developmental editing

Bijou Publications provides Developmental Editing to elevate and refine the core of your completed first draft. This service is tailored for writers who are prepared for an expert, high-level, strategic review. Developmental Editing includes revisions and mark-ups that emphasize story structure, pacing, plot, character development, dialogue, and thematic cohesion, helping you transform your manuscript into a compelling, fully realized work.

  • A mandatory 30-60 minute consultation precedes the editing process to discuss your manuscript, clarify goals, and ensure alignment with the service. Consultation fees are applied toward the total cost. Contracts must be reviewed and signed before editing begins.

    Consultation Fee: $100

  • Your manuscript carefully analyzed for the following:

    • Structure and organization

    • Plot arcs and pacing

    • Character depth and development

    • Dialogue, voice, and consistency

    • Theme, tone, and emotional impact

  • You’ll receive a detailed editorial letter with strategic recommendations to strengthen your manuscript. The letter serves as a roadmap for revisions, allowing you to maintain your voice while elevating your work.

    Key Benefits:

    • In-text commentary and suggested revisions

    • Recommendations for enhancing readability and audience engagement

    • Scene/Chapter level notes

    • One follow-up consultation

  • Manuscripts 50,000-100,000 words: $0.03/word

    Manuscripts 100,000 words or more: Custom Quote

  • 4 weeks for manuscripts under 50,000 words.

    6-8 weeks for full-length manuscripts (50,000-100,000 words), depending on length and manuscript complexity.

  • This service does not include the following:

    • Line editing

    • Copyediting

    • Proofreading

    • Formatting or typesetting

    • Grammar

    • Punctuation

    • Spelling

    • Sentence structure

    • Writing on your behalf

the process

manuscript evaluation

Manuscript Evaluations offer a comprehensive assessment for completed drafts. Rather than directly revising the manuscript, this service provides a detailed editorial letter highlighting strengths, opportunities for improvement, and outlining actionable recommendations across structure, pacing, character development, dialogue, and thematic clarity. The Manuscript Evaluation equips writers with a clear roadmap for refining their work while preserving their unique voice. 

  • A mandatory 30-60 minute consultation precedes the evaluation process to discuss your manuscript, clarify goals, and ensure alignment with the service. Consultation fees are applied toward the total cost. Contracts must be reviewed and signed before editing begins.

    Consultation Fee: $100

  • You’ll receive an editorial letter that includes the following:

    • Manuscript strengths and weaknesses

    • Opportunities for improvement

    • Developmental feedback

    • Actionable recommendations

    • One follow-up consultation

  • Flat rate based on manuscript length:

    • 0-25,000 words: $200

    • 25,001-50,000 words: $350

    • 50,001-75,000 words: $500

    • 75,001+ words: Custom Quote

  • 2-4 weeks for completed manuscripts depending on length.

  • This service does not include the following:

    • Developmental editing

    • Line editing

    • Copyediting

    • Proofreading

    • Formatting or typesetting

    • Grammar

    • Punctuation

    • Spelling

    • Sentence structure

    • Writing on your behalf

the process

selected works

schedule your consultation

This 1:1 consultation serves as an initial intake session to explore your completed manuscript and determine how our services can best support your creative vision. During this session, we will discuss your story, project goals, and intended audience. The consultation fee of $100.00 (USD) is applied towards your total service cost upon booking. Please fill out the form below to schedule your consultation and we’ll be in touch shortly.

client portal access

Approved clients may proceed to Bijou’s secure client portal using the assigned passcode. The portal is your private space to upload your first draft/manuscript, manage payments, and track the progress of your services.

client portal