Developmental Editing
You’ve written a book you believe in. You feel it's potential, but something isn’t quite landing on the page: pacing, character depth, emotional logic, structure, or that intangible “why doesn’t this work yet?” puzzle that every writer hits at some point.
That’s where I step in.
I specialize in helping authors who are close. Writers who’ve put in the work, maybe even caught an agent’s eye or placed in a contest, but can’t seem to break through the next door. I work with both indie and traditionally bound authors, especially those writing commercial fiction (with romance front and center), memoir, or narrative nonfiction.
If you want an editor who will roll up her sleeves, dig into the heart of your story, and tell you honestly what’s working and what needs rebuilding, you’re in the right place.
What I do best
Emotional arcs that land
Readers feel when things like character motivation or emotional payoffs don't land properly. I help you shape interiority and the character's arc that do the heavy lifting of the story.
Backstory with purpose
We'll figure out what belongs on the page, what belongs between the lines, and what needs to go.
A deep understanding of genre
Especially romance. I understand tropes, beats, pacing, chemistry, and reader expectations. I also work extensively in women's fiction, commercial fiction, memoir, and narrative nonfiction, with a handful of thrillers thrown into the mix.
Structure that actually works
Sometimes the story's spine needs reinforcement. Sometimes, it needs reimagining. I'm not afraid to do the heavy lifting. Clients tell me again and again that this is where other developmental editors fall short. Together, we stay true to your vision, but aren't afraid to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
My services are perfect for...
- Authors who've finished at least one full manuscript and know something is still off
- Writers with partial requests, contest placements, or early agent interest who can't quite cross the finish line
- Romance authors who want stronger emotional payoffs, cleaner beats, a career that improves with each book, and the emotional Velcro of readers
- Memoirists who need clarity and narrative purpose with a healthy dose of creative structure to help your book stand out in a crowded space.
- Shorter project too! I love helping my authors with side novellas or shorts that help them grow in their craft
- Writers who want clear, actionable direction and a ready for the revision that goes beyond a surface polish.
Manuscript Evaluation
A big-picture diagnostic read that zeroes in on structure, character arcs, pacing, and emotional beats without margin notes or tracked comments.
You receive:
- A thorough editorial letter
- A clear picture of what's working and what isn't
- Practical next steps
- Follow-up email questions (and optional call, depending on the tier)
Industry average: $0.015-$0.04/word
My rate: Quoted after receiving a sample chapter so you get a fair price quote based on the projects actual needs.
Full Developmental Edit
For authors who want comprehensive guidance and hands-on structural feedback
You receive:
A full read
In-document comments on scene logic, emotional beats, pacing, character depth, and structure
A detailed editorial letter outlining next steps
One follow-up call
Two passes total, with space for a call in between if heavy restructuring is needed.
Industry average: $0.03-$0.08/word
My rate: Determined after a free sample edit (up to 5 pages). This ensures the quote matches the level of attention your manuscript needs. No surprises. No boilerplate pricing.
How it works...
You send me a sample chapter.
I'll edit up to 5 pages for free so we can both assess the fit.
I review and send a quote
within industry-average ranges.
You book your slot via email.
(I'm usually scheduled 4-8 weeks out.)
I dive in
privately, in Word (no Google Doc co-editing) and do the deep, messy developmental work.
You receive notes, a clear plan & a path forward.
We meet for a Q&A call
to make sure you're confident about revision.
*Turnaround is usually two weeks once I begin the project.
A Few Past Projects
These aren't just pretty images. They represent authors who trusted me with books that needed clarity, depth, or stronger emotional beats.
Some were already published. Some were agented. Some were debut authors who went on to bigger success.
What Writers Say
Outcome: E.J. is set to release her third book in February 2026. She is an award-winning author of women's fiction and romance.
"I credit Laura with helping to get my first book in a state that led to me getting representation."
C.R. Grissom, New Adult author; Publisher's Weekly starred novel
"Working with Laura changed my writing process for the better. She took the time to not only provide developmental edits to my manuscripts but also to explain her suggestions so I could improve my process and understanding of story structure. I've become a better writer because of her."
Dylann Crush, USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author, 10 books in the marketplace
"To date, I have had three books published, and I have hired L.A. Mitchell for each. That includes books published through my traditional publisher, who also use an in-house editor. L.A. Mitchell is my first and last stop. I've worked with numerous editors - line, copy and developmental - and not one comes close to her skills, attention to detail, and creativity. She also has her finger on the pulse of the publishing industry. She imparts her knowledge to clients, and I have unequivocally improved as a writer because of her. Above all, she is a joy to work with. I cannot recommend her highly enough."
Rob Samborn, 2022 Hollywood Book Festival - Honorable Mention
Ready to talk about your manuscript?
Whether you're refining a romance novel, shaping a memoir, or turning lived experience into a narrative drive, I'm here to help you build the version of your book that readers won't want to put down.
Drop me your pages, and let's see what your story becomes.