Dear writers,

I may not be heading back to school next month but I have been in planning mode, including looking at my client notes from the last year. One trend popped out. Potential clients often write to me apologetically, believing they might be “too early” or “too late” to seek editorial support. However, developmental editors can help authors at very different stages.

When is the best time to work with a developmental editor? The answer is, it depends!

Below are some examples of when it might be useful to seek editorial support. These descriptions are based on common scenarios rather than a description of any one client–which I would only do with explicit permission! 

How a developmental editor (like me!) can help if you need...

📝A plan of action.

Author A wrote to me in late August. They have received funding for a sabbatical to support a year of research and writing. They have a book project they have been working on in bits and pieces for several years. They have presented the research at conferences and even talked to an acquisitions editor or two about the idea. They would like to have drafted a book proposal and two sample chapters by the end of their sabbatical year.

If this situation sounds relatable, working with me can offer you

• An engaged dialogue partner at an early stage in the development of your manuscript.

• Accountability in making progress on your project.

• Professional support as you ready your submission materials.

🤝 Editorial support revising a text for submission.

Author B wrote to me after spending most of their two-year postdoc transforming their dissertation research into a book manuscript. They spoke with an acquisitions editor about their book project at a major conference in their field last year. The editor was excited about the project and asked to see a full manuscript to send out for peer review. The author responded that they would need a bit more time to finish writing the manuscript and have not been in touch with the editor since. They worry that the editor may have lost interest in the interim. 

If this sounds like you, don’t despair! Working with me can offer you

• Expert editorial feedback on the current state of your manuscript.

• Tangible recommendations that will guide your revision process.

• Confidence that you are submitting a well-structured manuscript for peer review.

🗺️ Strategic advice to navigate peer review.

Author C got in touch with me at the end of the academic year. Last year they signed a contract for their first book. They received two peer review reports and some helpful comments from their editor at the press. They have a deadline to submit a revised version of the manuscript by the end of the Summer. They had planned to work on the manuscript over the academic year, but… we all know how that goes. They feel overwhelmed at the prospect of revising the manuscript in the given time frame and wonder how to integrate peer review feedback. 

If you are in a situation similar to Author C, working with me can offer you

• Professional advice on how to interpret and integrate peer review feedback.

• A strategic plan for revising your manuscript on a tight timeline.

• Gentle support during a stressful revision period.

📞 If any of this sounds relatable, I’d love to chat more. You can book a free 30-minute consultation by reaching out here.

Sincerely,

Emily