Hire the Best Developmental Editors
in the United States

Clients rate our Developmental Editors
Rating is 4.9 out of 5.
4.9/5
Based on 4,326 client reviews
Danielle H.

North Brunswick Township, New Jersey

$80/hr
5.0
570 jobs

✅ Written and Published 100+ Articles in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and INC. Magazine. ✅ Upwork Top Rated Plus 100% Success Rate ✅ Eight-time Best-Selling Ghostwriter ✅ Chief Creative Officer for Authors On Mission ✅ 700+ books written/edited for my clients ✅ Featured on Upwork Success Stories ✅ Top 5% Global podcast host Need Publishing Help? Please feel free to reach out with any publishing-related questions. Did you write your book using AI? I can help with that! I specialize in Humanization editing, which will pass A.I. scans. ✍🏻 “A good editing job is its own re-WORD!”📝 During the time I’ve been freelancing, I’ve worked on projects spanning every genre imaginable. Some topics I specialize in include business, professional development, the rise of AI, and finance. Additionally, some of my favorite topics to work on are health and wellness, technology, and education. Let me help you take your writing to the next level. My words 👩🏼‍💻 Your imagination! 💭 I am passionate about the written word, inspired by literature, and driven to help others achieve their goals. I excel at proofreading, editing, and writing because I hold myself to a strict, knowledgeable standard with my work. I am the best candidate for your project not only because of my deep understanding of the written language, but also because my flexible schedule allows me to complete quality work at a fraction of the time as other freelancers. Let's work together to create an exceptional piece of writing! Do you want to make your writing the best it can be? Let me help you with: ✅ Proofreading ✅ Academic Editing ✅ Copy Editing ✅ Developmental Editing ✅ Writing Critique ✅ Humanization ✅ Beta Reading Do you have an incredible idea, but need an expert to turn it into a phenomenal piece of writing? Let me help you with: ✅ Ghostwriting ✅ Content Writing ✅ Essay Writing ✅ Ghostwriting ✅ Email Newsletters ✅ Blog and Article Writing ✅ Website Content ✅ Copywriting ✅ Humanization I offer an array of other services as well, including: ✅ Search Engine Optimization ✅ Other- Reach Out With An Idea! I am the best candidate for your project not only because of my deep understanding of the written language, but also because my flexible schedule allows me to complete quality work at a fraction of the time as other freelancers. I am the best choice to proofread your essay, academic paper, book or any written piece. I will make it clear, concise and easy to understand. What Makes Me Different from Other Writers? ✍🏻 Immediate response time ✍🏻 Flexibility to meet your needs ✍🏻 Quality work produced at a quick pace ✍🏻 No charge for necessary revisions (Within the scope of original work) ✍🏻 Plagiarism and AI generator- free work What do clients have to say about me? ✅ “Danielle Hutchinson was an absolute pleasure to work with, she handled my job quickly and the result was fantastic!” ✅ “Danielle delivered good work on this project and I enjoyed working with her. Her communication was too- notch and she met all deadlines.” ✅"Danielle is undoubtedly one of the best creative writers on this platform. I've learned so much about the art of writing by working with her. She's a great communicator, responds on time, and pays attention to detail. I hired her to help me revise a manuscript, but she did more than that, she breathed so much life into my story. I highly recommend her." ✅ Danielle was great to work with! She was always quick to respond and took any feedback I had and made the changes necessary. Very talented and I'll definitely be working with her again!"

  • Developmental Editing
  • Creative Writing
  • Ghostwriting
  • Book Writing
  • Academic Editing
  • Copy Editing
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Self-Help
  • Content Writing
  • Line Editing
  • Business Writing
  • Technical Writing
  • Copywriting
  • Business Editing
  • AI Content Editing
Connie B.

Fort Worth, Texas

$40/hr
5.0
28 jobs

Many writers reach a stage where they want to step back and see their manuscript the way a reader will experience it. That’s where thoughtful reader insight makes a difference. Through deep beta reading and developmental-level feedback for fiction and memoir, I help authors see their manuscript through a reader’s eyes—highlighting the strengths already on the page and areas that could be further developed. My feedback focuses on the full reading experience: pacing, character engagement, emotional impact, clarity of stakes, timeline consistency, and story structure. My training in language studies and counseling also shapes my approach, combining attention to clear writing with insight into character motivation and emotional dynamics. What I Can Help With Alongside beta reading, I also provide developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading, helping authors refine both the big-picture structure of their work and the line-level clarity that keeps readers engaged. I regularly work with: • Mystery / Thriller • Cozy Mystery • Romance • Character-Driven/Plot-Driven Fiction • Memoir & Narrative Nonfiction What You’ll Receive When working with me, authors typically receive: • A detailed reader report highlighting strengths and opportunities • Feedback on story structure, pacing, and character development • Notes on clarity, timeline consistency, and reader engagement • In-line comments throughout the manuscript when helpful • Practical suggestions for next steps in revision My goal is always to provide feedback that is honest, clear, and encouraging, while helping you strengthen the story you want to tell. Projects may be hourly or fixed-price depending on the scope. Many beta reads and manuscript reviews are quoted as a flat project fee. Authors often come to me when: • The manuscript feels close, but something isn’t quite working yet • The pacing slows in the middle of the story • Characters feel flat or their motivations need strengthening • The timeline or sequence of events is confusing • They want honest reader insight before moving to the next stage of editing If that sounds like where you are in your manuscript, I’d be glad to take a look. What Clients Say Authors I’ve worked with often mention: • Clear and organized feedback that’s easy to apply • Insight into pacing, character motivation, and story flow • Encouragement alongside practical suggestions • Professional communication and early delivery If you’re looking for thoughtful reader insight or developmental feedback on your manuscript, I’d be glad to learn more about your project.

  • Developmental Editing
  • Writing Critique
  • Plot Development
  • Character Development
  • Creative Writing
  • Story Editing
  • Proofreading Feedback
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Beta Reader Report
  • Fiction Writing
  • Content Writing
  • Romance
  • Memoir
  • Mystery
  • Science Fiction
  • Structural Analysis
  • Beta Reading
  • Manuscript
Samantha K.

Venice, Florida

$30/hr
4.9
22 jobs

Enthusiastic and dedicated Developmental Editor, I am eager to build lasting relationships with authors to craft stories that captivate readers. As a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), I have completed the Advanced Developmental Editing for Fiction Novels course and plan to further sharpen my skills in the coming year. Next year I plan to extend my education to specialize in editing fantasy and romance. I currently offer developmental edits and beta reading services to help provide insightful, encouraging, and constructive feedback to help polish your manuscript without the use of AI. With a deep love for fiction, particularly in romance, historical fiction, mystery, and thriller genres, I understand the power of immersive storytelling and relatable characters. My goal is to support authors in refining their narratives while fostering a collaborative and uplifting partnership. If you’re seeking a committed beta reader to grow with, I’m ready to wield my pen for your story. Personal Background Experiences and Knowledge: Human medicine, veterinary medicine, almost anything horse related, and the great outdoors. Let’s create something unforgettable together. Contact me to discuss your project! Samantha

  • Developmental Editing
  • Story Editing
  • Beta Reading
  • Beta Reader Report
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Fiction Writing
  • Literary Fiction
  • Document Review
  • Product Review
  • Book Review
  • Microsoft Word
  • Track Changes
Alyssa B.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

$35/hr
4.9
173 jobs

Storytelling has been a passion of mine since I was a child and I've spent the past six years turning that passion into a career. I graduated from Arcadia University in 2018 where I studied communications, creative writing, and cinema. I've participated in several workshops in and out of school to help sharpen my skills as a writer. As a ghostwriter, collaboration is important to me. I am always available to talk and discuss new ideas with clients. It is my job to take your ideas and turn them into fully fledged stories. I'm detail oriented, focused, and organized so you can trust that I am on top of all the projects I'm working on. As a developmental editor, my experience with narrative storytelling will help you refine your manuscripts. I will read your manuscript and leave comments in the document highlighting specific suggestions. You will also receive a detailed editorial report. When I'm not working on projects for clients, I'm working on my own romantic comedies that I'm hoping to publish within the next year!

  • Developmental Editing
  • Creative Writing
  • English
  • Fantasy
  • Ebook Writing
  • Romance
  • Fiction Writing
  • Article Writing
  • Report Writing
  • Writing
  • Quiz Writing
  • Screenwriting
  • Beta Reading
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • AI Content Editing
Maria D.

Naples, Florida

$35/hr
5.0
10 jobs

I work with authors who are serious about elevating their manuscript beyond “good enough” and into fully realized, market-ready fiction/nonfiction. If your novel feels “almost there” but not yet powerful, cohesive, or fully immersive — that’s where I come in. I’m a published novelist under the pen name KJ Backford (see my website) and have taken my own three books from blank page to final publication. I help authors turn strong drafts into publication-ready books through serious structural analysis and precise editing. My focus is simple: strengthen the architecture, sharpen the prose, and preserve your voice. I understand pacing, escalation, point of view (POV), character arcs, tension control, and emotional payoff — not just grammar. Once the structure is solid, I refine the prose: • Sentence flow and rhythm • Removal of repetition and filler • Clarity without flattening tone • Grammar • Spelling • Smooth transitions • Consistent narrative voice (yours) All edits delivered with Track Changes for full transparency. You also receive a clean, formatted manuscript ready for publication. When your manuscript is edited, proofread, and formatted for KDP (if self-publishing), I concentrate on metadata, keywords, and categories (I have tools) to publish the work to Amazon. If you are looking for a traditional publisher, I will review and edit your synopsis and create a query template matching your book.

  • Developmental Editing
  • Writing Critique
  • Story Development
  • Book Editing
  • Content Writing
  • Writing
  • Proofreading
  • Copywriting
  • English
  • Line Editing
  • Written Language
  • Ebook Writing
  • KDP Interior
  • Ebook Formatting
  • Memoir
  • Nonfiction
  • Sample Line Edit
  • Professional Tone
  • Fiction
  • Voice & Tone Consistency
Diane C.

Rogue River, Oregon

$95/hr
5.0
283 jobs

I am an Ivy-league trained English Professor with over 25 years of experience in writing and publishing with a particular expertise in academic writing and publishing. I have served as a reader and a member of the editorial boards of several academic journals and presses, and have read admission essays for graduate and undergraduate programs and for national and international fellowships and scholarships. I have also successfully guided clients in obtaining competitive professional grants, including NEH, Mellon, SRI and Fulbright, as well as book contracts with presses such as UC Berkeley, Stanford, U of Chicago, Cambridge and Oxford. I also have extensive experience in the academic promotion process, having been a department head and serving on my college's APT committee. While I have an expertise in academic writing, here on Upwork I have helped writers complete and publish essays in a wide range of fields, including business, fintech, medicine, law, self-improvement and fiction. I can help with all aspects of the process, from how to start a book to how to write a proposal and secure a publisher. I offer a 10% discount to those who are the first in their families or adjunct faculty. See below for specific information on my services and rates. DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR & WRITING COACH $95 an hour As a developmental editor and writing coach, my goal is to help get your writing into the world, whether you already have a manuscript and a contract from a press or simply a rough idea of something you'd like to write. I will meet you where you are and help you with any and every stage of the writing process--from the brainstorming and planning stages to the writing, revising and final editing to responding to reader reports and reviews and securing publication. I am particularly good at taking a very rough, rough draft--or even a rough idea--and helping a writer massage it into a compelling and well-structured narrative. I am also quite good at helping writers who find themselves "stuck" in a particular project and need help crafting a plan to move forward. THESIS AND DISSERTATION EDITOR AND WRITING COACH $95 an hour Writing a dissertation is hard, I know! I wrote one myself and, as an English professor for over 20 years, I helped shepherd many students through the process. Unfortunately, not every graduate program provides their students with the kind of guidance and structure that most of us need for taking on a project of this size. That is where I come in. I taught graduate level writing for many years and have supported graduate students working in a variety of fields, including the social sciences, humanities, technology, business and finance, computer science and education. I am a fast and careful proofreader and line editor, proficient in a number of citation styles, including MLA, Chicago, Oxford m, Harvard and APA, and able to carefully follow the publishing guidelines of the press you are working with. I am also conversant in a number of national Englishes. However, my talents really lie in helping clients with larger holistic issues, including argument development, organization and structure, and responding to committee feedback. I’m also especially good at helping writers who get stuck in a project or are suffering from writer’s block. My mantra is that a done dissertation is the best dissertation and I can help you craft a plan to make that come to fruition. COLLEGE AND GRADUATE ADMISSIONS ESSAYS $120 an hour As an English professor for 20+ years, I am especially attuned to what admissions materials need to contain in order to be effective. I have sat on a number of admissions committees and served on the selection committees for a number of national and international scholarships and fellowships. I have a particular expertise in graduate admissions and my clients have been accepted into several competitive programs at top schools, including Harvard, UC Berkeley, Stanford, the Wharton School of Business, Cornell and Yale, among others. I have supported clients in a wide range of fields, including medicine, law, the humanities, social sciences, counseling, nursing (including several DNP applicants), and public policy. I can help you prepare your CV and writing samples (if required), as well as prepare for any standardized tests or interviews. But where my expertise really lies is in the statement of purpose. The SOP is especially important since at some point in the admissions process everyone has good grades, laudatory recommendations and exemplary test scores. I have a proven system of helping even clients who think they can't write create compelling and organic narratives that tell the story of who they are and why they are a great match for a program.

  • Developmental Editing
  • Writing Critique
  • Book Editing
  • Academia
  • Publishing
  • Dissertation Writing
  • Thesis Writing
  • Coaching
  • Graduate School
  • College Essay
  • Essay Writing
  • CV
  • Grant Writing Consultation
  • Book Proposal
  • Grant Writing
  • Letter Writing
  • Resume Development
  • Interview Preparation
  • Mock Interview
  • College & University

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