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Merve Thomas Developmental Editing

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My Process - Turning Your Manuscript Into a Masterpiece

I focus on transforming your manuscript into a polished work ready for publication. I do this via my 5-point analysis and personalized coaching.

The Process

Transforming Your Work

Using a specialized 5-Point analysis, I go through your manuscript. You'll be provided with comprehensive notes, a chapter-by-chapter breakdown (reverse outline), and embedded notes within the manuscript, showing you where your manuscript is strong and suggestions for improvement.  

Your Vision Matters

We'll go over the notes for your draft one-on-one, either via email or virtual meeting, and set up a plan for your revision and marketing.  

Polishing Your Draft

While you revise, we'll have an open dialogue where you can continue to ask question via email as they come up. 

Ongoing Guidance

Even after editing, support continues. We can discuss the publishing landscape and marketing your book.

The 5-Point Analysis

Each manuscript will be put through my 5-point analysis, starting with the "big three," character, plot, and setting. 

Once these are squared, I'll look at the overall structure of the book, and find the strengths and weaknesses. 

Finally, we'll talk about the fundamentals, and what you should watch out for while revising. 

Comprehensive Strategy

Each manuscript will receive thorough notes (usually around 10 pages for a 100k-word manuscript), a chapter-by-chapter breakdown, and embedded comments within the manuscript. 

-FAQ-

Developmental editing focuses on the overall structure and content of your manuscript, rather than just grammar or spelling. It addresses character, setting, plot, pacing, structure, POV, and much more.


What it isn't, is line editing or copy editing. You'll receive comprehensive notes that'll direct you into making big changes for your manuscript to impress an agent or prepare it for indie publishing.

For a standard manuscript (roughly 100k words), I ask for a month, but generally finish well before the deadline. I will provide a clear estimate after my initial assessment.

Absolutely! I encourage author engagement and can tailor the process to suit your preferences and comfort level.

I work with a wide range of genres, including fiction, creative non-fiction, and realism, but I specialize in fantasy and sci-fi, including Middle Grade and YA.

Yes, I can provide support in areas such as publishing advice and marketing strategies.

Getting serious about writing and working with a professional developmental editor can be a big undertaking, both mentally and financially. If you have reservations or questions, send me an email and we can chat about it and see if we're a good fit. 

My prices are inline, and in many cases, lower than industry standards, and you get a lot for your money. I've worked with multiple authors who have used other services (of both higher and lower cost), and now they work with me exclusively because of the quality of my work and my detail-oriented approach.


Remember, the work your comparing your work too, ie published books, has gone through multiple processes to get where it is. This often includes a developmental edit (or two), alpha and beta readers, a line edit, and a copy edit.      

Absolutely not. Everything you receive is strictly my work, and I'm a human, so every note, opinion, piece of advice, and direction is 100 percent human-made.

I've worked with other authors who have been disappointed by going to a developmental editor before their manuscript is ready and feeling like they've wasted money. This is not right.


Frankly, if your manuscript is not ready, I will let you know.


If you're unsure if your manuscript is ready, you can always do a manuscript consultation with me. It's a low-cost way to give you some piece of mind with no commitment required. And, if your manuscript is ready and you want to move on to a complete developmental edit, the money you paid will go toward the final cost. 

Getting started is easy! Simply reach out via email, and we'll schedule a consultation to discuss your manuscript.

My Commitment to Excellence

Quality First

I use my 5-Point Analysis starting with Character, Setting, and Plot, and continuing deeper to Structure and Fundamentals to get your manuscript ready for publication. 

Author-Centric Approach

Your voice and vision guide my editing process, fostering a strong collaborative environment.

Commitment to Deadlines

I respect your timeline and work diligently to deliver edits punctually, without sacrificing quality.