You know something isn’t working. You just can’t see it anymore.
You’ve written the story. You know your characters. You know what you want the reader to feel.
But after enough drafts and rereads, it can be difficult to tell what’s actually working on the page.
That’s where I come in.
Developmental editing looks at the story as a whole, not just individual sentences.
I read closely to understand what you’re trying to do, where it’s working, and where the story may need more attention.
Developmental Editing
I look at:
Character development and motivation
Relationships and emotional dynamics
Plot and structure
Pacing
Conflict and tension
Continuity
Point of view
Emotional logic
Worldbuilding, when relevant
Plot holes and inconsistencies
Areas that feel rushed, unclear, or underdeveloped
The goal isn’t to turn your story into the one I would write. It’s to help you make your story work better.
My Approach
I’m going to tell you what I actually see.
That doesn’t mean tearing your work apart. It means paying attention.
If a character’s behavior doesn’t match what we know about them, I’ll notice.
If a relationship hasn’t developed enough for an important moment to feel earned, we’ll talk about it.
If something introduced early in the story disappears, contradicts something later, or doesn’t quite connect, I’ll flag it.
And when something works particularly well, I’ll tell you that too.
Good feedback should give you direction, not leave you wondering what to fix.
Is This Right for Your Manuscript?
This may be a good fit if:
You’ve completed a draft but aren’t sure what needs revision
You know something feels off but can’t identify why
Your characters aren’t connecting the way you intended
Your pacing feels uneven
You’re worried about plot holes or inconsistencies
You want another set of eyes before moving into later editing stages
You want detailed feedback rather than general reader reactions
Manuscripts I primarily work with:
Contemporary romance
Women’s fiction
Historical fiction
Literary fiction
Romantic suspense
Young adult fiction
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Dark romance
Psychological fiction
Other genres may be considered depending on the manuscript.
Not sure if your story is a fit? Just ask.
Focused Analysis
One problem. A closer look.
For writers who want detailed feedback on a specific section or concern without committing to a full manuscript edit.
This may include a closer look at a character, relationship, plot point, opening chapters, pacing issue, or another area you’re concerned about.
Starting at $75
Choose the Feedback You Need
Services
Developmental Editing
A deep look at the entire story.
For writers who want detailed, manuscript-level feedback.
I look closely at character development, relationships, motivation, plot, structure, pacing, continuity, emotional logic, and how the different pieces of your story work together.
You’ll receive:
Extensive in-manuscript comments
A detailed developmental report
Clear revision priorities
Questions and suggestions to consider during revision
A follow-up consultation
Pricing based on manuscript length.
Developmental Assessment
Find out what needs attention before your next revision.
A full-manuscript assessment focused on identifying the larger issues affecting your story.
You’ll receive clear feedback on what’s working, what needs more attention, and where to focus during your next revision.
Pricing based on manuscript length.
Turnaround & Scheduling
Projects are scheduled individually rather than stacked without limit. This allows me to give each manuscript focused attention and step away between projects when needed before entering someone else's story.
Typical turnaround ranges from approximately 5 business days for smaller focused projects to 6 weeks for longer manuscripts, depending on manuscript length, complexity, selected service, and current availability.
Your expected completion date will be confirmed before payment.
Your project may be returned earlier, but don’t expect it.
How It Works
1. Tell Me About Your Manuscript
Send an inquiry with your genre, word count, current stage, and what you’re most concerned about.
2. We Talk
If it looks like we may be a good fit, we can have a short call before you send your manuscript.
3. I Review a Sample
I’ll review the opening three chapters before accepting the full project. This helps me understand your manuscript and determine what level of feedback would be most useful.
4. You Receive a Proposal
You’ll receive the recommended service, deliverables, price, and expected completion date before booking.
5. I Get to Work
Once your project begins, I read closely, make notes, and prepare your developmental feedback.
6. You Receive Your Feedback
You’ll receive your completed feedback and a clear direction for your next stage of revision.
Payment, Cancellations & Refunds
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your project and start date. The remaining balance is due before final feedback is released.
If you cancel before work begins, any payment made beyond the deposit will be refunded.
Once work on your manuscript has begun, payments are non-refundable, and the project will be completed as agreed.
Projects may be rescheduled before work begins, subject to availability.
Any major changes to the manuscript or agreed scope may require an updated quote.
Consultations may be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. Missed or late-canceled consultations may be forfeited.
Client Reviews
“Aisha gave me far more than I expected. She noticed subtle details in how the main characters addressed people—including when those names changed—and connected those choices to their histories, psychology, and relationships. She even traced how closely a character observed someone they claimed to hate and how the detail in those observations shifted with their feelings. Her insight was impressive and worth more than I can say.”
— Suspense Author
“I’m so glad I got to have Aisha as a beta reader. Her detailed feedback was incredibly helpful, and if this book is ever published, she’ll definitely have had a big hand in it.”
— Contemporary Romance Author
“Aisha’s feedback was thoughtful, detailed, and incredibly helpful. She identified clear areas for improvement and gave me plenty to work with as I continued editing. I also appreciated her follow-up email and would gladly reach out to her for another read.”
— Fantasy Author
“Some of Aisha’s critiques were blunt, but they were needed. She uncovered plot holes and missing connections I hadn’t noticed, even after reviewing the manuscript repeatedly. She also showed me where the characters lacked depth and weren’t connecting with one another—or with the reader—and pointed out opportunities I had glossed over. Her honesty gave me a clearer direction for revision, and I hope to work with her again once I’ve made the changes.”
— Dark Romance Author
Ready for Another Set of Eyes?
Tell me a little about your manuscript, where you are in the writing process, and what you’d most like help with.