#Developmental Editing

[amoebaforce]

FLASH COMM SALE!

For the next five days, I'm offering 25% OFF of ALL commission slots on my Ko-fi using the code COMM25!

That's 25% off line edits, developmental edits, AND beta reading slots until 12:00 AM EST on April 14, 2025.

Reserve your slot now, while they last!

[left-to-write-edits]

Let's get one thing straight

...and two things bi:

I'm a trained editor

I'm taking freelance clients

I'm a fandom girly

I will be posting about writing and editing. I will happily share my sources—and names of/links to resources—with anyone who asks.

I will also be your biggest ally, because tumblr people are my people too. If you're worried an editor will balk at your language, themes, or humor, come sit by me.

Xx —Tiana

[topazadine]

I have to rave about @dlbookediting's work!

I sent her over a copy of my upcoming book, Pride Before a Fall, for a final once-over before the ARC release. Dominique was incredibly thorough, even taking the time to double back and ensure that her comments were consistent. She even went ahead and read the first book, 9 Years Yearning, without prompting so that she was fully caught up.

What I especially appreciated about Dominique's comments was her ability to offer solutions that strengthen my voice rather than change it.

Her suggestions considered both my narrative vision and readers' needs. As writers, it's so easy for us to get caught up in what we want our text to look like without thinking of our readers, but Dominique seamlessly bridged the gap between my intention and an audience's experience.

I loved her reactions to the writing, as this is so helpful for knowing what potential readers may find intriguing. These small comments can be quite the ego boost, and I was glad that she sprinkled them in with her thoughtful critique.

She also caught inconsistencies that I hadn't even considered, explaining in depth while they may throw readers off without dictating what I could do. This is just one example of her methodical approach:

At times, I can get a bit too ornate and experimental, but Dominique gently brought me back down to earth, ensuring that I didn't leave my readers confused.

From her comments, I could tell that she had thoroughly pondered every single word and its total impact on the text. It's rare to find an editor with such a keen eye and a true appreciation for their client's work. Her work felt much like a dedicated seamstress gently mending any tears in a tapestry, ensuring it shines just as the creator intended.

I'm deeply grateful for her help in sprucing up Pride Before a Fall right in time for its ARC release, and I strongly encourage you giving her services a try!

You can also check out Dominique at @philosophika and read pieces of her novel-in-progress over at @thesorcerersapprentice!

[altraviolet]

Found this fantastic resource and needed to share immediately!

If you want to publish a novel, you should get it edited. There are different types of editors. Developmental editors assess your novel for "big picture" characteristics, like Plot, Character Development, Scene Development, World-Building, etc. If you're being traditionally published, your publisher usually provides a developmental editor.

If you're looking to self publish, developmental editors charge $$ for their service, which is fair, as it is an involved one.

This video goes through what a developmental editor looks for and tells you how you can edit your own story with these things in mind. That's really cool and I took a bunch of notes. Highly recommend the video if this is something you're looking to do :)

oh ETA: the video ends on this slide, which is so cute and encouraging. so if it sounds like a scary thing to listen to, just know this lecturer is absolutely pro writers!

[kristinestarling]

"The forest is not a crown to be worn, nor a kingdom to be ruled. It is a gift, and no hand may bind it without peril."

— Kristine Starling, Whispers of Fire and Shadow

[dlbookediting]

A new "Author Testimonial' just dropped! Working with Briana on her brilliant literary horror novel was an absolute pleasure 👏 (December 2024-January 2025) ♡

Currently booking for April & May. DM me to reserve a slot!

[tychodorian]

Hey writers! 📚✨ I got an awesome question from TikTok user R.J.M., asking: "How do you properly structure your ideas on paper?" This is such a great question, but since the answer can be pretty long, let me know if you'd like a deeper dive in a longer video or post!

For me, it really depends on the genre I’m working in. If I’m writing something that follows a specific formula—like horror or romance—I stick to tried and true outlines. This is the easiest way to ensure your book meets the genre’s expectations and keeps readers engaged.

But if I’m writing something more flexible, like speculative fiction, it’s all about the message. I always ask myself: What do I want readers to walk away with? In my Braidy von Althuis series, the core message was about maturing and understanding the power you have as a kid. For my Court of Snakes series, it’s about inspiring teens to challenge oppressive systems.

It’s not really about whether the idea is "good" or "bad." It’s more about whether your message is impactful and resonates with your readers.

So, whether you're outlining for structure or focusing on the deeper meaning, just remember—your message matters! If you want a more in-depth video on this topic, let me know in the comments.

[freakingnarniadotcom]

Happy Pride Month, everybody!

I'm always looking to do my part in bringing more queer representation and queer stories into the world, from my little corner of the publishing industry.

So for the entire month of June*, I am offering a 25% DISCOUNT on all developmental edits, proofreading, or beta reading on manuscripts that center LGBTQIA+ themes and/or characters.

If your novel includes positive queer representation and requires any of these services, now's your time to get them!

In addition, FreakingNarnia.com also offers science consulting and review, as well as English-Spanish translation at regular rates. We still have available slots in June and onwards, so be sure to secure your place.

(*Discounted rates still apply if you book in June for a project to be edited in later months. Don't miss out!)

[amoebaforce]

Since the world is full of nonsense and everyone is pushing to support queer creatives, now would be an amazing time to send a tip or commission an editing project from this here queer.

Any contribution would help me pay the bills or maybe even save for my wedding ❤️

https://ko-fi.com/elizamares

[left-to-write-edits]

Real Talk from an Editor

Hey there. Are you considering working with an editor? Have you had some bad experiences, or maybe none at all? Here are a few things to consider:

You don't need to know the terminology. That's our job. It's okay to say you aren't sure what you want or need.

Personal compatibility does matter. The more in-depth the editing, the more important it is to mesh as a team. This is also true regarding literary agents.

You and your editor should be a team—you both want your manuscript to shine. You're on the same side.

You're paying them. You need to get what you want from editing services. The agreement is usually in the form of an email or simple document, and if either of you fails to hold up your end, renegotiation or early termination should be options.

Free sample edits are common. Many editors offer free sample edits because they allow both the potential client and the editor to gauge if and how to move forward. It's ok to ask for one.

Editors love words and writers. We LOVE them! You never need to feel embarrassed about your genre, topic, or skills when approaching an editor. We want you to succeed!

Worried about finding someone legit? Consider searching/posting to professional org websites, such as ACES or the Editorial Freelancers Association (requisite plug for myself here).

Now go write something! We need stories!

[msrheyrhey]

*Edited*Do any writers in here need an Editor?!

If you can help a starting editor pay some of their bills before going red, I offer 3 types of editing services!

I offer Developmental editing when you've just finished a story and want someone to guide you to parts of your story that are inconsistent or off.

Then I offer Line editing when you're story is fine but you want someone to go through and check on the spelling and sentences.

And lastly, I can do beta readings. When you just want to know what readers will think of your story before you go public.

I have a good system to have all my thoughts written down about your writing or stories if you don't have specific things you want thoughts or advice on.

My ko-fi commission page is below. You would be doing me a real solid if you checked it out or reblogged to spread it.

[amaiguri]

At Kelp's request, I finished an edit of Arlasaire's first on-screen meltdown where I changed the perspective to outside of herself. Kelp saod that, in the first edit, it felt too distant from her anyway -- because Arlasaire doesn't explain why she feels what she feels. And much like you, she doesn't understand why she feels that way really either. So, just movingnit outside of her maybe gives the scene more clarity and contextualizes her future meltdowns?

But maybe... it's too therapy-ish?? Too much description? Too much Telling and now Showing TM? Cuz it's like:

I sighed. House d’Magnia taught the Burned Maiden of Thuille to mask her grief in fury because it furthered their once-Faustian ends. The one and only thing for which she set aside her grief was for business. And if we played our pieces right, Riavh would be good for business.

And:

The chalk snapped in her fist and she hurled it at me. The board followed. I just batted them down and watched her recoil to a corner guiltily. For even as Arlasaire destroyed whatever was within her reach to quell her rage, she hated this about herself too. Everyone did.

The rest of it is still pretty narrativized. I hope.

Incidentally, it is hilarious to me that my problem is, in fact, that I show too much and I don't tell and then people don't know what is happening because it is so subtle, it is unclear. That officially means I'm not a beginner now, right? I have solidly intermediate problems now. Yayyyy!

[arijensineink]

Good Evening Writeblr <3

I'm so happy I got to catch up on tags yesterday!

And today was really nice, I went to the barn for my Epona equine therapy. Sadly no, I'm not a rich horse girl, my humble friend simply needs help training her skittish horse so he can start doing, well, horse things!

I've built a 6+ year relationship with this horse, Promise, and through that I'm one of the only people he really trusts and is comfortable around. (and that she trusts enough to help train him.) After knowing him for this long, I was only able to pet him for the first time last week! It was really a special moment, and today he was so affectionate, I could hardly even believe it was happening.

I did a lot of talking with her about everything I've been going through, and I'm doubling down on my commitment to just enjoy writing and everything that comes with it, with absolutely no expectation or pressure.

It's hard to get any writing done right now, I feel like I'm solving an extremely complicated equation that is my neck and shoulders. But every day I am making a little bit more progress. Part of that is accepting that for so many years, I've used writing as a dissociative escape, rather than a mindful practice, at least on and off.

I don't think this is a bad thing, but it is something that is not serving me at this moment in time, so I'm working on it :3

Well, I guess I just wanted to explore that a bit and share it with ya'll.

I hope all your writing ventures are going well, writeblr. My ask box is always open, and here's my newsletter about enjoying writing without expectations.

I hope you'll subscribe while you're at it, and if you already are, reblogs are appreciated!

Much love <3

[dlbookediting]

D. L. Book Editing is now on #bluesky! Click here to join me there 🩵 Currently booking Developmental Edits for November & December 2024. DM me to reserve a slot!

[shelvesuponshelves]

Offering Editing Services for Original Work!

Hello! Are you looking for help with your original work? I offer a variety of services to fit every budget and need. I have plenty of experience and would love to help you with your piece. If interested, you can DM me here or send an email to jamesilver.ff@gmail.com

Looking forward to working with you!