Nonfiction Developmental Editing

Ready to take your nonfiction project from “informative” to influential?

Hi! I’m Michael, a freelance book editor with 20 years of experience in writing and editing. Whether you're writing a memoir, guide, thought-leadership book, or big-idea nonfiction, I know how tough it can be to organize your material, clarify your message, and keep readers engaged.

That’s where developmental editing comes in.

My job is to help you shape your manuscript into a powerful, reader-ready book. I’ll work closely with your draft to refine your structure, clarify your ideas, strengthen your argument or narrative arc, and ensure everything flows with logic and intention, all while staying true to your voice and goals.

No jargon. No ivory-tower critiques. Just honest, insightful feedback with a touch of humor and a whole lot of support.

Developmental Editing

($0.045 per word)

This is the best option if you're looking for big-picture, content-level guidance. I’ll read your manuscript closely and provide clear, comprehensive feedback designed to help you revise with confidence and clarity. Think of me as your project’s co-pilot: sharp, encouraging, and detail-obsessed (in a good way).

FREE 30-minute Discovery Call

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Perfect for non-fiction writers who:

  • Have completed a draft (or several) but still feel something’s not quite right

  • Want to make sure their argument, narrative, and structure flow logically and clearly

  • Need expert feedback before submitting to publishers or self-publishing

  • Are stuck in the revision process and need to break through the fog

  • Crave clear, actionable feedback that pushes their project forward

“Michael offered thoughtful suggestions for reorganizing sections and improving the book's overall coherence. He wasn't just fixing commas—he was helping me tell a better story.”

-Trish Uhl, PMP, POPM

What You’ll Get

  • In-line comments and suggestions throughout your manuscript. Whether it’s a confusing transition, a muddled section, or a powerful idea that needs more space, I’ll leave detailed notes to help you revise with purpose.

  • A 5–10 page editorial letter. A big-picture breakdown of what’s working, what needs attention, and how to approach your next draft. We’ll cover structure, clarity, flow, tone, audience alignment, chapter order, and more.

  • One-on-one feedback session (60 minutes). We’ll meet via Zoom to review my notes, discuss your questions, and brainstorm your next steps. (Bring coffee. Or tea. Or whatever fuels you.)

  • Optional follow-up support. If you'd like help on the next revision or additional sections, I’m happy to continue working with you.

FREE 30-minute Discovery Call

The Details

  • Advance Bookings: Reserve your spot now. Editing timelines can fill up fast, and future-you will be glad you did.

  • Genres Accepted: Memoir, self-help, personal development, creative nonfiction, business, thought leadership, career, writing guides, and more. (No academic dissertations or technical manuals. Just ask if you’re unsure!)

  • Payment: 50% due at booking, remaining 50% due before final delivery. I accept PayPal, Venmo, and other major online payment methods.

  • Cancellations & Rescheduling: Please notify me at least 30 days in advance for any changes.

  • Turnaround Time: Depends on your manuscript’s length. I’ll give you a custom timeline when we book. Expect steady communication along the way.

Got questions? Shoot me an email. I’d love to hear about your project!

Still on the fence?

Book a FREE 30-minute chat about your book with an editor who’s excited to listen.

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FAQs

  • Developmental editing focuses on big-picture elements like structure, content flow, and overall clarity. It’s about making sure your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. Copyediting, on the other hand, focuses on the finer details—like grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. Think of developmental editing as refining your manuscript’s shape, while copyediting ensures the polish.

  • If your manuscript feels rough or disorganized, or if you’re struggling with clarity or pacing, developmental editing is for you. It’s ideal if you’ve already written a draft and need guidance on how to refine your message, improve the flow, or strengthen your arguments. It’s also perfect if you feel stuck in the revision process or want to ensure your non-fiction work engages readers from start to finish.

  • I provide in-depth, constructive feedback that covers both the overall content and the finer details. This includes suggestions for improving the structure, clarity, logical flow, tone, and engagement with your target audience. You’ll receive in-line comments throughout your manuscript and a 5-10 page editorial letter with a comprehensive analysis of your work.

  • I work with a wide range of non-fiction, including memoirs, business books, self-help, personal development, thought leadership, and guides/how-tos. If your book is meant to inspire, inform, or share lived experience or expertise, you’re in the right place. If you're writing a textbook, white paper, or academic thesis, I’m probably not your guy.

  • Memoirs sit at the crossroads of non-fiction and narrative storytelling, so they’re absolutely within my wheelhouse. I’ll help you shape your story arc, develop your narrative voice, and ensure your message connects with readers emotionally and intellectually.

  • The turnaround time depends on the length and complexity of your manuscript. When we book your editing session, I’ll provide an estimate of how long it will take. Generally, I’ll aim for quality feedback within a reasonable time frame, but good editing takes time, so I always keep you updated along the way.

  • Absolutely! One of the main focuses of developmental editing is ensuring your content is logically structured and easy to follow. If your ideas feel scattered or if you’re unsure how to present your arguments or information most effectively, I’ll help you organize and streamline your manuscript so that everything flows smoothly.

  • Not during developmental editing. This stage is about the big-picture content, not the line-by-line polish. That said, if I spot glaring grammar gremlins or confusing sentences, I’ll absolutely point them out. You’ll likely want a copyedit or proofread after you revise your manuscript based on developmental feedback.

  • Developmental editing is a more comprehensive process that helps you take your manuscript to the next level. If you're looking for a quick review or light editing, you might want to consider a manuscript evaluation instead. Let me know what your needs are, and we can discuss the best option for you.

  • Yes! If you’d like further support after the developmental editing phase, I offer optional follow-up services. These can include additional rounds of feedback or help with subsequent drafts as you move toward your final manuscript. Just let me know if you’d like to keep working together on future revisions.