Developmental Editing (Up to 85K words)

Unlock the Heart of Your Story with Expert Developmental Editing

You’ve poured your soul into your manuscript. You’ve crafted characters, built worlds, and woven plots. But something’s missing. The story isn’t hitting as hard as you know it could. The emotional beats feel off. The structure isn’t pulling readers in the way you envisioned.

That’s where developmental editing comes in.

Developmental editing isn’t about fixing commas or polishing sentences—it’s about transforming your story from the inside out. It’s about ensuring your plot, characters, and themes work together to create an emotional journey that grips readers and doesn’t let go.

And that’s where I come in.

Why Work With Me?

With 25 years in the writing business, over 65 published novels, and titles that have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Der Spiegel bestseller lists, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. I’ve spent decades honing my craft, not just as a novelist but as a writing coach who specializes in the emotional impact of storytelling.

I don’t just edit your manuscript; I help you uncover its true potential. Together, we’ll:

• Strengthen your story’s structure to keep readers hooked from the first page to the last.
• Deepen your characters to make them unforgettable and relatable.
• Sharpen your emotional beats to ensure your story resonates with readers on a visceral level.
• Identify and fix pacing issues so your story flows seamlessly.
• Elevate your themes to create a story that lingers long after the final page.

What Writers Are Saying

"Working with Joe was a game-changer. They didn’t just edit my manuscript—they helped me see the heart of my story and brought it to life in ways I never could have done on my own." – Mary B.

"Joe's feedback was insightful, actionable, and transformative. My story is stronger, tighter, and more emotionally impactful because of their guidance." – Nate S.

Who Is This For?

My developmental editing services are perfect for:

• Aspiring novelists who want to ensure their story is as compelling as it can be before querying agents or self-publishing.
• Experienced writers who feel stuck or want a fresh perspective on their work.
• Authors who want to master the emotional craft of storytelling and create stories that leave a lasting impact.

What You’ll Get

When you work with me, you’ll receive:

• A detailed editorial letter that breaks down your story’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.
• In-line comments that provide specific, actionable feedback on scenes, characters, and pacing.
• A follow-up consultation to discuss your revisions and answer any questions.
• The tools and insights to not only improve this manuscript but to elevate your writing craft for future projects.

Your Story Deserves to Shine

Don’t let your manuscript fall short of its potential. Whether you’re writing a heart-wrenching drama, a pulse-pounding thriller, or a sweeping fantasy, I’ll help you craft a story that resonates with readers and leaves them breathless.

Ready to take your story to the next level?
Let’s work together to create something unforgettable.