Why choose an opening chapters edit?
As a developmental editor I offer a number of editing options to potential clients. The most obvious two are a manuscript critique and a developmental edit.
Manuscript critique
In the case of the first, you get a lengthy report focusing on not just the main issues in your manuscript, you also get some lower level feedback. And I’ll also tell you what you’re getting right! This option comes with a reading list that’s specially targeted for your needs. I recently offered a lower priced version of this option which requires only three reads. My preference is four.
Two reads for me is what I would call a Beta Critique. It’s beyond a beta read, but not as extensive as a manuscript critique.
Manuscript critiques don’t include margin comments, unless you opt to purchase an add-on service. For example:
- You want margin comments for the first 5000 words of your manuscript on top of the report.
Other word count options are available.
Developmental edit
With developmental editing you get a report and margin comments throughout the manuscript. This is a much more detailed type of editing and takes longer. It also gives you more feedback.
Opening chapters developmental edit
On top of these services, I offer an opening chapters developmental edit. The usual length here is the first 10,000 words or 15,000 words (it can vary). This is a great opportunity to test out developmental editing without having to commit to full developmental editing costs.
You can also learn a lot from an opening chapters edit:
- Does your story open in the best place?
- Do you have a good opening hook?
- Are you dropping in too much backstory?
- Is your main character well established in the opening chapters?
- Do your opening chapters and style of writing conform to the genre you’re aiming for?
- Are you adopting the right tone?
- Are you using too much internal dialogue?
- Is your dialogue properly formatted?
- Is your opening well paced?
- Are you using the best POV for your story?
- Do you have head hopping issues in your story?
In addition to these and other issues, if you include the synopsis, I can check to see if the opening of your novel is fulfilled by the ending. With the synopsis I can also address character arc, theme, etc.
With the opening chapters developmental edit, you get a report consisting of a few thousand words, plus margin comments and a reading list.
NEW: Opening chapters manuscript critique
However, I’m now offering an alternative to the opening chapters edit – one that mimics a manuscript critique, where you only get the report, no margin comments. Because this takes less time, the price will be lower.
It could be that you’re at a point where you need lighter feedback on your beginning. Or maybe you’re on a lower budget.
If you do choose an opening chapters edit, you are entitled to a discount on a full edit later.
Feel free to contact me about opening chapters edits and reports. We can discuss your project and what you’re looking for. I will do my best to meet your needs. My email is karen@indiecateditorial.com.
