For Fiction Lovers
Developmental Evaluations
What is a developmental evaluation?
A developmental evaluation looks at the big picture items in your manuscript, such as pacing, character development, and an overall compelling storyline. This type of edit is an economical way to level up your story—but I will certainly spare nothing in uncovering the answers to your story problems! I will offer a comprehensive letter that details the strengths of your manuscript, areas of concern, and a guide to the next steps and any applicable further reading.
Pricing
$0.01 a word
What you’ll receive
You will receive an editorial write-up, along with an opportunity to send any questions for one round post-edit. This evaluation does not come with in-text comments, but the edit letter will be lengthy (8 pages minimum) and provide clear direction on how to revise your piece.
Please contact me with details about your manuscript to make sure we’re a good fit. I am happy to offer developmental evaluations for your complete fiction manuscript.
Comprehensive Developmental Edit
Looking for my deepest and most detailed edit? The “Comprehensive Developmental Edit” might be a good fit. This will be like a full-on writing course for your manuscript. I will offer many in-text comments, and the edit letter itself will be like a miniature guide that you can take not only for your current project but for every project to come. Rest assured, I will devote everything to make sure your manuscript shines. Whatever your publishing goals may be!
Pricing
$0.02 a word
What you’ll receive
You’ll receive your document back with in-text comments to guide you through the revision process. You’ll have the opportunity to send in questions for one round. The edit letter will be at least 15 pages, and it will include relevant examples. These examples will be very detailed. This edit will position you for success if your goal is publication or receiving representation from a literary agent.
Please contact me to see if we’re a good match for this edit.
First 10 pages critique
This critique is especially for folks in the query trenches! I totally feel you. Your first ten pages will be the key to hooking the attention of a literary agent.
Pricing
Flat fee of $50
What you’ll receive
You’ll receive your first chapter back with in-text comments. You will also receive a short edit letter around 2-3 pages. Afterward, you may send me one round of questions regarding your story’s beginning.
As always, please contact me and we can talk through whether this edit is right for you.
Testimonials
Your feedback was incredibly organised, well thought-out and concise. For me, I value the direct nature of it and where you point out which parts are lacking, and which parts are positive. Honestly it’s really helpful, and I can’t wait to use it to dive into my next edits 🙂 — Anonymous Author (full manuscript evaluation)
I requested feedback for the first chapter of my latest manuscript. Justin not only read the sample pages within a timely matter, but highlighted his feedback in a concise, comprehensive format. It was clear that he read the sample pages keenly, and his feedback was not only helpful but actionable. I definitely recommend his editing services for anyone who needs a second pair of eyes on their writing. — Lena D.
Justin did a very comprehensive review of my first ten pages, giving me an edit letter with suggestions based on what was taught in writing classes. This was especially useful to me, because I did not go to school for writing! I think they represent the views of literary agents well. — @ManatWriter on Twitter
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Justin Ho on two of my manuscripts now and am impressed with his eye for both plot and character development. He has a very good sense of pacing and direction in a story, both in terms of the plot points as well as character arcs and growth, which I found extremely valuable. He gave me a ton of great suggestions to incorporate and flesh out my main characters, as well as fix some plot holes/side plots that didn’t add as much value to the story. This ultimately made both of the manuscripts much stronger and I’m extremely grateful for the attention and care Justin has given me for my stories. In addition, his feedback is very actionable and specific, which allows me to hone in on areas both at a structural-level and a line-level. On top of all that, Justin is a joy to work with and a great person, writer, and friend himself. I strongly recommend him as a freelance editor and can vouch for his ability, care, and expertise in taking your story to the next level. Thank you, Justin! — Matthew Lin