Jennifer Hayward Consulting Homepage - Jennifer Hayward

Developmental Editing

A developmental edit is a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of your entire manuscript. It examines all of the elements of your writing, from word choice and phrasing, to the structure, style and content of your story. It may address characterization issues, plot holes or gaps in your story, as well as stylistic issues which are preventing your writing from becoming as powerful as it can be, including such things as repetitive elements and phrasing which detract from the story’s overall impact.

A developmental edit is not a copy edit. It is a big picture look at your story which examines the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, and how it meets the standards and expectations of today’s publishing market.
In addition to providing page-by-page feedback on your manuscript, you will also receive a detailed editorial letter with suggestions and advice for improvement both from a story craft and content perspective. We will then have a chance to discuss that feedback together.
How it Works:
  • This is an honest, objective assessment of your work based on the key principles of story as well as the current market environment. You must be open to candid, constructive feedback for this process to work. A free sample of my editorial style is available upon request.
  • The cost of a developmental edit is $0.01 per word. For example, if a manuscript is 50K words, the cost would be USD $500. You will be given a cost estimate and estimated date of completion prior to the start of work. A 50% deposit is required prior to commencement of work, the remainder due when the edit is delivered. Payment is via PayPal.
  • Includes a 1-2 hour discussion on the feedback, where you have a chance to clarify the suggestions and advice given, as well as talk through any additional thoughts you have. If the writer prefers, this discussion can be undertaken via email as well.
  • Additional read throughs of the manuscript will be treated as new projects and contracted as such.
  • I cannot guarantee my critique will sell your manuscript or ensure your success. Only you can do that. What I will provide is an objective analysis of your story based on my experience and knowledge of the industry.
  • I will never divulge or discuss your creative ideas or work with anyone else.
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Partial Manuscript Evaluation

Alternately, you may wish to have a partial manuscript evaluation. This allows you to sanity check the set up and execution of the story before you put countless hours of blood, sweat and tears into a manuscript, only to discover it doesn’t work. I offer a synopsis and first fifty pages review which will include an analysis of your story premise as well as an edit of your first fifty pages to make sure you’re getting off on the right track. That you have nailed that critical inciting incident which will send your characters and story flying off onto a journey readers will never forget.

You only get one chance for a first impression. Make sure yours is the best it can be.

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  • The cost of a partial manuscript and synopsis review is USD $250
  • In the case of longer manuscripts, the project will be contracted at a pro-rated rate with an estimate supplied
  • A 50% deposit is required prior to commencement of work, the remainder due when the edit is delivered. Payment is via PayPal.
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Tara Pammi
Harlequin Presents
author of
An Innocent to Tame the Italian
Jennifer Hayward is the queen of the black moment. Our brainstorm sessions help me dig deep into the characters and find the most powerful, satisfying conclusion to my story.”
I've always admired Jennifer's talent as an author, and reading one of her novels is like a mini writing course. She nails characterization, pacing, and plot development, and she crafts sparkling dialogue like the writing guru she is. With Jennifer in my writing corner, I was able to ensure my story was the best it could be. She helped me see the forest through the trees, patiently pointing out weaknesses, inconsistencies, and areas where I could make my story stronger. Now I have four published novels to my credit, and I'm working on a fifth with a goal of selling it to Harlequin.”
Lisa Weaver
Author of
The Billionaire's Bodyguard Bride
Kat Cantrell
USA Today
Bestselling Author of
The SEALS of Superstition Springs
“Jen is my longest running sounding board and I would be lost without her! She is always there on the other side of my computer screen or phone line to talk through plot points and brainstorm with me when I'm stuck. When I was writing From Enemies to Expecting, I needed a unique way to get my cosmetic industry marketing executive and my billionaire baseball team owner together and boy did Jen deliver. (the lemonade stand scene is still one of my favorites) I can't think of someone better suited to coach a writer to The End--and beyond!”