The
Cartographer
The
Cartographer
Plot Development
Where your story’s journey gains structure, direction, and narrative momentum.
Every story is a path; a line drawn from desire to consequence, through obstacles, choices, revelations, and change. But plotting that path can be overwhelming. Too many ideas, not enough structure. Or worse: a structure that exists, but refuses to sing.
The Cartographer is where we chart your story’s true shape. Together, we map tension, character arcs, turning points, stakes, and pacing until the narrative reveals its natural flow.
The Charting
Plot development isn’t about forcing your story into a formula. It’s about discovering the gravity that already exists within the characters and using it to shape a compelling, coherent arc.
By the end of the process, you’ll have:
• A clear plot structure aligned with theme and character
• Defined turning points and moments of change
• Strong stakes and escalating tension
• Cohesive subplots that support the main arc
• A pacing rhythm that pulls readers forward
• An outline or beat sheet you can write from with confidence
Your story’s shape becomes inevitable — in the best way.
The PRocess
We begin with a conversation about your story’s core: the seed of the idea, the characters who inhabit it, the themes you’re exploring, and the emotional shape you want the narrative to take. You can bring an outline, a messy notebook, a half-finished draft — or nothing but a premise.
From there, I analyse the material to find the story’s natural gravity. Then I chart arcs, turning points, stakes, pacing rhythms, and the structural flow that gives your story its heartbeat. The resulting Plot Bible lays out the story’s shape clearly and confidently, from the central problem to the final consequences.
Collaboration Style
Plot work can be dynamic, so you get to choose how the mapping unfolds:
Continuous Collaboration
I send you plot sections as they form — arcs, beats, turning points — and you can adjust, brainstorm, or respond as we go. Ideal for writers who like to co-map the journey in real time.
Post-Revision Review
You receive the full Plot Bible once it’s complete, then we refine it together in a revision round to tighten logic, strengthen tension, or adjust beats. Perfect for writers who prefer to see the whole shape before making decisions.
Both paths lead to a plot that feels cohesive, compelling, and purpose-driven — you simply choose the rhythm that suits your creative style.
What’s Included
A typical Cartographer commission includes:
• A detailed Plot Bible (5–20+ pages depending on scope)
• Core story problem + story question
• Internal and external arcs aligned with plot
• Act structure or alternative structure (e.g., Hero’s Journey, Five-Act, Kishōtenketsu, etc.)
• Turning points, midpoint, reversal, climax, aftermath
• Subplot mapping and thematic reinforcement
• World or setting constraints that shape the plot
• Scene list or beat sheet (optional)
• Tension and pacing analysis
• Plot logic checks and resolution coherence
Everything is tailored to your genre and storytelling style.
Price & Turnaround
Plot development projects vary widely, so quotes are based on the depth and detail required. As a guide:
Price:
Most Cartographer commissions fall between €200–€500 depending on whether you want a plot diagnostic, a full outline, or a complete beat sheet.
Turnaround:
Usually 4–8 weeks, depending on complexity and length.
Rush timelines can sometimes be arranged for single-narrative or novella-length projects.
FAQs
Do I need a finished draft?
Not at all — you can come with a premise, an outline, or a draft in progress.
Can you fix a broken plot?
Absolutely. Plot repairs and re-structuring are a major part of this service.
Will you tell me what to write?
No. I help shape your ideas into a strong narrative, not replace them.
Can you outline the whole novel?
Yes — from high-level story shape to detailed beat sheet.
Will this change my characters or world?
No. This service focuses on structure only, leaving characters and setting intact.
Can this service be combined with character or worldbuilding work?
Yes. Plot development works seamlessly alongside The Soulsmith and The Worldforge for a fully integrated story foundation.
Writers often explain that plot development gives them direction they didn’t have before. The story’s movement becomes clearer, turning points feel stronger, and pacing starts to fall into place. The Cartographer provides a structure writers can build on without feeling boxed in.
