Everything your manuscript needs,
from story structure to expressive, engaging prose.
At Cora Press, Developmental Editing combines two essential stages: the full Editorial Review and Stylistic Editing (also known as Line Editing). It is the complete creative development package that strengthens your story from the inside out, both in structure and in style.
You begin with a detailed Editorial Review that examines plot, pacing, character development, and theme. Once those foundations are solid, we move into Stylistic Editing to refine how the story reads on the page. This stage improves rhythm, tone, and flow while preserving your unique voice.
Your Developmental Editing Includes
A Full Editorial Review:
- Plot and Structure – Does the story hold together and build momentum?
- Character Development and Arcs – Are your characters believable, growing, and engaging?
- Worldbuilding and Magic/Tech Systems – Is your world immersive and consistent?
- Theme and Message – Do your ideas come through without overwhelming the story?
- Pacing – Does the book flow naturally, keeping readers hooked?
- Reader Experience – How will your target audience actually feel when they read it?
- And More – Tailored insights for your story’s unique challenges.
Our Editorial Report gives you a clear understanding of where you’re manuscript is now and a practical roadmap of what your next steps are.
After the Editorial Review, Cora Press evaluates your manuscript’s readiness for Stylistic Editing (also known as Line Editing). If the story structure and narrative foundation are strong, we move forward with Stylistic (Line) Editing. If deeper adjustments are needed, we’ll guide you on the most effective next steps before proceeding. No wasted effort, no guesswork.
Once your manuscript is ready, we’ll move onto the next step, Stylistic (Line) Editing.
Complete Stylistic Editing:
- Sentence and Rhythm – Does every line flow naturally and support the story’s tone?
- Dialogue and Transitions – Are conversations and scene shifts smooth and believable?
- Paragraph Flow – Does each section build logically and read effortlessly?
- Repetition and Overwriting – Are unnecessary words or phrases holding your prose back?
- Tone and Point of View – Is the voice consistent and emotionally grounded throughout?
- Word Choice and Clarity – Are the right words doing the right work in every scene?
- Mechanical Flow – Are small issues in syntax or punctuation quietly corrected for readability?
Flat-rate Developmental Editing pricing for indie authors — no math required.
Shorter Works
For Novellas with
25,000–60,000 Words
Standard Length
For Novels with
60,000–95,000 Words
Extended Length
For Novels with
95,000–120,000 Words
A Note About Our Editorial Approach
Cora Press is built on an author-first philosophy. Our goal is to make professional editing transparent, practical, and genuinely useful. Every stage builds on the one before it, ensuring your story develops in the right order and that no step is skipped.
We don’t rush to polish sentences before the foundation is sound. We start with structure, strengthen style, then refine clarity. This approach saves time, preserves creative intent, and produces work that can stand confidently beside traditionally published titles.
Flat, Transparent Pricing
Cora Press uses flat-rate pricing so authors always know the full cost upfront. No per-word math, no hidden fees, and no surprise invoices. Each project is priced for the entire manuscript, allowing you to focus on the work rather than the numbers.
Our structure reflects our author-first philosophy. We offer fair, predictable rates that make professional editing accessible without compromising quality. You get the same depth of analysis and publishing-level rigor found in traditional editorial houses, delivered with transparency and respect for independent authors.
| Genre | Typical Word Count | Pro Editor Rate ($0.05/word) | OUR FLAT RATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Fantasy / Science Fiction | 110,000 | $5,500 | $2,495 |
| Adult Fantasy / Science Fiction | 90,000 | $4,500 | $1,595 |
| YA Fantasy / Science Fiction | 75,000 | $3,750 | $1,595 |
| Novella | 30,000 | $1,500 | $645 |
Why are your prices so low compared to other professional editors?
We’re offering limited-time pricing as part of a special outreach campaign to help indie authors discover our services. Our editorial team is all US-based and adheres to professional editorial standards (PES). We provide the same quality you’d expect from editors charging 2–3× more. We’re simply making it easier to say yes—for now.
What happens if my manuscript is over 120,000 words?
At this time, we do not offer Editorial Reviews for books over 120K words. If you’re close, we recommend trimming for pacing and impact. Very long books often face higher editing costs and publishing hurdles unless you’re an established author with a built-in audience.
Do you make inline edits to my manuscript?
No. Our Stylistic Editing is delivered as a detailed editorial report rather than direct changes inside your manuscript. This allows us to explain the reasoning behind each suggestion and show patterns that affect your writing style across the entire book. You’ll have the insight and examples you need to revise with confidence, while keeping full control over your voice and decisions.
What if I’m still writing or haven’t revised yet?
We recommend submitting a completed and self-revised manuscript. Editorial Reviews are most helpful after you’ve taken the book as far as you can on your own. That way, you get maximum value from our feedback and can use it to guide your next revision pass or give you the green light to do stylistic/line editing.
How long does it take to receive the Developmental Edit?
Developmental Editing is a more extensive process and typically takes three to four weeks. You’ll receive a confirmation email with an estimated delivery window once we’ve received your manuscript. You'll also be able to track the process in your Cora Press Portal.
You'll also be able to track the editorial process in your Author Portal.