The Runic Circle
Developmental Editing
Where stories find their shape, strength, and purpose.
Every story carries a hidden pattern — a quiet constellation of tension, character, desire, and consequence. When those elements drift out of alignment, the tale loses its pulse. The Runic Circle is where that pattern is revealed again. Step inside so you and I can examine the living structure of your story: its heart, its bones, its arc. This is developmental editing with a storyteller’s lantern and a scholar’s precision.
The Transformation
Writers often sense when something isn’t working — a sagging middle, a protagonist without drive, a plot that wanders, a theme that splinters. The Runic Circle doesn’t just diagnose these fractures; it shows you how to solve them. The outcome is clarity. Momentum. Characters with spine and motive. A plot that unfolds with confident inevitability. You leave not only with solutions, but with a deep understanding of why those solutions work.
The PRocess
Once you send your manuscript, it enters the Circle for a complete examination. I read it twice: once as a fresh reader, once as a structural analyst. I map the emotional beats, plot signals, character decisions, and pacing rhythms. When the final editorial letter is complete, you receive it alongside any margin comments you requested. After you’ve had time to sit with the feedback, we can schedule a follow-up chat to walk through anything you’d like to unpack.
What’s Included
• A full read-through of your manuscript with developmental notes
• Structural analysis of plot, pacing, arcs, and thematic threads
• Character evaluation: motivations, conflict, transformation
• Scene-by-scene breakdown of strengths and weaknesses
• Commentary on worldbuilding consistency and narrative logic
• Strategies to fix structural issues, strengthen stakes, and sharpen tension
• A comprehensive editorial letter (usually 8–15 pages)
• Optional margin comments if you’d like them
• Clear next-step recommendations so you know exactly what to revise
Price & Turnaround
Every manuscript enters the Circle with its own rhythm and complexity, so the exact quote depends on length and scope. As a guide:
Price:
Developmental editing is €0.03 per word, which includes the full editorial letter, structural analysis, and optional margin comments.
Turnaround:
Most projects are completed within 2–4 weeks, depending on the word count and the intricacy of the narrative architecture. Longer manuscripts (100k+) may require a little more time to ensure the analysis remains thorough.
If your timeline is tight, I can usually adjust the schedule — just let me know what you’re working with when you get in touch.
FAQs
Will you rewrite my story?
No. Developmental editing focuses on providing feedback and guidance. I’ll highlight strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, but all revisions remain in your hands to ensure the story stays true to your voice.
Can I request focus on specific areas (e.g., worldbuilding or pacing)?
Yes. If there are particular elements you’d like me to concentrate on, please let me know when submitting your manuscript.
What if I revise and want another round of feedback?
You’re welcome to book a follow-up developmental edit at a reduced rate, since I’ll already be familiar with your manuscript’s structure and content.
What genres do you accept?
All fiction — fantasy, sci-fi, romance, mystery, historical, YA, and literary.
Do you use track changes?
For developmental edits, I primarily use an editorial letter, but I can add margin comments if you want line-level guidance on specific scenes.
Is my work confidential?
Absolutely. Your manuscript stays between the two of us.
Writers usually describe this service as “clarifying,” “transformative,” or “exactly what my story needed but I couldn’t articulate.” Developmental editing is part analysis, part intuition; the magic happens at their intersection.
