Developmental Editing Versus Manuscript Coaching
Artwork by Celestial Creations
The Full Manuscript Experience service I offer includes everything an author needs to create a manuscript—from inception to completion. The service details state that manuscript coaching and developmental editing are included. Some clients have asked me, “Aren’t those the same thing?” To which I respond: “Yes and no.”
Manuscript coaching includes developmental editing, but that is nowhere near the full scope of my service.
So, what’s the difference?
Developmental Editing
Developmental editors come in when the manuscript is already complete, or is almost complete.
A developmental edit typically includes:
Looking at the big picture of the manuscript
Critiquing structure, plot, pacing, and character development
Working with the text, not the author
Does not help the author improve their writing
Usually a one-time service
Manuscript Coaching
Manuscript coaches usually come in before the first draft has begun, or when it’s incomplete.
Manuscript coaching typically includes:
Working with the author to clarify their core message
Laying the structural foundation before writing begins
Holding the author accountable throughout the writing process
Providing editorial reports along the way
Offering tailored guidance to help the author strengthen their work
Creating a safe space for the author to share their authentic voice and overcome any blockages
What Does My Service Include?
Full manuscript coaching and developmental editing
Editorial reports
Chapter-by-chapter feedback
Structural, pacing, and thematic analysis
Emotional and narrative depth analysis
Strategic revision plan
Custom templates and prompts designed specifically for your manuscript
Line editing — sentence-level clarity, flow, and impact
Copyediting — grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency
Proofreading
2 revision rounds
1-on-1 check-in calls
Ongoing email support between sessions
Tracked changes delivered via Microsoft Word or Google Docs and PDF reports
A clean copy with all the changes applied
*Specializing in emotionally resonant manuscripts — fiction or nonfiction — including literary, contemporary, reflective, memoir, narrative nonfiction, and spiritually or philosophically oriented works. Crafted to move readers, convey insight, teach, and leave meaningful takeaways.
Draft Stage
Some clients come to me with an idea and no first draft while others come with a fully completed first draft, both requesting The Full Manuscript Experience.
Let’s see how you can use this service if you have a completed manuscript versus an incomplete one.
Incomplete Manuscript
If your manuscript is incomplete—whether it’s partially complete or the first draft doesn’t even exist yet—I work with clients one-on-one to craft it, incorporating the developmental aspect into the writing process as opposed to treating it like a separate service.
We meet every two weeks or monthly via Zoom or phone call, and the client receives ongoing support through email communication. I provide each client with prompts, templates, and strategic advice to guide them through the writing process.
The work is done in sessions. We begin by discussing the game plan and deadline, after which I send over the resources needed to support the author's writing process. Once the chapters are complete, I review them and provide a full report with tracked changes for refinement before progressing to the next stage.
Once the manuscript is complete, I do a full review and suggest changes that should be made to strengthen the piece. This can look like expanding on ideas in certain places, making some paragraphs more concise, or improving vocabulary for maximum impact.
Completed Manuscript
I treat completed manuscripts like a developmental editing service, but with far more guidance.
I don’t just read it over and suggest tracked changes in Microsoft Word.
I dissect it, find its weaknesses, and create a detailed plan for the author to address them.
I provide a full editorial report of the manuscript, send over tracked changes on Word, and create custom templates and prompts to strengthen the piece. I also provide copyediting, line editing, and proofreading as part of the package.
Phone calls or Zoom meetings are available at the client’s request, but sometimes if the manuscript is already complete, authors find the materials I provide to be enough to get them through the process.
The author is entitled to two revisions. This means that once the first revision is done, they can send it back to me for another report, tracked changes, and custom resources. By the second revision—if it’s needed—the piece should be polished and publication-ready.
This service typically takes less time than working with an incomplete manuscript.
In conclusion:
Manuscript coaching includes developmental editing, but developmental editing does not include the same level of guidance and communication as manuscript coaching.
This service is useful to authors at any stage of their manuscript.
If you would like to become a better writer or prefer a higher level of guidance and strategy, this is the service for you.
Book a free consultation to bring your story to life today.