Manuscript Reviews
FAQs
I offer professional manuscript review services focused entirely on Developmental Editing. This means I assess the fundamental elements of your work—plot, character, pacing, and theme—to address whether your story is working and how to make it structurally sound and compelling.
My editorial judgment is built on a combination of academic rigor and decades of high-level publishing experience: I hold an MFA in Nonfiction Writing and bring 20 years of experience as an editor and senior writer at demanding New York publishing houses, including Time Inc. and Condé Nast. My goal is simple: to provide you with the clearest, most authoritative feedback possible.
Please inquire for rates and information professional copy editing services.
You've invested time and effort to write your manuscript. Next step is an objective assessment of your story's structure and execution. I offer professional manuscript review services focused entirely on Developmental Editing focusing on fundamental elements of your work: plot, character, pacing, and theme. I address whether your story is working, why it may be stalling, and how to make it stronger.
Why work with me?
My editorial judgment is built on a combination of academic rigor and decades of high-level publishing experience:
· MFA-Trained Insight: I hold an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College, giving me a deep understanding of narrative craft and structural theory.
· New York Publishing Standards: I bring 20 years of experience as an editor and senior writer at demanding New York publishing houses, including Time Inc., Condé Nast, and Scholastic.
· Teaching Expertise: I teach narrative and writing workshops as a faculty member at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College and an adjunct professor at Pace University.
My goal is simple: to provide you with the clearest, most authoritative feedback needed to make your manuscript structurally sound and compelling
Please note: I do not provide professional copy editing (grammar, spelling, or punctuation correction).
The Work
Developmental editing and proofreading to include: Line-by-line editing; Restructuring text where necessary; Refining sentence and word choice; Provide notes and solutions if text is unclear or additional information is needed for the reader. Review will also focus on: Story arc; Character and plot development; Establishment of Setting; Overall style, format and tone. Guidelines will be provided to continue developing, editing and complete the manuscript. Notes will be provided as Track Changes in a Word Document or handwritten if preferred on paper copy. Client will receive the Completed Edited Word Document by email or mailing address if printed. Following submission, a time will be selected for a 2-hour FaceTime meeting with the Client to review the Edited Manuscript. This meeting must take place within 14 days of submission.
Developmental Editing: Restructure text where necessary; refine sentence and word choice; note
Target audience
if text is confusing / unclear; note if more if information is needed for the reader. All notes will be
provided to the Client as Track Changes in a Word Document.
• Additional work to include the creation of: Title Page; Table of Contents; Chapter or Section
Headings; Overall Style and Format of Manuscript
• 90-minute in-person meeting to go over the edit with the Client
Services
Service 1: Summary
Focus: Structure, Narrative Strength, and Content Execution.
This service provides an objective, professional review of your complete manuscript, focusing exclusively on the foundational elements of the writing. Based on my 15 years of editing experience and MFA training, I assess the structure, character development, pacing, thematic consistency, and overall narrative effectiveness.
What I Deliver:
A Detailed Developmental Summary Report (typically 5–10 pages). This report is a written critique that clearly identifies the manuscript's primary strengths and provides specific recommendations for structural and narrative revisions.
Important Note on Scope: This is a read-through and analysis only. You will receive no in-text notes, comments, or mark-ups within the manuscript file. This service does not include copy editing, line editing, or proofreading (correction of grammar, spelling, or punctuation).
Ideal For: Authors who need a high-level, authoritative critique on the current state of their narrative before committing to detailed revisions.
Service 2: Liine-by-Line Editing
Focus: Detailed Insight into Structure and Scene-Level Application.
This is a comprehensive developmental service that combines the Detailed Developmental Summary Report with direct, in-text commentary. I perform a full reading, assessing the big-picture elements while also marking specific instances where the narrative structure, pacing, character motivation, or scene effectiveness need attention.
What I Deliver:
A Detailed Developmental Summary Report (as described above), outlining the primary strengths and overall revision strategy.
Targeted In-Text Notes within your manuscript. These are focused comments that point to specific lines, paragraphs, or scenes where developmental issues occur (e.g., "Pacing slows here," "Character choice feels unearned," "Is the reader clear on the transition?").
Crucial Distinction: These notes are developmental critiques only. This service does not include copy editing, line editing, or proofreading (correction of grammar, spelling, or punctuation). My expertise lies in structural and narrative content, not technical sentence mechanics.
Ideal For: Authors who need both a strategic overview and specific examples within the text to guide their developmental
SELECTION OF BOOK PROJECTS
A first time author, I am so glad I had Donna guide me through the difficult process of completing a manuscript. She provided professional experience with story and character development, and editing, which are vital for the process. However, it was her constant encouragement that got me to the end. It was like having a team of critics who praised you, but also gave you the hard truth when you needed it. Without her, I don’t think I would have been able to sign my book deal. Thank you so much. Highly recommend.
A first time author, I am so glad I had Donna guide me through the difficult process of completing a manuscript. She provided professional experience with story and character development, and editing, which are vital for the process. However, it was her constant encouragement that got me to the end. It was like having a team of critics who praised you, but also gave you the hard truth when you needed it. Without her, I don’t think I would have been able to sign my book deal. Thank you so much. Highly recommend.
Robert Fraterrigo, Former Federal Agent, Author of Divided Freedom (2024)
Fiction. Worked with first time author, Robert Fraterrigo, Retired Federal Agent, providing detailed manuscript review of his book, Divided Freedom (2024)
Self-Help. Helped the author organize and edit his first book, Marketing with a Heart. Focus on structure, developmental editing and overall manuscript review
Health. 40,000 word nonfiction book about pain management.
Biography. Spanning 5 generations, this detailed biography provided an intimate portrait of a family history. (Private Book Publication)
Art. Assisted the author with a 250-page book about her life as a NYC artist. The book included original paintings and additional work by the artist. (Private Book Publication)