Frequently Asked Questions.
FAQs: Understanding Editing at Novel Adventure Editorial
Isn’t an editor just an editor? Why all the titles?
Great question! The world of editing can be confusing, but here’s the short version: editors have different areas of expertise. It’s important to clarify what kind of edit you need and agree with your editor on the scope of work in advance.
There are three main types of editing:
Proofreading happens last. A proofreader checks for typos and formatting issues just before publication.
Copyediting (sometimes called line editing) addresses grammar, sentence structure, clarity, and flow.
Developmental editing focuses on big-picture storytelling elements like plot, character, pacing, and structure. This is where I come in.
What exactly does a developmental editor do?
A developmental editor helps you strengthen your manuscript at a structural level. This involves applying writing craft theory to give feedback that improves the storytelling, not just the writing. We don’t focus on grammar or punctuation—our job is to help shape your story.
Some of the areas I assess include:
Genre – Does your manuscript meet reader expectations?
Premise – Is your core concept clear and compelling?
Structure – Are your plot, pacing, and narrative arc working effectively?
POV – Is the narration consistent and engaging?
Voice & Style – Does the writing feel authentic and distinct?
Character Development – Are characters believable and emotionally engaging?
Dialogue – Does it sound natural and serve the story?
World-building – Is the setting immersive and coherent?
Theme – What deeper ideas tie your story together?
Representation – Are there unintentional tropes or bias that could be addressed with more nuance?
Can’t I just edit my own work?
Yes—and you should! Self-editing is part of being a writer. But it’s hard to spot problems when you’re so close to your story. We see what we think we wrote, not always what’s actually on the page.
An editor brings a trained, objective eye. We can gently point out what’s missing, what’s working, and what could be even stronger. Many editors, myself included, benefit from being edited too!
Do I have to have a Literary Agent or Publisher to engage an Editor?
Not at all. In fact, many writers choose to work with a developmental editor before querying agents or submitting to publishers. Whether you're planning to self-publish, pursue traditional publishing, or you're still figuring that out, you're absolutely welcome here. I'm here to support your creative goals—no gatekeepers required.
I’m sold—but worried about the cost. What do you suggest?
Start with a developmental editor you trust and who understands your goals. A good dev edit can help you avoid bigger rewrites later and give your manuscript the strongest chance of success.
At Novel Adventure Editorial, I offer flexible pricing based on project needs. Whether you’re self-publishing or querying agents, I’ll work with you to find the right support at the right stage.
What does developmental editing cost?
It depends on the project. My rates are based on the Editorial Freelancers Association recommended rate of between $0.03-0.04 per word. Rates can be hourly, per word, or packaged. Contact me for a tailored quote. I’ll help you figure out what’s most appropriate for your manuscript.
What happens in the initial consultation?
We start with a short questionnaire and a writing sample. This helps me get a sense of your story, your goals, and whether I’m the right fit for your project. I’ll offer a sample edit so you can see how I work.
Do I need to know literary theory or identify as a feminist to work with you?
Absolutely not. You don’t need any background in literary theory, and you certainly don’t need to identify as a feminist to work with me. That said, I have the training to spot unintentional missteps and can help you deepen your story’s message of diversity and inclusion—if that’s something you’re aiming for.
What genres do you work with?
I work across both literary and popular fiction, including: Romance; Mystery; Sci-fi & Fantasy; Gothic, dystopian & magical realism; Historical fiction; Bildungsroman & picaresque; and Children’s & YA fiction.
My background in both academic research and creative writing means I bring insight and flexibility to a wide range of styles.
What spelling or style guide do you use?
On the website, I use British spelling with -ize endings (as per academic publishers like Routledge). For your manuscript, I’ll follow whatever system or style guide you prefer.
You mention online courses. What can I expect?
Coming soon! These self-paced courses are designed to fit around your life, offering deep craft knowledge in manageable sessions. They’ll help you build skills with confidence—no burnout, no overwhelm.