DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING SERVICES
Craft a Story That Captivates, Converts, & Lasts
Our structural editing experts dig deep into your manuscript’s architecture: plot, pacing, character arcs, and flow, to help you shape a book that readers can’t put down and publishers can’t ignore.
Get your developmental editing service quote now.
Draft to Deal
What Is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing, also called structural editing or manuscript critique, is the first and most crucial step in shaping a publishable book. It addresses big-picture storytelling elements such as structure, theme, pacing, emotional arcs, and character development.
Whether you’re writing a debut novel, a powerful memoir, or a market-savvy nonfiction book, our editors align your draft with reader expectations and genre benchmarks.
What We Improve:
- Plot structure and scene flow
- Character motivation and development
- Pacing and tension
- Thematic cohesion and tone
- Dialogue clarity and authenticity
What You’ll Receive
A comprehensive 5–10 page editorial letter
Inline comments addressing key sections
A customized revision roadmap
Notes on reader impact and genre-market fit
Why Choose Edioak?
Deep genre matching, with editors paired by subject expertise
Fully in-house process with no freelancers or outsourcing
Experience with HarperCollins, Kodansha, Netflix, and more
Proven results across fiction, memoir, nonfiction, and business genres
Debut author friendly, with step-by-step guidance throughout the process
Editing Levels Comparison
Feature | Developmental Editing | Line Editing | Copyediting |
Focus | Plot, pacing, structure, characters | Sentence style, tone, transitions | Grammar, punctuation, consistency |
Stage | First or second draft | Clean draft after structure is solid | Final polish before formatting |
Objective | Strengthen story and structure | Refine flow and readability | Ensure technical accuracy |
Includes | Editorial letter and inline notes | Tracked edits and margin suggestions | Tracked changes and formatting |
Is Developmental Editing Right for You?
It’s a perfect fit if:
You’ve finished your first or second draft
You feel something is off but can’t pinpoint what
You’re preparing to self-publish or pitch to agents
You want feedback from professionals who understand your genre
You care about reader experience, not just finishing the book
Book Editing Testimonials
50000+ Copies sold
#1 Amazon Bestseller
International Bestselling Author
NYT bestseller 100,000+ copies sold
#1 national and WSJ bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
Teresa Torres Teresa Torres
Author of Continuous Discovery Habits
I’m really pleased with the work. It was initially such a mess and needed lots of rewriting … I sweated blood over it and it never seemed to get into a nice flow untill i seeked the services at Edioak. You are the best editing compny one can ever find, and certainly the standard of your work so far is dazzling! Thanks again for fitting this in at short notice. Probably one of the best things ever to be put in the mag!
Rick Breitweiser
Author of Sales And Selling Yourself
They (Edioak), and my contact there Melissa were so predictable answering all my emails quickly over 17 weeks of a full edit of my first book to them. They spent extra time to make sure that I was completely satisfied. Customer service like this is incredibly rare. I was so happy with the makeover of my manuscript, that I gave them a book already selling online to perform a “”full edit”” on shortly they began one book for me.
Dennis C Grant
Author of The Developing Grant Park
Communication was easy and I appreciated the speed and completeness of the answers to my questions. The editors made a tremendous adjustment that improved my story and guided me in directions that would improve my future endeavours. I enjoyed the experience and felt it was worth the cost.
Callie D
Author of Homicide at the Vicarage
As a writer I know the importance of delivering a polished manuscript to the readers, and their proofreading service helps me achieve my goal. Their attention to detail ensured that every sentence was flawless. If you are looking for a proofreading service that exceeds your expectations then this is the right place.
Steve M
Author of In a New World
I love Edioak. I pondered over using them for two years. I reviewed their website repeatedly. I finally took the plunge after not enjoying my experience with so called Editors. I have not looked back since! Their services are built for humans.
Melissa B
Author of Life Skills for Teens to Thrive
The final proof of my manuscript was done really well. It went though several rounds of editing. It was also priced right and I intend to use them for my future manuscripts!
Aarti Kapur
Author of The Unknown Girl
We had the pleasure of working with the awesome team from Edioak. As a first time author I was overwhelmed and nervous about publishing my book.
We discovered this gem online and the team was super responsive and soon the worry of having quality editing done was behind me.
I am grateful for their engagement and contribution throughout the process for my book – the unknown girl. If you are looking to get help with editing- look no further. We highly recommend Edioak!
Dr.Gerald Draleti
The team at Edioak did an amazing job on the manuscript that I submitted for copy editing. I was very impressed by the quality of the copy-edited manuscript that I received and I can’t wait to have it published in a Journal.
When I first submitted my work for a free sample edit, I was contacted through email after a few hours and I loved what they did to the document. This motivated me to allow them work on the entire document.
The team also keeps you updated all the way to completion of the work.
They are very professional with top notch customer service and care.
John D
I’ve had five novels edited by them, and they’ve all turned out beautifully.
Edioak has edited five of my novels, and they always perform an excellent job. Their customer service is outstanding. My most recent work had so many plot holes that after the first round of development edits, I asked if they might opt for one more round of development edits, which my editor graciously accepted and proceeded with; I highly recommend this organisation.
Vruha James
This is the most promising book editing company I have ever worked with. Though it took a little longer but at the end it was a fruitful journey all along.
Kishore Vastani
Author of Sinners Of The Sauna: Corporate Murder Whodunnit
Once you work with Edioak for editing your novel. They become your favorites , such satisfying is their services. You will never look around for your next book. They are excellent in every aspect ,right from appointing authors anchor to prime editor. Their editing team is excellent in every aspect of editing. My script is now much simpler and easier to understand. I highly recommend them .
Maria A
Submitted a manuscript for line editing. Editor did a fantastic job. I was convinced that there were no typos in my 200 pages but they found a half-dozen (along with all the other edits and suggested phrasing changes). I was very pleased with the process and the results. I was told it would take 10 business days to complete but had finished edits in my hands within 5 business days. Always nice when someone performs faster than promised.
Praths J
Since I have my doctorate in English and a very firm opinion that the work should always be reviewed by a different author. Before trying their sample edit, I already paid 2 editing companies for my book and the quality was sub par. This time I had so many questions and was vary of spending my money. These people after the Sample Edit won my trust. Big cheers to the Editors.
Robert O
Just wanted to tell you that I’m really pleased with the editing of my book. At first I was apprehensive about Edioak’s service, I’m so glad I let you do the work. Not only did you do a superb job, but you also educated me along the way.
Sitanshu E
I submitted the manuscript for my first book. There was a lot of work to be done in the 200+ pages of the rough draft. I had my apprehensions as a new writer, but the team at Edioak helped me in an encouraging and friendly manner. While the team remains professional in its services, the editors also connect on a personal level tackling each writer according to his/her writing proficiency.
I loved the final version of the manuscript after three rounds of editing. I will definitely recommend their services to other authors like me.
Jacob
Thank you Edioak Team. On time delivery was very important as we were approaching the publishing. I sent multiple revisions to them and they maintained the language and consistency across them while improving the flow and impact. This has been a great experience working with them. Will surely work with them in future!
Rick L
It’s rare when you get exactly “as advertised”. Edioak spent so much time on my manuscript until I was completely satisfied with the finished book. They replied like “clockwork” and were never a day late with delivering an edit or response. I was so satisfied with the way they treated me, I gave them a book already in circulation to redo for me. I have no reason, neither should you have any reason to look for another editor.
Developmental Editing FAQs
What’s the difference between developmental and line editing?
When should I get a developmental edit?
Right after finishing your first or second draft. It’s the best way to address structural issues before polishing language.
Can I see a sample before signing up?
Yes. We offer a no-obligation sample edit, so you can preview our feedback style and value.
Do you work with debut authors?
Absolutely. Many of our bestselling clients started with rough drafts. We’ll walk you through every step.
Will you rewrite my book?
No, we don’t ghostwrite. Our role is to advise, suggest, and highlight opportunities. Your voice and decisions lead the way.
How much does it cost?
Most developmental editing projects range from $700 to $3,000 depending on length and complexity. Request a quote for accuracy.
How long does it take?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks. You’ll get a clear delivery timeline when we evaluate your manuscript.
What types of books do you accept?
We edit fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and business books. Your editor is matched based on your genre.
Do you offer post-edit support?
Yes. Most of our packages include email follow-up and optional consultations to help you make the most of your revision process.