Developmental Editing
Sarah Cedeño’s chapbook of essays, Not Something We Discuss Often, was published by Harbor Editions in November 2022. Her essay "The Visible Woman" was selected by Vivian Gornick as a notable essay in The Best American Essays 2022. The Grand Scheme of Things, her collection of short fiction, is forthcoming from Harbor Editions in September of 2025. Her work has appeared in Brevity, The Journal, The Baltimore Review, The Rumpus, Bellevue Literary Review, and elsewhere. Sarah holds an MFA from Goddard College and has edited several literary magazines. She lives in Brockport, NY with her husband, their two sons, some old ghosts, and two dogs. She teaches writing at her alma mater, SUNY Brockport.
“Trauma is an intimate and frightening subject. The first draft I submitted was guarded and distant...because of Sarah's suggestions on how I could revisit the scenes...and immerse myself in them, I've started writing a much better second draft. I didn't know I was capable of it. The process has helped me heal in many ways.”
You have a story to tell.
Are you serious about developing your manuscript for publication?
Both seasoned and developing writers benefit from working with a developmental editor. The goal of developmental editing is to bring your manuscript to fruition. A writer who works with a developmental editor likely has taken the manuscript as far as they can on their own and seeks alternative feedback toward completing their manuscript. Some writers might seek feedback from a trusted reader or friend before hiring a developmental editor. This ensures the project/manuscript has been carried out by the writer, considered, re-considered, and is ready for further development.
Developmental editing is work with someone who sees your manuscript fresh and works with you to strengthen story, develop characters, deepen themes, etc. It’s a partnership where the writer and editor work through a manuscript draft via discussion, craft readings, and exercises, to make the manuscript as strong as it can be with an emphasis on the writer’s vision.
The writer should trust their developmental editor to encourage growth in their technique and skill, providing manuscript analysis, craft background and exercises, and actionable feedback for revision.
Developmental editing includes
plot, story arc, pacing, and structural analysis
theme, character, and setting development
intensive, analytical response in letter form (with manuscript notes via Word track changes)
actionable feedback, craft readings, and samples to execute revisions
an hour follow-up Zoom discussion
What to consider when working with a developmental editor—
Be sure the editor understands your style and genre. The editor should understand your style, genre, vision, and goals for the book. The editor should take your manuscript seriously and guide you toward completing your project without taking over the project.
Share the kind of feedback you’re looking for. If you're more experienced, you might know what you need or maybe have questions on a particular element of craft—or maybe it’s tightening your pacing, adding more depth to your characters, reworking dialogue, etc. If you’re a beginning writer, you might want more big-picture guidance on how to build a story. Be sure the editor understands what kind of feedback you’re looking for.
Be ready for feedback. Sometimes you’ll need to make tough decisions about your manuscript. Getting the most from your investment can mean making difficult revisions and revisiting parts of the manuscript you thought finished. Developmental editing should push your boundaries as a writer.
Share how this project fits into your writing career. Think about how this project fits with your long-term goals as a writer. Are you trying something new, or is this part of a bigger project? Your editor should consider the larger context of your work while working with you.
Developmental Editing Rates for a Full Manuscript: $ .05/word
Manuscript Coaching and Generation Available: Email for Project Consultation
My work in developmental editing is informed by almost two decades of teaching creative writing at university and community writing centers. While teaching, I edited independent, online, literary journals as well as print literary journals affiliated with private and public universities, at both undergraduate and MFA-levels. Working in editing and teaching simultaneously made clear to me my passion for encouraging writers while they work toward completed manuscripts. Developmental editing combines analysis, craft, and process-oriented guidance.
Let’s get to work! Reach out for consultations on your novel, memoir, story or essay collection.
Complete this form, and I will respond promptly.