DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

Every story begins with a spark.

Whether you feel like you need a beta reader or someone to give you a full-on manuscript evaluation, we’ve got you covered. We see developmental editing as a service grounded in care, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback.

Whether you’re just starting out or wrestling with a full draft, we approach your project with curiosity and respect for your ideas, your goals, and your unique style.

What we’ll do

Together, we’ll look closely at your manuscript’s big-picture elements:

• Structure & pacing — does the story flow?

• Character arcs & motivation — do your characters feel real and compelling?

• Voice & point of view — do your words reflect the story you want to tell?

• Reader engagement — does your narrative invite readers to lean into each page?

• Title — is your working title hitting the mark?

What you’ll receive

Developmental editing with Mayfair Storyhouse is for writers ready to shape raw pages into a living, breathing manuscript that resonates with readers.

• A detailed editorial letter (4-6 pages) with compassionate, actionable insights about your manuscript's strengths and growth opportunities

• Margin notes throughout that highlight what's working along with areas for improvement

• Specific suggestions for strengthening character development, pacing, and story structure

• Title evaluation and alternatives if needed

• One follow-up conversation (30 minutes) to discuss the feedback and your revision approach

This service focuses on big-picture story elements and does not include line-by-line editing for grammar, sentence structure, or proofreading for typos and formatting. Those services are addressed separately through our other packages

Developmental editing helps you nurture that spark.