includes two hours of online coaching or support via Zoom for manuscripts longer than 60K words, and you will receive a content summary.
Cost: $35 per 1000 words
Detailed evaluation
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two close read throughs of your manuscript
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a detailed report of twelve to fifteen pages on the issues listed above
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comments on your manuscript
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a content summary
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an hour of online coaching or support via Zoom.
Cost: $20 per 1000 words
Basic evaluation
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one close read through of your manuscript
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a report (editorial letter) of six to twelve pages on the issues listed above
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an hour of online support and feedback via Zoom.
Cost: $250 (base) + $8 per 1000 words
I knew the text was in safe, professional hands, but the depth of Andrew’s immersion in the text and his careful judgement impressed me. The final version is certainly better than I could have imagined!
Iva Babic, Fiction Author
Need some more info?
Why pick me?
My expertise in setting, worldbuilding and cultural issues mean I am a great fit for projects that have heavier real-world implications. Before choosing me, I recommend you check out:
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my blog – to give you a taste of my style
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this Editors Canada webinar where I dicusss worldbuilding in fiction editing
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this presentation I gave at Edinburgh's SFF/H festival, Cymera
Check out my testimonials above, too, for comments from authors I have worked with.
Why bother?
If you're self-publishing or seeking representation, then you want to avoid making any embarrassing errors, and get targeted feedback that will take your writing up a notch.
One way to do this is through a master's programme in creative writing. But these programmes are full-time commitments that often cost around £10K.
Developmental editors can offer detailed feedback for a fraction of that price, as they don't have the same overheads that large universities have.
What if I don't like your vibe?
All manuscript evaluations begin with a short online consultation. If you don't think I'm the right fit for your project, I will offer you a full refund after the call, no questions asked.
How long will it take?
You should expect me to take one or two months to return your manuscript. This all depends on my schedule and how long your book is. I'll give you a firm deadline before starting work.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Otherwise, you can book this service here:
