Name: Bitten Fruit Books
Telephone: +44 02392346729

Services

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING FOR FICTION (sometimes also called content, structural, or story editing)

New clients: Book your free session by "buying" the FREE session below. Your fiction genre must be either dark fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy, any sub-genre of romance, I accept some thrillers (manuscript dependent), and any sub-genre of horror.

Please choose a time slot a week in advance. I'll then contact you to confirm and ask for a brief synopsis of your manuscript, including one of the parts you're struggling with, with instructions about how to send it to me. I'll go through the portion you've sent me (which must be no longer than 3000 words) using track changes via Word as well as notes via email, and then we will have your 20-min video session to discuss your characters further based on what we've covered so far.

Fees: I charge a flat fee per number of words (examples shown below) working out at £15 per 1000 words or 0.015p per word.

Note: If you've accepted a publishing contract from Bitten Fruit Books, my developmental and copyediting services are covered for you.

The below services are examples of what is offered; you are requesting a session by booking, not paying for it yet. Your final cost will be based on the word count of your manuscript.

(DE1) Developmental Editing: FREE First Session

THIS OPTION IS FOR NEW CLIENTS ONLY Pick a date one week ahead that will suit you for a twenty-minute chat of your 3000-word trial. After booking, I'll confirm if the date suits. If it does, here's what happens next: - I ask for a brief synopsis of your manuscript, including one of the parts you're struggling with (your submitted portion must be no longer than 3000 words), with instructions about how to send it to me. - I'll go through it using track changes in Word as well as notes via email and send it to you. - We will then have your booked 20-minute video session to discuss both our thoughts further, and we'll cover any practical questions you have.

20min · £0.00

(DE3) Developmental Editing: 50,000-word manuscript

Developmental editing for a manuscript of 50,000 words. Includes track changes using Word, emailed notes, and video calls. Choose a date for your initial 60-minute video session at least one week in the future. After booking, wait to receive a confirmation of the time and date, and if doable, you'll receive an email with info about sending me your manuscript, plus a deposit invoice and contract agreement. Depending on your word count, manuscripts can take at least a week to get through, and may be split into stages (up to four only).

1h · £750.00

(DE4) Developmental Editing: 80,000-word manuscript

Developmental editing for a manuscript of 80,000 words. Includes track changes using Word, emailed notes, and video calls. Choose a date for your initial 60-minute video session at least one week in the future. After booking, wait to receive a confirmation of the time and date, and if doable, you'll receive an email with info about sending me your manuscript, plus a deposit invoice and contract agreement. Depending on your word count, manuscripts can take at least a week to get through, and may be split into stages (up to four only).

1h · £1,200.00

(DE5) Developmental Editing: Request a Quote

Request a Developmental Editing Quote For Your Manuscript (use the "Message for the Merchant" box at checkout to tell me your genre and word-count). Choose a date for your initial 60-minute video session at least TWO weeks in the future. After booking, I'll be in contact to give you your quote. The deposit and contract agreement will then be sent if you agree on the quote. For the moment, we will keep your video time slot booked in case you decide to go ahead. Depending on your word count, manuscripts can take at least a week to get through, and may be split into stages (up to four only).

1h · £0.00

About

Developmental Editing with Dianna Hardy

Member of ACES: The Society for Editing

My Approach

Developmental editing is a bit like life coaching for your characters: why did they say that; do that; what are they thinking? What are they feeling and where does that come from? My experience has always been that when we know our characters inside out, the narrative and dialogue take off, the pacing and plot begin to flow, and aspects of the story like the exposition, the rising action, the climax, etc, pretty much write themselves.

My skills come from successfully writing several series and crossing them; drama/theatre training studying character motivations; and professional life coach work.

I know what you're going through

I have years of experience editing my own work and receiving feedback from my editor. I’m familiar with that dreaded feeling you’ve walled your story into a corner and can't get it out. You can get it out; I’ll show you how. I will never do your thinking for you, but will help you enhance your work, bring your characters to life, and weave seamless pacing, atmosphere, and plot points.

I will not copyedit or line edit your work (although I will make you aware of important points). I offer only developmental editing as a freelance service.

FAQ

Will you do copyediting for me?

No, due to time constraints, I do not offer copyediting as a separate freelance service. I only conduct it for Bitten Fruit Books contracts.

Do you proofread manuscripts?

No, I don't. (And if you are published by Bitten Fruit Books, your proofreading is contracted out to an external proofreader.)

Which genres do you work with?

Dark fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy, all sub-genres of romance, some thrillers (manuscript dependent), and all sub-genres of horror.

How long will it take to edit my manuscript?

It can be days or weeks depending on the complexity of the manuscript, but I cap at four "rounds" of editing, each round taking up to 10 days and ending with a video discussion. If you need a "rush" service, I may not be the best editor for you as I am thorough and detailed.

Will you edit for international authors?

As long as your manuscript is in English, yes, absolutely - my own editor is Australian, and developmental editing is not dependent on any one house style guide.

Can I pay in installments, and how do I pay?

Yes, your total amount can be split into five payments: a non-refundable 25% deposit, and then the rest is divided by four with each installment payable after a round of edits and discussion, capping at four rounds. This will conclude the developmental editing for this manuscript unless agreed otherwise. Payment is via invoice which you can pay by card or bank transfer; you can also request PayPal or Stripe.

What are your terms and conditions?

View Terms | View Privacy