Developmental Editing for MM and Gay Fiction Authors โ
It's Time to Take a Look at the Inner Workings of Your Novel
“As my Geordie colleagues say, You are Legend!
There has been immeasurable benefit. You helped me focus, recognize the need to write for the reader rather than myself.”
Jim Nichols, Gay Fiction Author
What is dev editing?
How might it work for you?
At this level, sometimes called content, substantive, or structural editing, our goal is to assess and improve your novel as a whole.
At this stage, I’m not worried about spelling issues, grammar or punctuation problems, although I do highlight repeated and obvious errors for the copy editing stage, which comes later.
Editing suggestions build off what is already working well in the manuscript. I always aim to be supportive and constructive with my feedback.
When LC came to me, she was stuck on how to refine her character’s arc, pacing, and emotional resonance to fit the genre expectations of contemporary queer romance.
As a debut author, her concerns were rooted in losing her unique voice and being forced to accept changes she didn’t agree with.
My approach is far from this, and she left feeling the process was painless, educational, and even fun!ย
Find pricing info and services at the end of the page.ย
A developmental edit will help you answer a number of key questions.
Is the story delivering the type of emotional resonance that you intended?
Are the main characters' arcs fully realised and believable?
We’ll talk through your ideal story goals during the discovery call. Once I know the type of story and payoff you are hoping to achieve, I can tailor my feedback to close the gap and meet those aims.
Multiple layers of goals, motivations, conflicts, flaws, wounds, and resolutions work together to take them on a journey of change (for better or worse), and I’ll be diving in deep to see how it’s all working.
Is the setting and worldbuilding working to enhance your story world?
Does the book have a page-turning pace that will keep your reader up at night?
The places and spaces where your story unfolds should immerse your readers and help create a mood that reflects the themes of the story.
Looking at scenes and sequels is a primary focus because pacing can quickly unravel, and my job is to ensure the events unfold in a way that serves the story.
Does your opening and ending deliver on the promises made in the blurb and synopsis?
Are the conflict and stakes working to bring tension and suspense to every scene and chapter?
Hooking your reader is very important; otherwise, they’ll put your book right back on the shelf, and we want the story to linger, for the resolution to leave an impression, and incorporating a chiastic structure is a great way to do this by answering the big story question that opened the novel.
Regardless of genre, maintaining narrative tension throughout the story means readers will continue to care about the characters and stick with the story right up until the end.
Genre Specialisms
Gay memoir editing
Crime fiction editing
Weโd be looking at narrative structure, central theme, and purpose, alongside voice and consistency.
Character development is explored alongside emotional arc, pacing, and stakes. Sceneโsummary balance is addressed alongside gaps and missing context.
Often, gay men want to share their life experiences in order to educate, inspire, or simply pass on their knowledge to younger generations. I can help you bring your manuscript ideas to reality.
Here, we take the core crime and premise and read for stakes, clarity, and genre-appropriate tropes and expectations, alongside clues, red herrings, and fair play.
Plot logic, narrative drive, and chapter structure are all crucial elements in crime novels.
Characters, suspects, and others are evaluated to ensure they heighten suspense and that stakes remain clear.
Reveals, resolutions, scene craft, and dialogue are all key aspects in keeping readers riveted.
Queer/Gay romance editing
Historical fiction editing
Central to a good romance is emotional depth and character development, and stories usually work best when romantic tension is maintained right until the end.
Stakes really matter for readers, and pacing is key so readers get the HEA or HFA they are yearning for.
Any spice levels, tropes, and pairings are welcome!
Romance allows us to live out fantasies on the page, and helping authors bring out the best of their character dynamics is one of my favourite aspects of editing MM fiction.
Historical fiction, much like crime, is all about accurate details, and this applies to setting, character, and authenticity.
A balance between fact and imagination, alongside keeping an eye out for anachronisms and other details that might bump the reader from the story, is essential.
Readers want to be immersed in the chosen period through evocative places and spaces, but also want to be moved through character depth, strong themes, and a satisfying payoff.
Fun fact: I have a BA in History, and digging in the archives in Bristol was one of my favourite experiences at uni.
Why choose me as your developmental editor?
ย My initial training was with story structure through UCLA Extension, and I’ve continued that learning journey with Club Ed, working my way to their Developmental Editing Certificate.
Both were a lot of work. I’ve also been through the developmental editing process a number of times now, so I know exactly what your concerns are!
Editing is not about finding fault; it’s about growth, development, and improvement, so let’s dive right in and let me help you craft your ideal story.
Always happy to answer your questions!ย
Fiction Editing Pricing
Developmental Editing
Line and Copy Editing
From $0.03 p/w
Payment plans available
A 9โ12-page editorial letter outlining key areas to develop
In-text manuscript commentary using Track Changes in Word
A manuscript evaluation is available as an affordable alternative to a full developmental edit.
From $0.02 p/w
A full style sheet is included with everyย edit.
This is a perfect tool for keeping track of people, places, and timelines across the book and across a series.
Every project begins with a free 1,000-word sample editโthen I recommend light or heavy editing based on what the manuscript needs.
Ideal Story Sessions
Do you want fast feedback on your first chapter or a rapid report on your outline?
An Ideal Story Session might be just the solution.
This is a no-cost way to speak with me on Zoom and ask all your questions.ย
Check the link below for more information.
“Sam went above and beyond to help make my book the best it could be, and took time to understand my vision, goals, and concerns.
He was very prompt in his communications and feedback, and extremely trustworthy.”
KC Adams, Queer Fiction Author
“I hired Sam to complete a line edit of my M/M romance novel, and I’m overjoyed with the result.
He’s professional, thorough, and has a great attention to detail. I love that he challenged me to stretch myself and revisit a few scenes where I had rushed important moments โ my story is stronger because of that advice.”
Kit Erikson, Gay Fiction Author
“I’m so happy I found Sam.ย
What a great job on my upcoming holiday release.
Thank you Sam! You’ll be hearing from me soon!”
Sam E. Kraemer, MM Fiction Author
