Ready to turn your manuscript into a showstopper?

Charlotte Chipperfield Developmental Editing

What is Developmental Editing? ✨

Developmental editing looks at the big overarching elements of your manuscript. It is the crucial first step in the publishing process. It's refining your manuscript's structure to create a page-turner by assessing your manuscript’s structure, how your scenes flow together, how the story paces, and how characters drive the story forward.

Who is Developmental Editing For?

Developmental editing is for:

  • Writers seeking feedback on the structure of your manuscript

  • Writers struggling to get published and want a birds-eye view for improvements

  • Fiction writers who write within the following genres*:

    • Women’s Fiction

    • Upmarket

    • Romance

    • Equestrian

    • Young Adult

    • Thriller

    • Cozy Mystery

    • Contemporary

  • Non-fiction writers and entrepreneurs within the following topics:

    • Self-help

    • Spirituality

    • Business

    • How-To’s

    • Memoir

*Please note: Editing is not limited to these genres. My experience is stronger in these genres and I’m less helpful when it comes to fantasy or sci-fi categories, for example.

  • Jamie Robbins, Spiritual Fiction Author

    “What a privilege it has been to work with Charlotte Chipperfield on my first novel. Charlotte has been with me every step of the way, providing compelling advice on my writing style and a bounty of food for thought. Beyond that, her constant encouragement has kept me moving forward to a completed project with most of my sanity still intact.”

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How Does Developmental Editing Work?

I offer both manuscript reviews and robust developmental edits which are outlined below. To get started, please book an introductory call so I can learn more about your work and assess if we’re a good fit to partner together. Depending on whether you have a full or partial manuscript for review, we’ll determine the best package and timeline for the project.

Manuscript Review

This is a high-level manuscript review with an assessment report detailing where the manuscript can be elevated for publication.

This package includes:

  • A kick-off call

  • A detailed report on areas for improvement (1-2 pages)

  • A wrap-up call for Q&A (45 minutes)

This package is completed within 30 business days for $0.015 per word.

Developmental Edit

Best for short stories and full-length novel manuscripts.

This package includes:

  • A kick-off call

  • Detailed feedback with in-text comments

  • Editorial Letter

  • Wrap-up call for Q&A (45 minutes)

This package is most often completed within 8-12 weeks.

Fiction: $0.02 per word
Non-Fiction: $0.03 per word

Payment plans are available.

  • For reference: The industry rates for editing can be found here on the Editor Freelance Association’s website. I am an active member of the organization.

Ready to get started?

Book an introductory call. We’ll discuss your goals and make sure we’re a great fit to work together!

Meet Your Editor

I’m Charlotte Chipperfield, the creator of Her Narrative, and I’m passionate about helping women tell their stories—unapologetically. As a certified developmental editor, book coach, and author, I work with both first-time authors and seasoned entrepreneurs, helping refine manuscripts and guiding writers from concept to completion. My coaching supports those navigating life changes, offering accountability and clarity for writers aiming to finish their manuscripts and create stories that resonate.

I guide women and underrepresented authors to develop their writing skills and use storytelling as a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment. I believe stories can challenge perceptions, build empathy, and foster community.

FAQ

  • Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of your manuscript. Unlike copyediting or proofreading, which deal with grammar, punctuation, and sentence-level issues, developmental editing evaluates the overall structure, content, and coherence of your work.

    This process involves analyzing key elements such as your book's plot, pacing, character development, narrative flow, and themes (for fiction) or organization, clarity, and argument strength (for non-fiction). The goal is to ensure your manuscript has a strong foundation, resonates with your audience, and achieves its intended purpose.

    Think of developmental editing as the architect of your story, helping you refine your ideas and build a compelling narrative before fine-tuning the details.

  • Developmental editing is not about proofreading or fixing minor language issues; it's about improving the larger elements of your manuscript, such as plot and character development. It also doesn't involve tasks like rewriting your work, formatting, or marketing.

  • I work across various fiction and non-fiction genres. Here are some of my favorites but not limited to: Women’s fiction / Young Adult / Romance / Contemporary Fiction / Cozy Mystery / Thrillers / Self-Help / Business / How-To’s / Memoir

  • Both the kick-off and wrap-up calls will take place online via Google Meet. This allows me to work with clients worldwide regardless of your location. A phone call can also be arranged if that is preferred.

  • If you’ve already completed the Narrative Enhance package and now have a full manuscript for editing, a discount will be applied to the Story Sculptor Package.

  • Hi, it’s me, Charlotte! I’m a Developmental Editor dedicated to empowering authors to tap into their truest and most vibrant sense of creativity. You can learn more about me here.

  • To learn more about editing services and if it is right for you, book an introductory call. This will be our opportunity to get to know each other to see if we are a good match to work together.

  • If you've already written a short story or a full-length novel, it's time to consider a developmental edit. This type of edit is recommended before diving into line editing because the feedback provided will focus on crucial areas to enhance your entire manuscript. Think of it like building a strong foundation before adding the finishing touches, much like hanging curtains.

    For those with a partial manuscript seeking feedback, a manuscript assessment could be the ideal choice. This service ensures that your story's structure is unfolding as intended. To learn more about both editing services, explore the full details.