Data as of Jul 25, 2026 · Based on 250 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. 
Brands AI recommends here
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.
Best for detailed story structure analysis. Through their foundry service, they focus heavily on plot, character arcs, and voice, often offering a free sample edit to help you evaluate if they are the right fit for your novel.
ReedsySource | Citation share |
|---|---|
Developmental Editing | Everything You Need to Know in 2026 | Reedsyhttps://reedsy.com/editing/developmental-editing | 4.6% |
 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 | 3.4% |
Developmental editing: use our editors to perfect your book – Jericho Writershttps://jerichowriters.com/editorial-services/developmental-editing/ | 2.9% |
 Before You Hire a Developmental Editor - Jane Friedmanhttps://janefriedman.com/before-you-hire-a-developmental-editor-what-you-need-to-know/ | 2.9% |
 Developmental Editing Services | editing.serviceshttps://www.servicescape.com/editing-proofreading/developmental-editing | 2.0% |
The Darling Axe — Novel Development and Editing Serviceshttps://darlingaxe.com/ | 1.9% |
 Freelance Novel Editor: Affordable Developmental Editing| Shortcuts For Writershttps://www.shortcutsforwriters.com/editing-service/ | 1.7% |
 Developmental Editing Services for Authorshttps://www.wickedinkpublishing.com/developmental-editing-services | 1.6% |
 Editor World Developmental Editinghttps://www.editorworld.com/developmental-editing | 1.5% |
 Hire a Developmental Editor - Book Editing Associateshttps://www.book-editing.com/developmental-editing/ | 1.4% |
Aug 8, 2026Developmental editing (which looks at big-picture elements like structure, pacing, plot holes, and character arcs) is usually the first major step after completing a draft.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/publishing/comments/1of31uv/is_efa_worth
Developmental editing (which looks at big-picture elements like structure, pacing, plot holes, and character arcs) is usually the first major step after completing a draft.
When looking for a freelance developmental editor for a novel, you can choose from curated freelance marketplaces, professional directories, or independent editing firms.
Where to Find Developmental Editors
Average Industry Rates
Developmental editing is typically priced per word or per hour. According to industry data (including the EFA rate surveys), typical rates for a novel land around:
To help narrow down your search, could you tell me:
Aug 8, 2026Absolutely. For a novel, you’re looking for a **developmental editor**—someone who works on the big-picture story rather than primarily grammar and punctuation. They can help with plot structure, pacing, character arcs, themes, point of vie
Absolutely. For a novel, you’re looking for a developmental editor—someone who works on the big-picture story rather than primarily grammar and punctuation. They can help with plot structure, pacing, character arcs, themes, point of view, and whether the story is delivering on its premise.
Here are some good places to find one:
If you're still developing the novel or have an early/rough manuscript, you may not need a full developmental edit yet. An editorial assessment can be a less intensive option: the editor reads the manuscript and gives you a detailed report about its strengths, weaknesses, plot, structure, characterization, pacing, and revision priorities.
As a rough current benchmark, Reedsy's published averages put developmental/content editing around $0.028 per word—so an 80,000-word novel would average roughly $2,240, although actual quotes vary substantially by editor, genre, manuscript condition, and scope.
My recommendation: don't choose an editor solely based on price or number of reviews. Find someone who has actually edited your type of novel. Ask for a sample edit or paid sample, and ask exactly what you'll receive (editorial letter, manuscript comments, revision plan, calls, etc.).
If you tell me your novel's genre, approximate word count, and whether you've started writing it yet, I can also help you identify the kind of developmental editor you should look for and what you should expect to pay.
Aug 4, 2026If you're writing a novel, you generally want a **developmental editor**—someone who focuses on the big-picture aspects of your manuscript, such as plot, pacing, character development, point of view, structure, and theme, rather than gramma
If you're writing a novel, you generally want a developmental editor—someone who focuses on the big-picture aspects of your manuscript, such as plot, pacing, character development, point of view, structure, and theme, rather than grammar or proofreading.
Here are some well-known places to find developmental editors:
When comparing developmental editors, consider:
Developmental editing is typically the most expensive stage of editing because it involves a deep review of the manuscript. On platforms like Reedsy, average pricing varies with manuscript length and editor experience, with developmental editing often averaging around 2.8¢ per word, though actual quotes can be significantly higher or lower.
If you're planning to query literary agents rather than self-publish, you don't necessarily need to hire a developmental editor first. Many authors instead revise using feedback from critique partners or beta readers before seeking representation.
If you tell me:
I can suggest the types of developmental editors that would be the best fit for your project.
Aug 4, 2026Developmental editing services for novels are offered by curated freelance marketplaces, specialized editorial agencies, and independent professionals who evaluate structure, pacing, character arcs, and plot . On average, professional devel
Developmental editing services for novels are offered by curated freelance marketplaces, specialized editorial agencies, and independent professionals who evaluate structure, pacing, character arcs, and plot . On average, professional developmental editing costs between $0.03 and $0.06 per word , or $50 to $70 per hour . Because developmental editing is a big-picture diagnosis rather than a line-by-line grammar fix, you should typically look to hire an editor only after you have completed a full draft of your novel.
Where to Find Developmental Editors
What to Expect from the Service
| Service Attribute | Typical Output & Scope |
|---|---|
| Editorial Letter | A comprehensive multi-page document analyzing theme, structure, and pacing. |
| In-Text Comments | Margin notes and structural questions highlighted directly within your manuscript file. |
| Revision Strategy | Actionable advice on how to fix plot holes and strengthen character arcs without losing your voice. |
If you'd like, let me know:
I can give you a better idea of what stage of editing you should budget for next.
Jul 31, 2026Developmental editing services for novels are offered by a wide range of professionals, from specialized freelance platforms to individual experienced editors. These services focus on the "big picture" of your manuscript, including structur
Developmental editing services for novels are offered by a wide range of professionals, from specialized freelance platforms to individual experienced editors. These services focus on the "big picture" of your manuscript, including structure, pacing, character development, and plot.
Here are the primary places and professionals offering developmental editing services:
Key Things to Know When Hiring
To help you get the best editor, could you tell me:
Jul 31, 2026If you're planning to write a novel, a developmental editor can be one of the most valuable collaborators. Unlike a copyeditor or proofreader, a developmental editor focuses on the big picture—plot, pacing, character arcs, worldbuilding, po
If you're planning to write a novel, a developmental editor can be one of the most valuable collaborators. Unlike a copyeditor or proofreader, a developmental editor focuses on the big picture—plot, pacing, character arcs, worldbuilding, point of view, structure, and overall story effectiveness.
Here are several well-regarded options:
Many authors also find editors through curated marketplaces where they can compare portfolios and request sample edits. Writer communities frequently recommend seeking:
Before hiring anyone, it's worth asking:
If you haven't finished your manuscript yet, you might also consider a manuscript critique or book coaching first. These services can provide high-level guidance while you're still drafting, which may save substantial revision time later.
Jul 27, 2026Developmental editing is a high-level service focusing on structure, plot, characterization, pacing, and tone, rather than grammar . Several platforms and professionals offer these services for novelists.[](https://janefriedman.com/before-y
Developmental editing is a high-level service focusing on structure, plot, characterization, pacing, and tone, rather than grammar . Several platforms and professionals offer these services for novelists.
Top Platforms to Find Developmental Editors
Independent Developmental Editors
When and How to Hire
To help you find the right editor, tell me:
Jul 27, 2026If you're looking for **developmental editing** (big-picture feedback on plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, theme, and overall manuscript), there are several well-regarded options depending on your budget and how you'd like to work.
If you're looking for developmental editing (big-picture feedback on plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, theme, and overall manuscript), there are several well-regarded options depending on your budget and how you'd like to work.
Here are some of the most popular providers:
urlReedsyturn0search0 — One of the best-known marketplaces for book professionals. You can browse editors by genre, review their experience, request quotes from multiple editors, and hire someone who specializes in developmental editing. Many editors have backgrounds with major publishers or bestselling authors.
urlScribenditurn0search3 — Offers managed editing services rather than a freelancer marketplace. They provide developmental editing as well as copy editing and proofreading if you prefer working with an established editing company.
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) — A professional association with a searchable directory of freelance editors. You can filter by genre and editing specialty to find developmental editors.
ACES: The Society for Editing — A professional organization whose member directory can help you locate experienced editors.
Before hiring someone, consider:
A developmental editor typically focuses on:
They generally do not focus on grammar, spelling, or punctuation—that comes later during copy editing and proofreading.
If this is your first novel, many authors find it useful to:
If you tell me your novel's genre (e.g., fantasy, thriller, romance, sci-fi, literary fiction), I can recommend editors or services that are particularly strong in that area.
Jul 23, 2026Developmental editing is a high-level service that focuses on the structure, plot, pacing, and character development of your novel, rather than grammar or spelling . Several platforms and independent professionals offer these services, tail
Developmental editing is a high-level service that focuses on the structure, plot, pacing, and character development of your novel, rather than grammar or spelling . Several platforms and independent professionals offer these services, tailored to different stages of writing.
Where to Find Professional Developmental Editors
Services Offered
Tips for Hiring
To provide more specific recommendations, it would be helpful to know:
Jul 23, 2026If you're writing a novel, a developmental editor can be one of the most valuable collaborators. Unlike copy editors or proofreaders, developmental editors focus on the big-picture elements of your manuscript: plot, pacing, character arcs,
If you're writing a novel, a developmental editor can be one of the most valuable collaborators. Unlike copy editors or proofreaders, developmental editors focus on the big-picture elements of your manuscript: plot, pacing, character arcs, point of view, structure, theme, and overall storytelling.
Here are several well-regarded options:
| Editor/Service | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| nicolefischeredits.com | Commercial fiction, romance, fantasy | Former HarperCollins editor offering developmental editing, manuscript assessments, and writing coaching. Nicole Fischer Edits |
| archetypeediting.com | Indie authors | Offers story structure, developmental editing, copyediting, and publishing packages. Archetype Editing |
| stephanieslagle.com | YA, commercial fiction | Provides developmental edits, query critiques, and manuscript evaluations. Stephanie Slagle |
| angelarwatts.com | New and emerging novelists | Developmental editing includes a detailed editorial report covering plot, themes, pacing, and characterization. angelarwatts.com |
| siriusprose.com | Fiction and nonfiction | Team of experienced editors offering developmental editing and sensitivity reading. Sirius Prose Editing & Consulting |
| editorworld.com | Authors wanting to choose an editor | Lets you browse editor profiles by genre and experience before hiring. Editor World |
Another excellent approach is to search professional editor directories rather than individual websites. Organizations such as the the-efa.org, ciep.uk, editors.ca, and iped-editors.org maintain searchable member directories where you can filter by genre and editing specialty.
When choosing a developmental editor, consider:
If you tell me:
I can recommend editors who specialize in exactly that type of book.
