Ready to turn your manuscript into a showstopper?

Charlotte Chipperfield Developmental Editing

What is Developmental Editing? ✨

Developmental editing looks at the big overarching elements of your manuscript. It is the crucial first step in the publishing process. It's refining your manuscript's structure to create a page-turner by assessing your manuscript’s structure, how your scenes flow together, how the story paces, and how characters drive the story forward.

Who is DE for?

Developmental editing is for:

  • Writers seeking feedback on the structure of your manuscript

  • Writers struggling to get published and want a birds-eye view for improvements

  • Fiction writers who write within the following genres*:

    • Women’s Fiction

    • Romance

    • Young Adult

    • Thriller

    • Cozy Mystery

    • Contemporary

  • Non-fiction writers and entrepreneurs within the following topics:

    • Self-help

    • Spirituality

    • Business

    • How-To’s

    • Memoir

*Please note: Editing is not limited to these genres. My experience is stronger in these genres and I’m less helpful when it comes to fantasy or sci-fi categories, for example.

  • "My experience with Charlotte was fantastic. The introductory call was a great way to exchange information beforehand. The feedback itself was thorough, detailed, kind, and completely respectful of my goals for the story. The subsequent wrap-up call was invaluable, as it gave me the chance to ask a deeper level of questions and to make the final connections that pulled the story together. I really appreciated this careful and organized structure, and I’m so grateful to have had Charlotte’s sharp and sensitive eyes on my work."

    Amanda Gale

  • "I could go on about your method and how you 'got' it, and the specific nature of your helpful advice."

    Amanda Trejbrowski

  • Author, Renda Knapp

    “Charlotte did a Developmental Edit for me, and helped me make my novel more coherent and clear. Because of her insightful feedback, my writing has improved tremendously. Her guidance has helped me complete my manuscript and improve my story structure. She helped increase my confidence as a writer, and I will be forever grateful.”

  • Author, Maïté Grisard

    "After completing my first draft, I knew I needed professional guidance and constructive feedback to move forward. I spoke with several editors, but I immediately felt that Charlotte would be a great fit—and I’m so glad I trusted that instinct. Charlotte provided a clear timeline for her process, explained exactly what she would deliver and when, and followed through flawlessly. Her feedback was both professional and constructive, giving me the tools I needed to refine my second draft and elevate my story. Thank you, Charlotte, for helping bring my world one step closer to the shelves!"

How does DE work?

To get started, please book an introductory call so I can learn more about your work and we can assess if we’re a good fit to work together. Depending on if you have a full or partial manuscript for review, we’ll determine the best package and timeline for the project.

Manuscript Review

This is a high-level manuscript review with an assessment report detailing where the manuscript can be elevated for publication.

This package includes:

  • A kick-off call

  • A detailed report on areas for improvement (1-2 pages)

  • A wrap-up call for Q&A (45 minutes)

completed within 30 business days for $0.015 per word.

Developmental Edit

Best for short stories and full-length novel manuscripts.

This package includes:

  • A kick-off call

  • Detailed feedback with in-text comments

  • Editorial Letter

  • Wrap-up call for Q&A (45 minutes)

This package is most often completed within 8-12 weeks.

Fiction: $0.02 per word
Non-Fiction: $0.03 per word

Payment plans are available.

Ready for the feedback and guidance you need to elevate your story? Book an introductory call to see if we’re a good fit to work together.

  • For reference: The industry rates for editing can be found here on the Editor Freelance Association’s website. I am an active member of the organization.

Meet your editor

Charlotte Chipperfield
Developmental Editor and Book Coach

I’m Charlotte Chipperfield, founder of Her Narrative, and I’m passionate about helping women tell their stories—unapologetically. As a certified life coach, developmental editor, and book coach, I guide women through the process of writing their next chapter with confidence and courage.

I’ve had the honor of speaking at events like Literary Arts, American Family Insurance Dream Bank, and the Women's Fiction Writers Association, and I’m also proud to serve as a judge for various literary awards. My approach blends life coaching and storytelling, empowering you to create a compelling narrative—both in your book and your life.

FAQ

  • Developmental editing is not about proofreading or fixing minor language issues; it's about improving the larger elements of your manuscript, such as plot and character development. It also doesn't involve tasks like rewriting your work, formatting, or marketing.

  • I work across various fiction and non-fiction genres. Here are some of my favorites but not limited to: Women’s fiction / Young Adult / Romance / Contemporary Fiction / Cozy Mystery / Thrillers / Self-Help / Business / How-To’s / Memoir

  • Both the kick-off and wrap-up calls will take place online via Google Meet. This allows me to work with clients worldwide regardless of your location. A phone call can also be arranged if that is preferred.

  • If you’ve already completed the Narrative Enhance package and now have a full manuscript for editing, a discount will be applied to the Story Sculptor Package.

  • Hi, it’s me, Charlotte! I’m a Developmental Editor dedicated to empowering authors to tap into their truest and most vibrant sense of creativity. You can learn more about me here.

  • To learn more about editing sesrvices and if it is right for you, book an introductory call. This will be our opportunity to get to know each other to see if we are a good match to work together.

  • If you've already written a short story or a full-length novel, it's time to consider a developmental edit. This type of edit is recommended before diving into line editing because the feedback provided will focus on crucial areas to enhance your entire manuscript. Think of it like building a strong foundation before adding the finishing touches, much like hanging curtains.

    For those with a partial manuscript seeking feedback, a manuscript assessment could be the ideal choice. This service ensures that your story's structure is unfolding as intended. To learn more about both editing services, explore the full details.