Updated April 22, 2020.

The idiom “Can’t see the forest for the trees” is clichéd because it’s true.

Even the most talented, thoughtful writer can miss critical mistakes when it comes to a passion project. Objective editorial feedback – whether from a professional editor, a beta reader, or even a software program – can help catch and correct embarrassing mistakes before they’re disseminated, along with the manuscript, to a wider audience.

So, tell me more. What is Developmental Editing?

Also known as developmental or structural editing, manuscript critique is when an editor presents top-level editorial concerns to an author. For a work of fiction, these concerns may include critiques of:

• Plot structure

• Character motivation and development

• World building

• Narrative pacing

This feedback addresses bigger problems that negatively impact the entire manuscript, but it can include critiques of small but critical content issues, too.

After reading through your manuscript at least once and making notes, the professional editor will draft a prescriptive letter. A successful editorial letter will do the following:

1. Identify editorial concerns, pointing each out by using specific examples within the text;

2. Explain why and how the concern affects the reader’s connection with the book;

3. Prescribe at least one potential solution to resolve the issue. I like to provide my solutions in the form of an action-item checklist. That way, my authors can feel confident that they have a tangible, measurable plan for revision.

To get a taste of what an editorial letter might look like, this is an excerpt from a letter I presented to a client in 2016:

How Will Developmental Editing Benefit My Book?

Whether you’re considering self-publishing or traditional publishing, manuscript evaluation is an ideal step in the revision process.

Traditional Publishing.
Essentially, you have an elevator pitch-worth of time to capture a literary agent's attention. If you’re querying with an unsolicited manuscript, you’re up against countless others in the same boat (or inbox, as it were).

That said, with a professional query letter and a polished manuscript, you can come out on top of the slush pile. An ideal way to get fighting fit is to work with a professional editor who has a strong sense of the market.

Self-Publishing.
Much like an agent’s slush pile, the self-publishing market is saturated with content. To be a successful self-published author, you will need to bring a professional-grade product to market. This often means working with professional freelance editors, graphic designers, printers, and publicists – essentially putting together your own book publishing team to get accolades from reviewers and 5 stars on Amazon.  

Working with Hatch Editorial Services for a Manuscript Critique

Hiring Hatch Editorial Services means having a professional in your corner. My editorial critiques are founded on experience garnered at such literary agencies and publishers as Writers House and St. Martin’s Press, and in the classrooms of such authors as Ann Beattie, Diane Samuels, and Chelsea Hodson.

My manuscript evaluation projects last an average of 3-4 weeks, during which I will keep you updated with regular weekly memos. At the end of the project, you will receive my editorial feedback and your annotated manuscript. If you so choose, I’m happy to give you an hour of my time, free of charge, to discuss any and all remaining questions you may have.

Want to work with me on a manuscript evaluation? Get started here.