Developmental Editing Agreement

1.    Purpose of the Agreement

This agreement outlines how the editor and author will work together during the developmental editing process. It covers what’s included in the edit, deadlines, payments, communication, confidentiality, copyright, and what happens if either party ends the agreement early.

2.    Scope of Work

The purpose of a developmental edit is to focus on the big picture of the story – structure, pacing, character development, theme and narrative flow. It does not include copyediting, proofreading, formatting, or publishing services.

The author will provide a word document, or equivalent editable format, of their manuscript. They will also fill out a form providing their high level perspective and vision for the story.

The developmental edit will occur in two passes. The first pass (Macro Pass) focuses on the larger structural changes. The editor will read through the manuscript and provide feedback in the form an Editorial Letter. Editorial letter will also include suggestions on how to improve the story. Additionally the author will receive a copy of The Story Compass and Story Roadmap. These are tools to assist the author in revisions. After provided, a call will be set up to discuss the Editorial Letter.

The author will be given time to complete their revisions. The time frame allotted will be up to the author. Once all changes are made by the author, an updated manuscript will be sent to the author and the second pass (Inline Pass) will be scheduled. The Inline Pass of feedback will provide inline comments in your manuscript. Focus of the Inline Pass is to provide feedback on the same elements mentioned above, but on a scene level of granularity.

After the inline feedback is provided, a call will be set up to discuss. Subsequent correspondence can occur via email if additional questions about provided feedback arise.

3.    Change to Scope of Work

Major Structural Changes: If the initial pass of the developmental edit invokes substantial changes to the manuscript, the editor may suggest an additional Macro Pass of the manuscript before moving into the secondary Inline Pass. This would be because the manuscript has changed enough that inline comments would limit the scope of feedback for the author. A second Macro Pass would give the author the appropriate comprehensive developmental edit.

This additional pass is not included in the cost of the original developmental edit. If the author agrees to the additional pass, then a subsequent invoice will be sent. This additional pass will be offered at a discount.

If the author rejects the additional pass, it is up to the discretion of the editor to decide if the secondary in line pass can continue.

Craft Coaching: a reasonable amount of suggestions will be provided to the author as part of the developmental feedback. If the author would like additional support on resolving manuscript components or support on specific craft issues, additional coaching can be provided. This coaching service is not provided as part of the developmental edit and if the author elects to do it, a separate invoice will be sent.

Additional Passes: The author at any time can request an additional round of editing, either in the format of an Initial Pass with structural feedback, or an Inline Pass with inline feedback. Any additional passes on the manuscript are not included in this agreement. If added, an additional invoice will be sent and timelines adjusted to account for it. Additional passes will be offered at a discount.

Scope Creep: The editor reserves the right to state when questions or feedback are veering into scope creep on the initial agreement and suggest services available to help. The author will need to agree to the new terms for scope creep items to be addressed.

Word Count: A significant word count change to the manuscript, equating to over 5% on the original manuscript, may call for a recalculation of the payment amount. This revised payment amount will only apply to the second payment. Amount will be reflected in the invoice total.

4.    Project Deadlines for Editor and Client

Developmental edits typically take 3-4 weeks per pass, depending on the length and complexity of the manuscript. Tentative dates may be discussed, but it isn’t until the respective invoice is paid, and manuscript provided, that firm dates will be put on the calendar for each pass. Any discussion of dates outside of this are considered tentative.

Authors typically take 1-2 months to finish revisions to their manuscript between the Macro Pass and Inline Pass. The author reserves the right to not schedule the Inline Pass initially, and reach out at a later date when they are ready to schedule.

Once revisions are made by the author, an updated manuscript has been provided, and the invoice balance has been paid, then a firm date will be set for the Inline Pass to start.

Rescheduling:

If the author tentatively reschedules either pass more than two times, then a deposit equating to 25% of the total will need to be provided to hold the calendar days. This deposit will be applied toward the invoice balance.

Emergencies:

Project Deadlines are open to flexibility due to emergencies or special circumstances. Each party needs to communicate as soon as possible if that happens. If the delay is more than five days, the editor reserves the right to reschedule delivery dates based on their schedule.

5.    Payment Terms

Total payment for the developmental edit are based on the wordcount length of the manuscript. The formula is word count * the rate for your specific type of developmental edit.  The author will have the option of paying the invoice in full at the start of the project or paying 50% at the start and 50% before the inline edit begins.

If payment is not received before the tentative start date, the editor reserves the right to reschedule work.

6.    Communication

Before the developmental edit begins, the editor and author will have a call to discuss the project. After a pass of edits, a one hour call will also be scheduled to review. Multiple passes will result in multiple calls. The focus of these calls is to review feedback and answer questions. Meetings or calls will be scheduled in advance.

The author may also opt to send questions via email after the developmental edit round is complete. Typical response time will be within one business day. The author agrees to allow reasonable time for thoughtful responses. The editor reserves the right to note when email communication has shifted to coaching and recommend additional services to support the author.

This collaboration values kindness and inclusivity. All communication must be respectful. Hate speech, discrimination, or derogatory language will not be tolerated. If used by the author, the editor reserves the right to cancel the project without refund.

7.    AI Generated Content Clause

Due to ethical and legal concerns regarding copyright and fair use laws, all manuscripts must be the creative work of the author and not generated by AI, including ChatGPT.

By agreeing to this edit, the author confirms the submitted manuscript is their own work and no AI generated content is included. This includes text, images, outlines etc. If AI was used to write part of this manuscript, the contract will be canceled and no refund provided.

Use of AI for research is not considered part of the written manuscript and does not violate this clause.

8.    Confidentiality

While working with the authors manuscript, the editor will keep all materials, ideas and communications private. The editor will not discuss the manuscript or its contents without the authors written permission.

The author agrees to not publicly share the editors feedback without consent.

9.    Copyright

The author retains full copyright and ownership of their work. Editor feedback and notes are tools for revision, to be applied to the manuscript at the authors discretion. There is no co-authorship. The editor does not claim rights or royalites from the authors manuscript.

10. Contract Termination

Either party may terminate the developmental edit service in writing.

If the author terminates while a pass is already in progress, prior payments will not be refunded. Future payments will be waived. No partially completed feedback will be provided by the editor.

If the editor terminates, and work is not provided, payment will be refunded.

Paper Moth Publishing © 2025

Updated January 2026