Developmental Editing Needed for a Non-Fiction Book

Hi, my name is Richard, and I'm an author and former high school counselor and corporate recruiting director, and I've written a nonfiction book that helps parents guide their high school and college students toward a clear, confident direction for their future. The full manuscript is drafted (roughly 22,500 to 25,000 words) and I'm looking for an experienced developmental editor to review the entire book and help me make it as strong, clear, and compelling as it can be before it moves to line editing and copyediting. The Book at a Glance Genre: Prescriptive nonfiction / parenting / education Audience: Parents of high school and college students, plus counselors and advisors Length: ~22,500–25,000 words (a foreword, introduction, eleven short chapters, a conclusion, and an appendix) Structure: The book teaches a step-by-step method for helping a student find "direction," built around a named sequence and a three-step process, using real student stories and current workforce data. Status: Complete draft. I've already done my own structural pass, so I'm looking for a professional second set of eyes, not a rescue. What I Need (Scope) A full developmental edit of the entire manuscript, focused on the big picture rather than grammar or line polish. Specifically, I want your assessment of: Structure and flow: Does the book build logically? Are chapters in the right order, the right length, and pulling their weight? Anything to cut, combine, or expand? Argument and clarity: Is the core method explained clearly and persuasively? Where might a parent get lost, lose interest, or stop believing me? Openings and momentum: Do the introduction and each chapter hook the reader and carry them forward? Evidence and credibility: Where does the argument need more support, a better example, or stronger data, and where am I overstating? Consistency of concepts: The book uses several recurring frameworks and terms. Flag anywhere they're introduced unclearly, used inconsistently, or repeated too often. Emotional resonance and voice fit: The book is meant to feel like a warm, trustworthy guide. Tell me where the tone slips or the reader's real anxieties aren't being met. Deliverables An editorial letter / developmental memo (a few pages) covering the points above: what's working, what isn't, and prioritized recommendations. In-manuscript comments (Google Docs or Word tracked comments) marking specific spots that need attention. A short call (optional, 30 minutes) to walk through your recommendations after I've read the memo. To be clear about scope: I'm not looking for line-by-line rewriting, copyediting, or proofreading at this stage. This is a developmental pass only. Ideal Candidate Demonstrated experience developmentally editing nonfiction, ideally prescriptive, self-help, business, parenting, or education titles (please share relevant examples). Comfortable giving direct, honest feedback while respecting the author's voice and intent. Able to work in Google Docs or Word with tracked changes and comments. Bonus: familiarity with the education, career-readiness, or parenting space. To Apply, Please Include -A brief note on your relevant nonfiction developmental editing experience (titles or samples welcome). -Your rate and structure for the full edit (flat fee preferred; note if you charge hourly or per word). -Your availability and estimated turnaround for a manuscript this length. Thanks for your interest!