What is developmental editing?
It’s the big-picture edit. I look at structure, pacing, character, voice, and the overall shape of the book. Together, we figure out what your story is actually about, which is often different from what you might think it is when you set out to write, and then make deliberate choices to the story where it needs to be. The emphasis isn’t proofreading or copyediting. It’s the hard work of making the book itself stronger.
What kind of writing do you edit?
Mostly literary and upmarket fiction, both novels and stories. That’s where I spend most of my own writing life, so it’s where I can help the most. I also coach writers and take on the occasional project outside that lane. (I’m a sucker for sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting, too!) I’d so if you’re not sure we’re a fit, just ask.
What will I actually get back?
A detailed editorial letter on your manuscript’s real strengths and the areas with the most room to grow, plus comments throughout the manuscript itself pointing to specific places to revise. I don’t just name what isn’t working. That’s the easy part. I offer concrete solutions and specific examples.
What does it cost?
For book-length fiction or nonfiction, I offer three options:
The Basic, at $ per word. A quick read with limited in-text comments focused on the opening pages, plus about three pages of feedback on what’s working, the major hurdles, and how you might clear them.
The Advanced, at $0.03 per word. A full developmental edit: in-text comments throughout, line editing for clarity, tone, and diction, and five to eight pages of feedback. This is the one most writers want when they’re serious about the next draft.
Carte Blanche, priced by project. A full reshaping of your draft, where I go in and rework the manuscript while honoring what the story wants to be. We discuss all major changes beforehand.
I also coach at $95 per hour and run accountability workshops at $75 per month for writers who mainly need to keep writing. For single stories, screenplays, and poetry, the pricing varies according to the project.
Which option is right for me?
If you want an affordable gut-check and some quick direction, start with the Basic. If you want a thorough edit and a clear sense of where to take the next draft, the Advanced is the right fit. And if you have the idea and the raw draft but want someone to take it from here, Carte Blanche is for you. If you’re still unsure, tell me about your project and I’ll point you to the right one.
How long will it take?
Turnaround depends on your manuscript’s length and where I am in my schedule. For book-length work, it’s usually somewhere around four to six weeks. Shorter projects, I can often squeeze in as needed. But I tend to book up in advance, so it’s worth reaching out early. Once we talk, I’ll give you a realistic timeline and we’ll set a date that works.
How do we get started?
Email me at adambprince@gmail.com or use the contact form, and tell me a little about your project. We’ll talk about what you’re hoping for, figure out the right fit, and go from there.
Do you offer a sample edit or a consultation first?
Yes. I’m glad to do a short call before we begin so you can get a feel for how I work and whether we’re a good match. Really, for book-length work, I prefer to get on the phone first. The relationship between a developmental editor and a writer involves a lot of trust, so it’s smart to develop that early. After we talk, if you want a sample edit, I can certainly do that, too.
How finished should my manuscript be before I send it?
A complete draft is ideal, even a messy one, because developmental work is about the shape of the whole. That said, if you’re stuck partway and not sure how to move forward, I can give you a read then, too. Basically, send me something you genuinely need help with, but don’t worry about all that polish. That can—and should—come later.
I don’t need an edit yet. I just need to keep writing. Can you help with that?
Yes. My accountability workshops are built for exactly that. They’re small groups that meet for an hour every two weeks to set goals, check in, and keep you moving, drawing on the tiny-habits approach to build a practice that fits your life. It’s $75 a month, with no commitment beyond the month you pay for. We often talk about the soft skills of the writing life.
Can you help me write the book, not just edit it?
Yes, in two ways. Coaching is for when you want guidance and exercises as you write it yourself. Ghostwriting, or the Carte Blanche edit, is for when you have the idea and want me more directly on the page with you. We’d start slow, get a feel for the story and for working together, and build from there.
Can I get in touch with you after you edit my book?
Please! Part of what I like about this job is keeping in touch with clients and helping them over the course of their careers. I’m happy to answer questions big or small, help with multiple revision, and so on. Sometimes, clients just get in touch because they need a pep talk.
Review:
Adam Prince and the Myth of Inspiration
In an interview for The Story Prize, I talk about what a terrible writer I used to be and all the hard work I put into getting better at it. Read Full Review >
Adam Prince 