If budget is an issue the manuscript critique might be the solution. This involves a read through of your pages with an eye for any glaring structural issues with the story. These often include character motivation and goals, which can lead to a lack of stakes and weak conflict. Other common issues that spring up in the early drafts are pacing, worldbuilding, and dialogue that is stilted or doesn't move the plot forward.
Why choose this option over a developmental edit? Because the manuscript critique doesn't include direct edits to the text, it takes less time and is therefore, considerably more affordable. No, you don't have that detailed breakdown, but you do get a 5-page critique to help you decide what next steps to take. Your MS may only require some minor rewrites, but it's not uncommon to have to rewrite entire chapters or sections, move chapters around, or the worst-case scenario, start over.
Major revisions like this are not to be taken lightly, and you may have to decide if it's worth the effort or not. If you know, you know. I've had to do it myself many times, and the prospect of a rewrite can be daunting and discouraging, but once I've decided that's what the story needs, I've never regretted doing it. The next version is always better. And it's better to find that out before you spend a substantial amount of money on a line edit or copyedit. If you're not sure what type of edit is ultimately best for you, reach out and we can help. We're here to support you wherever you are in the process.
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