I Am Planning to Write a Novel. Who… AI recommendations | Parse
I am planning to write a novel. Who offers developmental editing services?
Data as of Sep 26, 2026 · Based on 289 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this
You have several strong options for novel developmental editing depending on your goals. Reedsy is a top choice for connecting with thousands of vetted freelance editors. If you want structural feedback modeled after professional publishing standards, Jericho Writers and The Darling Axe are highly recommended. For budget flexibility, platforms like or search directories like the allow you to find editors tailored to specific needs.
Best for accessing a large, vetted network of freelance editors. It connects authors with over 1,700 professionals, many with major publishing house experience, allowing you to choose one that fits your specific genre and budget.
Best for structured, high-level feedback that mimics traditional publishing standards. Their services include comprehensive editorial reports and follow-up consultations designed for authors targeting agents.
Developmental Editing | Everything You Need to Know in 2026 | Reedsyhttps://reedsy.com/editing/developmental-editing
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Why It's Okay to Hire a Developmental Editor—and Not Keep It a Secrethttps://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/why-its-okay-to-hire-a-developmental-editor-and-not-keep-it-a-secret
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Developmental editing: use our editors to perfect your book – Jericho Writershttps://jerichowriters.com/editorial-services/developmental-editing/
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Before You Hire a Developmental Editor - Jane Friedmanhttps://janefriedman.com/before-you-hire-a-developmental-editor-what-you-need-to-know/
Yes. For a novel, you’ll generally want a developmental editor—someone who works on plot, structure, character arcs, pacing, themes, and the overall reading experience rather than just grammar and wording. The Editorial Freelancers Association specifically describes developmental editing as addressing content, organization, and genre considerations.
Here are several places to find them:
Reedsy — A large marketplace of publishing professionals. You can filter editors by genre and developmental editing, review their backgrounds, and request quotes from up to five editors. Reedsy says it vets its editors and reports having thousands of professionals on the platform.
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) — A professional directory with more than 3,300 editorial professionals. Its directory can be searched by skills and fiction genre, making it useful for finding an independent editor who specializes in your particular kind of novel.
Question: I am planning to write a novel. Who offers developmental editing services?
ChatGPT Search· Sep 21, 2026
Yes. For a novel, you’ll generally want a developmental editor who specializes in fiction and, ideally, your particular genre. Developmental editing focuses on big-picture issues such as plot, structure, pacing, characterization, point of view, themes, and whether the story is working as a whole.
Here are several places to find them:
reedsy.com — A large marketplace of freelance publishing professionals. You can filter editors by genre, review their backgrounds and portfolios, and request quotes from up to five editors.
— The EFA has a searchable directory where you can specifically select and . Its membership includes thousands of editorial professionals.
Question: I am planning to write a novel. Who offers developmental editing services?
Editor World — Offers developmental editing for fiction and nonfiction. One useful feature is that you can select an editor yourself based on genre expertise, background, and client ratings.
ProjectK Publishing — Offers developmental editing specifically for fiction, including work on structure, pacing, character arcs, plot, tension, and setting. It advertises a free sample edit.
The Book Publishing Company — Provides developmental editing across fiction genres, with an editorial report, manuscript notes, and a sample edit before hiring.
What I'd look for when choosing one
For a novel, I'd prioritize an editor who:
Has edited your specific genre (e.g., literary fiction, thriller, romance, fantasy).
Can show published books they've worked on, ideally books similar to yours.
Does a genuine developmental edit, rather than primarily copyediting.
Provides a sample edit or initial assessment before you commit to the full manuscript.
Gives you a clear explanation of what you'll receive—e.g., editorial letter, manuscript comments, revision plan, calls, etc.
If you're still writing the first draft, you may not need a full developmental edit yet. An editorial consultation or partial manuscript assessment can sometimes be more useful while you're still figuring out the story.
If you tell me your novel's genre, approximate word count, and whether it's finished, I can search for specific developmental editors who specialize in that kind of novel, including their current rates/services where available.
Finding the right developmental editor for your novel is an exciting step! A developmental editor (or "big picture" editor) looks at your story's structure, pacing, character arcs, world-building, and theme before you worry about sentence-level grammar.
Where you can find professional developmental editors depends on your budget, search style, and preference for independent freelancers versus full-service agencies:
Reedsy is one of the premier marketplaces to find vetted, professional freelance editors who have traditionally worked with major publishing houses (like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, etc.). You can browse profiles, filter by genre (e.g., sci-fi, romance, literary fiction), and request custom quotes. Check them out via the Reedsy Developmental Editors Directory.
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) is a professional organization where you can search a comprehensive directory of vetted freelance editors. You can post a job to their job board or search for members specializing in fiction and developmental editing. Explore listings on the EFA Directory.
Independent Book Coaches & Boutique Services Many experienced developmental editors run their own independent coaching and editing practices. For example, specialists like Katie McCoach offer comprehensive developmental edits and ongoing book coaching tailored to fiction and memoir writers.
Freelance Platforms (e.g., Fiverr Pro / Upwork) If you are looking for more budget-conscious or flexible tier options, platforms like Fiverr feature verified professional tiers (Fiverr Pro) where experienced freelance editors offer developmental packages. Just be sure to read client reviews and ask for a sample edit or portfolio.[1]
Author Associations & Conferences Organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association or genre-specific groups (like the Romance Writers of America or Horror Writers Association) often maintain member directories or critique partner networks who offer professional developmental feedback.
If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:
What genre are you planning to write?
Are you aiming for traditional publishing or self-publishing?
I can help you figure out what to look for in an editor's background or how to prepare a manuscript for them!
Individual Reedsy editors — For example, Sophie Cudd focuses on plot and structure in commercial fiction, particularly romance and mystery/thriller; Erin Cusick specializes in literary and experimental fiction; and Tammy Salyer lists developmental editing among her services.
What I'd look for
Before hiring someone, I'd compare:
Genre experience: A fantasy novel, literary novel, thriller, and romance can require quite different editorial instincts.
Type of edit: Make sure you're getting developmental/structural feedback rather than primarily copyediting or proofreading.
Sample editorial letter: Ask what their feedback actually looks like.
Relevant publishing experience: Experience at a literary agency or publishing house can be useful, but an experienced independent editor can also be an excellent choice.
References or reviews: Especially from authors writing in your genre.
Pricing structure: Some editors charge by word, some by project, and some by hour. As one current reference point, Reedsy reports an average of about $0.028/word for developmental editing, though individual quotes vary considerably.
If you're still writing the novel rather than having a finished manuscript, you may actually want a book coach or developmental consultant first. A full developmental edit is generally most useful once there's enough manuscript to evaluate the story's structure.
If you tell me your genre, approximate word count, and whether the manuscript is finished, I can narrow this down to the kinds of editors—and specific services—that fit your project.
Finding the right developmental editor is a crucial step for shaping your novel's structure, pacing, character arcs, and overall vision. Several reputable platforms, directories, and boutique agencies specialize in matching novelists with qualified developmental editors.
Reedsy is a curated marketplace specifically designed for authors. You can filter professional freelance editors by your specific novel genre, read verified reviews, review past portfolios, and request direct quotes.
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) is a professional organization where you can search a comprehensive directory of vetted freelance editors or post a job to their dedicated board detailing your genre, word count, and budget.
ACES: The Society for Editing offers a robust job board and career center where you can connect with experienced freelance professionals specializing in book-length developmental edits.
Reddit's Hire a Book Editor community is an active, peer-moderated subreddit where independent freelance developmental editors post their portfolios and rates, or where you can submit a project posting for tailored responses.
Boutique Editorial Agencies such as Phoenix Ghostwriting offer comprehensive, agency-level developmental packages that include deep structural analysis, pacing diagrams, and detailed editorial letters.
To help narrow down the best platform or specific editor for your project, tell me:
What genre is your novel (e.g., fantasy, thriller, romance, literary fiction)?
Are you planning to self-publish or query traditional literary agents?
What is your estimated word count or current stage of writing?
Yes. For a novel, you’ll generally want a developmental editor—someone who works on the story at the big-picture level: plot, structure, pacing, characterization, narrative arc, and genre expectations. The Editorial Freelancers Association specifically defines developmental editing as addressing content, organization, and genre considerations.
Here are several places you can find them:
reedsy.com — A marketplace specializing in publishing professionals. You can filter editors by genre and developmental editing, review their backgrounds, and request quotes from multiple editors. Reedsy currently lists thousands of editors.
the-efa.org — A professional directory where you can specifically filter for Developmental Editing + Fiction + Novel. The EFA says its directory contains more than 3,300 editorial professionals.
bookbaby.com — Offers editorial services for authors, including an editorial assessment for deeper structural needs.
What I'd look for
For a first novel, I wouldn't simply search for someone who calls themselves an "editor." Look for a person who has specific experience editing your genre and can demonstrate that experience with published books or substantial editorial work.
You might choose between:
Developmental edit: detailed work on the manuscript, with feedback throughout the book.
Editorial assessment: a big-picture report identifying strengths, weaknesses, and revision priorities. This can be particularly useful if you're still working through major story problems.
Book coaching: more collaborative guidance if you're still writing rather than revising a completed manuscript.
If you tell me your genre (e.g., thriller, romance, fantasy, literary fiction), approximate word count, and whether you're still drafting or have a completed manuscript, I can look for specific developmental editors who fit your project and compare their services and pricing.
When writing a novel, a developmental editor looks at the "big picture"—structure, pacing, character arcs, plot holes, and themes—usually before you worry about line-by-line grammar.
Options for finding and hiring a developmental editor range from curated freelance marketplaces to boutique editorial agencies:
Freelance Marketplaces & Directories: Platforms where you can browse vetted professionals, filter by genre (e.g., sci-fi, romance, literary fiction, thriller), review past client testimonials, and request custom quotes. The industry standard marketplace for this is Reedsy , which features vetted editors with traditional publishing backgrounds. You can also explore curated freelance talent on platforms like Upwork.
Editorial Agencies & Boutique Services: Companies that employ or partner with multi-genre editors to provide structured manuscript evaluations, editorial letters, and coaching. Well-known options include Scribendi or specialized boutique firms like the Good Story Company (founded by former literary agent Mary Kole).
Independent Professional Editors: Many seasoned developmental editors operate independent freelance businesses with portfolios showcasing their specific genre expertise, industry credentials, and published client successes.
To help me narrow down the best fit or give you a better idea of what to expect, tell me:
What genre are you planning to write?
Are you aiming for traditional publishing (querying agents) or self-publishing?
Are you at the concept stage or do you already have a complete first draft?
Yes. For a novel, you’ll want a developmental editor—someone who works on the big-picture elements such as plot, structure, pacing, characterization, arcs, themes, and reader expectations, rather than primarily grammar and sentence-level polish.
Here are some good places to find one:
reedsy.com — Probably the easiest starting point. It has a large marketplace of professional editors, and you can filter by developmental editing + fiction + your specific genre. You can request quotes from up to five editors and review their backgrounds and previous work.
the-efa.org — A professional directory where you can specifically search for members offering developmental editing and working on fiction/novels. You can also filter for things such as first-time-author friendliness and publishing experience.
book-editing.com — A curated editing service that offers developmental editing and can help match you with an appropriate editor.
projectkpublishing.com — Offers developmental editing specifically for fiction, focusing on structure, pacing, character arcs, plot, tension, and setting. They also offer a sample edit.
keachpublishingagency.com — Offers developmental editing for novels and describes its process as including feedback on plot architecture, character arcs, pacing, themes, and reader engagement.
What I'd recommend for a new novelist
I'd start with Reedsy and the EFA directory, rather than immediately hiring the first editing company you find. Look for an editor who:
Has substantial experience in your genre.
Has edited complete novels, not just short pieces.
Can explain exactly what their developmental edit includes.
Provides a sample edit or consultation before you commit.
Gives you an editorial letter/report in addition to manuscript comments.
Understands whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing.
If your novel isn't finished yet, you may actually benefit from an editorial assessment rather than a full developmental edit. An assessment evaluates the manuscript's larger strengths and weaknesses and gives you a roadmap for revision; it's particularly useful when you know something isn't working but aren't sure what.
If you tell me your genre (e.g., fantasy, romance, thriller, literary fiction), approximate word count, and whether you're planning traditional or self-publishing, I can narrow this down to specific editors/services that would be a good fit.
Professional freelance developmental editors, specialized boutique editorial agencies, and industry association directories offer comprehensive developmental editing services for novels.
Developmental editing (also called structural, content, or macro editing) focuses on big-picture elements like plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, and world-building. Because you are just planning your novel rather than holding a finished draft, keep in mind that most developmental editors require a completed manuscript before starting a structural edit. If you need help before drafting, you may want a book coach or plot consultant instead.
Where to Find Developmental Editors
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) : Search the Editorial Freelancers Association Directory to filter independent professionals by genre, fiction specialty, and developmental editing experience.
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) : Use the CIEP Directory if you are looking for accredited UK-based or international fiction editors.
Independent Editorial Agencies : Boutique companies like The Editorial Department or independent networks match authors with specialized novel editors based on genre.
How to Choose the Right Editor
Step / Action
Description
1. Verify Genre Expertise
Ensure the editor specializes in your specific genre (e.g., epic fantasy vs. contemporary romance), as genre conventions dictate structure.
2. Request a Sample Edit
Ask for a free or paid sample edit on a short chapter or 3 pages to evaluate their feedback style and tone.
3. Review Portfolios
Check past client testimonials and published books they have successfully edited.
4. Confirm the Scope
Clarify whether you will receive an extensive editorial revision letter, in-text comments, or a follow-up consultation call.
If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:
What genre are you planning to write?
Are you looking for feedback on an outline now, or planning ahead for when your first draft is finished?
Yes. For a novel, I’d look specifically for an editor who specializes in developmental editing for fiction in your genre, rather than a general proofreader or copyeditor. Developmental editing focuses on the big-picture elements—plot, structure, pacing, character arcs, themes, tone, and whether the story is working as a whole.
Here are some good places to find one:
reedsy.com — Probably the easiest place to start. You can filter editors by genre and developmental editing experience, browse their publishing backgrounds, and request quotes from up to five editors.
the-efa.org — A large professional directory where you can specifically filter for Developmental Editing and Fiction/Novel. The EFA has more than 4,000 members.
book-editing.com — A curated network of book editors that offers developmental editing and has editors with substantial publishing experience. They can match your manuscript with an appropriate editor.
editorworld.com — Offers developmental editing for fiction and nonfiction, with an emphasis on structure, pacing, characterization, and narrative flow.
zebraeditor.com — An established Atlanta-area editing service offering developmental and line editing for fiction and nonfiction.
What I'd recommend for your novel
If you're still writing the first draft, you may not want a full developmental edit yet. A developmental editor becomes particularly useful once you have a substantial draft—or even a complete first draft—that you can revise.
When comparing editors, ask:
Do you specialize in my genre?
What novels have you worked on?
Will I receive an editorial letter, manuscript comments, or both?
Do you provide a sample edit or manuscript assessment first?
What exactly is included in the price?
Can I speak with one or two former clients?
I'd also avoid choosing solely on price. For a novel, genre expertise and the editor's ability to understand your particular story are much more important.
If you tell me what genre you're writing (e.g., thriller, romance, literary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction) and roughly how long the novel will be, I can find 5–10 specific developmental editors who would be good candidates, including their experience and current pricing where available.
Developmental editing services for novels are offered by independent freelance editors, specialized editorial agencies, and professional directories such as the Editorial Freelancers Association . Since you are still in the planning phase of writing your novel, keep in mind that a developmental editor (also called a structural or substantive editor) typically works on a completed draft or major outline rather than blank pages.
Where to Find Developmental Editors
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) : A premier professional organization where you can search a comprehensive directory of vetted, experienced freelance book editors filtered by genre and specialty.
Editorial Agencies and Co-writing Services : Firms that contract multiple specialized publishing professionals to handle everything from initial structural coaching down to final proofreading.
What to Expect from the Process
Service Type
Focus Area
Typical Deliverable
Manuscript Assessment
Big-picture plot, pacing, and arc
Comprehensive editorial critique letter
Full Developmental Edit
Structure, theme, character, and scene flow
In-text comments + macro revision letter
Book Coaching
Ongoing feedback during drafting
Regular consultations and chapter reviews
To help narrow down the right type of editorial help, let me know:
What genre is your planned novel?
Are you looking for ongoing coaching while you write or a critique later once a draft is finished?
Reedsy — A large marketplace of publishing professionals. You can filter editors by genre and developmental editing, review their backgrounds, and request quotes from up to five editors. Reedsy says it vets its editors and reports having thousands of professionals on the platform.
