Developmental Editing: Between the Draft and The Story that Lasts

You’ve finished a draft. Maybe your first, maybe your fifth. You know there’s something strong at the heart of it, but you’re not sure if you’re done. Let’s find out?

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Time

4 weeks +

Price

$800/INR 50,000 onward

Suitable for

Emerging Authors + Evolving Authors + Serious Storytellers

Ideal for

Self-publishing authors, especially those overwhelmed by editing and second-guessing themselves

Here you will find custom storytelling and writing templates.

Aanchal always knew exactly what I wanted to express, even if sometimes the original meaning was lost in translation. Her suggestions regarding linguistic subtleties were all brilliant.

- Julia Zieschang

"In April 2025, I achieved a lifelong dream by publishing my first book. That milestone wouldn't have been possible without Aanchal's invaluable support, insightful feedback, and unwavering encouragement. I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in doing their best. Aanchal, I can't thank you enough for being part of this incredible journey. Your contributions have made a difference, and I am deeply grateful to have you in my corner."

- Gabrielle A. Hunter

My narrator finished a preliminary reading of my book. Here is what she says about it: "First thing is, I wanted to tell you in person that your book is clear, elegant and beautiful. It's written so well and it's so touching. I know you know grief too, and its circularity is so satisfying for a reader. Some audiobooks are not like this, so its a pleasure to work on one that is. And it comes from the heart - how much of a true story is this? You don't need to answer that." I want you to know that I attribute much of her kind words to your help. Especially the part when she speaks of the book's circularity of grief. My first version did not describe it well. But with your help, my book is now practically perfect! Thank you, thank you so much for your help. You truly are my Goldilocks!

- R.C. Stark - One True Love

Aanchal accepted the challenge of editing our novel The Hunt that was translated from Turkish. She showed an amazing performance that went much further than a line edit. Aanchal in a way turned the translation into a novel written originally in English, focusing on meaning and flow. We are extremely satisfied with the quality and promptness of her work. Congratulations Aanchal!

- Gamze Akcakaya (author) Reha Akcakaya (translator)

I think, between the two of us, we caught everything and I found Aanchal’s developmental comments very helpful. I’ll definitely use Margin Notes again.

- E. R. Whyte

Aanchal went over my draft with an acute eye for detail and made extremely valuable comments and notes in addition to the checks on grammar. The service I received was invaluable, and I look forward to working with her again.

- Gemma Iversen

Aanchal Jain can be counted as being among the elite of book editors. Aanchal not only corrected grammatical and punctuation issues, but she also has a keen eye for plot development and made important suggestions for improving the story-line. Aanchal was a delightful literary partner – fast, efficient and thoughtful.

- J Paul Hickey

After Aanchal’s sharp eye has been through, you’ll reach the end of your manuscript filled with enough confidence to release it to the world. It was clear to me that she took the time to consider my story and what would work best for my world.

- Christy L. Erasmus

Your notes, ideas and suggestions were spot on! You took my words and my voice and you polished them into a coherent story. The thoughtfulness and care that you so obviously took with your edit is appreciated more than I’m probably articulating in this note, but please know, I felt it.

- Michael Robert

I have edited my own work numerous time, and have had several others look over it as well. But Aanchal can consistently find ways to make the writing smoother, more active, and more concise.

- Nestor Pura – Author of his Memoir

Do You Need Developmental Editing

Does the plot actually hold together?

Why does the pacing feel off?

Are my characters as layered as I think they are?

Am I too close to see the problems anymore?

If that’s where you are, you’re in exactly the right place.

At Margin Notes, our developmental editing service is built not just to fix what’s not working, but to help you understand why, how, and what comes next. We don’t just polish stories. We help authors grow.

What You Get

A Full Read-Through of Your Story

We don’t just skim; we understand your story's heart, structure, and potential.

A Comprehensive Editorial Letter

You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of plot structure, pacing, & narrative arc + character development, motivation & transformation + emotional flow & theme clarity + scene-level function & tension + world logic & structure + genre fit & reader resonance.

Margin Notes (Inline Comments)

Using Track Changes in Word, we’ll comment throughout the manuscript: What’s working—and why + what’s unclear or inconsistent + where characters flatten or scenes lag + pacing notes and emotional insights

A Custom Book Map

A spreadsheet that tracks: Chapters and key scenes + subplots and character arcs + emotional beats and turning points + timeline flow and logic

Practical, Actionable Revision Notes

Personalized revision strategy + what to cut, deepen, reframe, or restructure + suggestions designed to give you a clear roadmap for revision, so you always know your next steps.

A Follow-Up Call or Email Support

Two weeks of post-edit support to clarify editorial feedback + talking through changes you are unsure about + brainstorm solutions + help you gain confidence in your revision plan.

Our Process

To help you understand why, how, and what comes next. We don’t just polish stories. We help authors grow.

Let's Talk First

We begin with a free discovery call or detailed intake form on the Contact Us page. You tell us about your story, your goals, and where you’re feeling stuck.

Onboarding & Booking

Once we’re aligned, we’ll confirm your slot, share a detailed welcome guide, and collect everything we need: your manuscript, synopsis, key questions, and any known pain points.

The Deep Edit

Now the work begins. Over 3–5 weeks, we analyze your manuscript from every angle—structure, characters, pacing, theme, logic, and emotional flow—then build your custom Book Map™ and editorial letter.

Feedback, Delivered Thoughtfully

We send you: A detailed editorial report + Inline comments using Track Changes + Your custom Book Map™ + A revision strategy (written + optional video walkthrough)

Follow-Up Support

You’ll have 14 days to ask follow-up questions via email or messages. Need clarification? Want to talk through a tricky scene? We're here.

Still not sure? Just want your story to work?Let’s Talk About Your Book.

You’re not supposed to have it all figured. We are here and we’ll help you get there.

Ready for a developmental edit that actually develops you as a writer?

Schedule a Call!

FAQs

No, developmental editing focuses on big-picture feedback rather than line edits. You’ll receive an editorial letter with insights and in-manuscript comments to guide your revisions. 

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