Home - IndieCat Editorial Developmental Editing of Fiction and Memoir

fix your plot, characterisation, and more

Manuscript critiques and developmental edits for indie authors!

Developmental Fiction Editing for Indie Authors

I’m Karen McKellar, owner of IndieCat Editorial. I’m a specialist developmental editor, offering detailed feedback on character, plot, structure, and much more.

On my About page you will find information about my training and my membership of the Editorial Freelancers Association. I’m based in Scotland, but many of my clients have come from North America.

My feedback comes with an element of coaching for those who need it. I love working with newer authors as well as those with more experience. I aim to offer tiered pricing options – from lower to higher budgets. Don’t be afraid to contact me if you’re concerned about pricing. I provide free sample edits, but you’re under no obligation to hire me.

July 21st 2026: I’m currently open to new clients. Outline critiques, opening chapters developmental edits, manuscript critiques and developmental edits are the current options. You can book a slot in my editing calendar ahead of time.

Developmental editing testimonial from author, Hamish Hudson:

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Karen as my developmental editor for the Saint Peter Black Mystery Thriller series. Thanks to Karen’s meticulous editing, all six books have received ratings of over 4-stars on Amazon. This achievement would never have been possible without her unwavering dedication to ensuring that the story structure was tight, the characters were believable and human, and every page had an emotional edge to it.

ignite your plot, characters, and more!

Opening Chapters

Grab a detailed developmental edit of your first 10,000 words, with a report and track commenting in the margins of your manuscript. £180 flat rate.

Manuscript Critique

Get a detailed 20-30 page report on your manuscript’s plot, structure, characters, and more! This feedback is based on several reads and not just one or two passes.

Developmental Edit

Get the most detailed feedback of all – margin comments throughout your manuscript and a report. Generally there are four complete passes of the manuscript.

Genres

My developmental editing services cover the following adult genres: