The Gilt List · Developmental Editing
Start Your Developmental Editing Request
Tell me a little about your book and what kind of help you’re looking for. You can send a sample now or wait until I reply.
Questions?
Have a question, want to check whether your manuscript fits, or feel unsure which service to choose? Email me at melissa@thegiltlist.com.
How It Works
What happens after you send your manuscript details
A developmental edit is a bigger step than sending a few opening pages, so this form is meant to help me understand the manuscript, the genre, your revision goals, and whether a diagnostic review or full developmental edit is the right fit.
- Send your project details. Fill out the form with your genre, word count, manuscript status, preferred service, and the main concerns you already have about the book.
- I review the fit. I’ll check whether the manuscript, service, timeline, and available spot are a good match before anything is confirmed.
- I send the next steps. If it’s a good fit, I’ll email the service terms, payment details, document instructions, and estimated turnaround time.
- You confirm your booking. Your spot is confirmed once the terms are signed, payment is complete, and the required materials are received.
- I read your manuscript. I review the full manuscript through a fantasy and romantasy developmental lens, looking at structure, pacing, character arcs, romance arc, worldbuilding, stakes, scene function, and reader engagement.
- You receive your feedback. Depending on your service, you’ll receive either an editorial letter & revision priorities or a fuller developmental edit with chapter/scene notes, selective inline comments, revision priorities/plan, options for after edit read throughs and Zoom audio calls for goals and revision.
Service note: the Manuscript Diagnostic Review includes a full manuscript read-through and long editorial letter with steps. The Full Developmental Edit includes the same plus chapter/scene notes, selective inline comments, Zoom audio calls, and options for further revision help. The Manuscript Critique includes a read through with short letter of pointed feedback (at lower price point).
Quick note: submitting this form does not confirm a booking, reserve a founding-rate spot, or begin editorial work. It starts the project review process so I can make sure the service, timeline, and materials are the right fit before payment.