Developmental editing looks at how your story works as a whole: how events build on each other, whether character choices make sense, where the pace changes, and whether the ending delivers on its setup. It helps you decide which changes will have the greatest effect on your next draft.
Get feedback when you have a draft to work with and are ready to reconsider its structure, develop your characters, and make substantial revisions.
A complete draft gives the clearest picture of structure, character development, and payoff. You can also submit an excerpt for feedback on the material you have. A report on an excerpt can only assess the story and context included in that submission.
The report connects individual story choices with their effect on the manuscript as a whole:
Inkshift gives you a written critique with findings and recommendations to guide your revision. The report also considers prose, setting, and genre expectations where they affect the story. You decide which changes support your intentions for the book.
A structural revision can change scenes, chapters, and character arcs. Working through those decisions first helps you avoid polishing passages you may later rewrite or remove.
Stage 1
Rework structure, pacing, plot, and character arcs. Use your critique to decide what matters most before polishing prose.
Stage 2
Refine voice, flow, and clarity, then address grammar and consistency through line editing and copyediting.
Stage 3
Check the finished text for remaining typos and formatting errors before sharing it with readers or publishing.
You may move between these stages as you revise. Use your critique to settle the larger story decisions, then refine the prose and check the finished manuscript before publication.
Consider whether you want a written assessment, detailed editorial collaboration, or ongoing help as you work through revisions.
Work with an editor on substantial story revisions. Agree on the depth of the report, annotations, and any follow-up conversations before booking the service.
Cost
Varies by scope
Turnaround
By agreement
Best for
Writers who want individual editorial judgment and discussion
Receive an editor's overview of your manuscript's strengths and areas for revision. The depth of the assessment, format, and recommendations depend on the service you book.
Cost
Varies by scope
Turnaround
By agreement
Best for
Writers who want a broad assessment before deciding how to revise their manuscript
Work through writing and revision decisions over a series of conversations or sessions. A coach can help you explore story choices, build your craft, and stay accountable as you develop the manuscript.
Cost
Varies by arrangement
Turnaround
Ongoing
Best for
Writers who want ongoing guidance and accountability as they develop a draft
Recommended
Receive a detailed critique covering structure, pacing, characters, plot, and revision priorities. Upload your draft and get written feedback you can work through in minutes.
Cost
Free / $25+
Turnaround
Minutes
Best for
Writers who want a written assessment when they are ready to revise
A written critique to help you understand your draft and plan the work ahead.
Review the overall findings, identify the changes with the widest impact, and use the recommendations to guide your next revision. You decide what fits your story.
Core deliverable
An assessment of structure, pacing, characters, plot, prose, setting, and genre expectations across the draft you submit.
Recommendations ranked by impact to help you decide what to address first in your next draft.
Guidance for applying your chosen revisions across each chapter. Available with + Plan.
Comments attached to your manuscript, with suggestions to review in context. Available with + Markup.
Try your first 10,000 words free before purchasing a longer critique.
Compare the feedback each option provides, particularly the depth of the report and opportunities for follow-up discussion.
| Feature | Inkshift | Developmental Editor | Manuscript Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main deliverable | Written critique and recommendations | Report and/or annotations | Written overview of strengths and revision needs |
| Structure and pacing | Included: story structure, scene pacing, act breaks | Typically a central focus | Covered at the agreed level of detail |
| Character development | Included: motivations, relationships, and character arcs | Typically included in developmental edits | Covered at the agreed level of detail |
| Inline comments | Comments in context with + Markup | Annotations depend on the agreed scope of work | Depends on the assessment |
| Follow-up discussion | Not included in the critique | Depends on the editorial service | Varies |
| Turnaround | Minutes | By agreement | By agreement |
| Cost | Free / $25+ | Varies by scope | Varies by scope |
Prices and timelines are approximate and may vary by service.
First 10,000 words free. No subscription needed.
Comprehensive analysis across full or partial manuscripts
Critique + chapter-by-chapter suggestions for your revisions
