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- Development and Editorial Review -
The Process

The problem with "one pass" editing is that the most important things are the problems we flag in the comments, and authors will need to heavily rewrite
after reviewing our comments, and they will likely need more editing once they've finished.

      - Derek Murphy, CNN Consultant, Book editor
Editorial Process - Four Parts

This is an elaboration of the process noted on the home page. As follows.

    Part I

    A preliminary foundational review, the goal being to examine and edit all core novel elements (premise, plot, rising action, character arcs, etc.) that might well require enhancement, clarification, or even redirection. For example, if you are writing a tightly plotted genre novel (thriller, SFF, mystery, historical, etc.) and your inciting incident or first major plot point is shown to be nonexistent, inadequate, or incorrect, we flag the problem early and assist you with perfecting that particular plot element. If your protagonist must become more sympathetic, interesting, or unique in the opening pages, we flag that issue and work with you to remedy. In short, we do whatever it takes to properly prepare the manuscript for the next phase of the editorial and development process.

    Part II

    Once the above is completed, and a new draft created, the next review phase consists of a thorough read of your new manuscript by a second editor followed by development and editorial notes (including summary line edit notes as appropriate). This formal review will be thoroughly comprehensive and will address all the necessary details that pertain to writing successful novel-length fiction, including but not limited to: scene architecture and composition, evolution of the high-concept premise, sufficient complications and dramatic rising action, suspenseful circumstance and dynamic setting elements, prose narrative style issues, insertion of tension lines and foreshadowing, and much more. Once completed, you proceed to create a new draft of the novel based on the editorial notes and direction.

    Part III

    The third phase of the process entails a follow-up review of your newly revised and rewritten manuscript based on the edits and development notes provided in the previous phase. With our direction, you next create a "sell sheet" that addresses such matters as a new outline, opening hook, writing samples, comparables, title options, and more. This sell sheet is then reviewed by your chief production editor and further edits are made as necessary before moving forward.

    Part IV

    Finally, we will provide guidance not only with crafting the actual query letter, but with helping you ID precisely the right mix of agents. If appropriate, and in consideration of the fact that as our client you are networked into the publishing business via our relationship, we will assist by utilizing our own contacts with publishers and agents to facilitate your success, but only if we feel certain you've completed all the required edits and that your manuscript is as competitive as it needs to be. Professionals in the business expect us to critically screen projects and we cannot fail to live up to that expectation at all times.

Editorial Plans and Particulars

Editorial development costs for novels range widely from under $2000.00 to over $7,000.00. Here is a good reference source that places the entire process in perspective. Generally, the less you pay, the less you get, but exceptions abound. To better judge a future choice, see "Questions to Ask Yourself" below.

The MTM four-phase development and editorial service (as detailed on this page) is $4589.00 for all genre and upmarket/literary manuscripts up to 105,000 words, and $300.00 every additional 10,000 words. Included in the plan are necessary and periodic communications by email or phone, and hours on the clock are not counted. Overall management of the entire process is accomplished by the chief production editor who will remain your primary contact throughout. Also, fees are waived for any follow-up Algonkian Conferences event that will assist in guiding and launching the author's career. There are no extra or hidden fees.

See this event book contracts page for more details about Algonkian writers becoming published by major imprints and publishers.

The MTM three-phase editorial service is $3489.00, and that includes a first-phase major element review as noted in Part I, and a full developmental edit by a second editor as noted in Part II. Also included is the follow-up manuscript "sell sheet" consultation (Part III).

MTM's core editorial service for $2450.00 includes a first-phase video discussion with your chief production editor to address any and all issues with the novel's major elements. A full developmental edit by a second editor, as outlined in Part II, comes next.

Plan fees as follows. Please submit your application first.
MTM Editorial Plans - Click Box Below to Choose
See our note about Ippen Digital on the home page for information concerning post-editorial book marketing techniques and overall strategy. Feel free to consult with us ahead of time. We know they get good and efficient results, but they're not inexpensive, and therefore not for everyone.
Questions to Ask Yourself

Whether or not you choose to utilize our services, ask yourself the following very important questions before you decide to engage a novel editing service:

  • Can you review the credentials of the precise person who will be working on your ms?

  • Do the credentials include any real-time experience working in tandem with New York publishing or mid-sized publishers, or quality independent presses?

  • Is there a demonstrable track record of commercial or literary publication of any kind associated with past clients of this particular person who will be editing your manuscript?

  • Is the proposed editor person an actual writer of fiction, narrative nonfiction, or novels with a track record of any kind?

  • Do the accolades or testimonials about the business appear to include a lot of buzz phrasing rather than pointers to actual contracts?