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Book Editing & Story Development

My name is Stacy Melanie Jerger, and I’m a developmental book editor who’s had the privilege of working with fiction authors to revise and improve their manuscripts. I closely collaborate with traditionally published, self-published, and first-time authors to help them develop their story structure, characters, plot and conflict, setting, description, and many other storytelling elements. As a story editor I want to see you and your work succeed.

There are several services I offer to help writers achieve their goals:

1. Developmental Editing
2. Manuscript Critique
3. In-Line Manuscript Comments
4. Manuscript Critique + Developmental Edit of First 3 Chapters

You can also email me about your questions and concerns.

What is Developmental Editing?

Developmental editing is macro-level content editing and story development that focus on the big picture of a story. I collaborate with authors to improve these areas:

• Plot and Structure – I ensure the plot is clear and engaging, that each plot point furthers the story, and that the conflict is introduced early and resolved at the end.
• Character – I closely examine your characters to make sure they’re well developed, motivated, sympathetic, and consistent.
• Description and Setting – I make suggestions to improve description and setting, if more (or less) sensory details will help ground readers.
  
• Pacing – I help tighten and smooth the timing of moments that are disjointed, confusing, rushed, or lagging.
• Word Choice – I clarify language ambiguities and keep the tone of your writing voice consistent from beginning to end.
  

Additionally, I help writers see issues in their stories they may have missed, and offer solutions specific to their project. Before your manuscript is copyedited by the grammar police, I make sure readers will enjoy your story!