A structural edit – sometimes called a developmental edit – is an in-depth look at the big-picture stuff, such as the story arc and plotting, flow of narrative, timeline, structure, continuity, characterisation, pacing and voice. It aims to ensure you’re telling the story you want to tell in an effective and suitable way for your chosen genre and audience.

You will receive a lengthy and detailed report that makes suggestions for how to polish that final draft and an annotated version of the manuscript that highlights examples and demonstrates proposals from the report.

You should expect to have to engage in rewriting – and perhaps some rethinking – after a structural edit. My fees include consultation after you receive the edit.

If you are planning to self-publish you will require a copyedit after a structural edit (which I could also do), though a copyedit isn’t usually required before you submit a manuscript to publishers or agents.

Prices for structural edits start at $2700 for a 70,000-word novel.

For more information on hiring me to structurally edit your novel please use my contact form.

Note: I offer a discount to those who hire me to structurally edit and copyedit the same project.

Contact Lauren

"I learnt so much about writing and the process working with Lauren on 'A Certain Kind of Power' and I am sure that I would never have got to this point without having had that experience."

– Ryan Butta, author of fiction and non-fiction

"Lauren Finger, this book is so much better thanks to your remarkable expertise"

– PA Thomas, author of The Beacon

"Lauren was absolutely amazing and I cannot recommend her highly enough... She made amazing suggestions and really boosted my confidence about the quality of my work."

– Sonya Melbourne, via Reedsy.com

"... Lauren Finger, most graceful of editors."

– RD Feneley, author of Life After Ted

"Lauren’s expertise in upmarket commercial fiction helped me sharpen and clarify my story and round out its characters. A delight to work with, her intelligent suggestions, detailed eye, and flexible approach were invaluable."

– Paul Harmon, author of Seven Treasures

"Lauren worked some kind of magic on my manuscript CROW, getting it reader-ready. [She] was so respectful of my work and provided suggestions for improvement in a gentle and intelligent manner. Her eye is eagle in the extreme!"

– Rhonda McCoy, author of Crow