Editorial and Publishing Consultation Services
Developmental Edit
As the most comprehensive editorial service, a Developmental Edit addresses core craft elements such as plotting, world building, pacing, character development, voice, dialogue, and marketability. A Developmental Edit also includes page-level notes, directly in the manuscript via Track Changes in Word. Here I point out specific examples on a scene-by-scene basis that correlate to overarching notes in the Developmental Editorial Letter. I do not offer Developmental Edits for partial or incomplete manuscripts.
Developmental Edit Deliverables:
Editorial letter
In-manuscript margin comments and edits
Commentary and recommendations on marketability and positioning
Pre- and post-editorial consultation calls
Editorial Letter
Also referred to as a "manuscript evaluation" or a “manuscript critique”, an Editorial Letter is a big-picture evaluation of your novel. Similar to a Dev Edit, notes are personalized to the manuscript and address a variety of core craft elements such as plot, structure, pacing, character development, voice, dialogue, setting, and/or world-building. I do not offer Editorial Letters for partial or incomplete manuscripts.
Editorial Letter Deliverables:
Editorial letter
Pre- and post-editorial consultation calls
Line Editing
With this service, you receive a full markup of your manuscript using Word's Track Changes with a focus on pacing and your use of language. This is primarily micro-level feedback—suggestions and recommendations on language use, word choice, opportunities to condense prose, pacing, rhythm, and narrative flow. This service is best for writers who already have a firm grip on their novel as a whole and need a final eye on pacing, language, and style. Please note that line editing is not a copyedit or proofread. While I may flag obvious errors as I encounter them, this service does not include a systematic review of grammar, spelling, or formatting.
Line Editing Deliverables:
In-manuscript line edits via Track Changes
In-manuscript margin comments and suggestions
Editorial summary memo (1–2 pages) outlining key patterns, recurring observations, and overall impressions of voice and style
1-hour post-editorial follow-up call or consultation
QUERY submission prep
Querying literary agents is an exciting—yet daunting—process. This critique focuses on teasing out the ‘hook’ and pitch of your novel, highlighting key character arcs, effectively establishing stakes/obstacles, and optimizing comparative titles, genre identification, and personalization opportunities.
Query Submission Deliverables:
In-document comments and corrections in Word via Track Changes
1-page editorial memo of macro-level recommendations
Pre- and post-editorial consultation calls
Consultation
Not sure where to start? Want to talk submission strategy? Confused about the business side of books? Contact me for a consultation, where you can speak with me at an hourly rate about all of your book publishing questions.
"Working with Jaida was wonderful! Her creative input took my manuscript to the next level, and it's in no small part due to her efforts that I'm happy to say I'm now agented with one of the most recognizable names in the mystery genre! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jaida, for helping make my dream come true!"
— Arthur Herbert, debut author of Last I Saw Him
Rates
Rates vary depending on the needs of the project. To get an idea of standard industry rates for editorial services as compiled by the Editorial Freelancers Association, click here.
Disclaimer: working with me does not guarantee a contract from an agent or publisher, nor will I put you in touch with an agent or publisher. All services described are offered on a freelance basis only and I make no claim to represent any publisher or other business with which I may have an affiliation or relationship.
