Rebels’ Revision | mentorship-style developmental editing

Developmental editing looks at the foundations of your manuscript - the structure, pacing, themes, character development, and narrative flow - resolving the “big picture” issues that shape your ideas and story.

But as a writer myself, I understand how daunting it is to hand your complete draft over to an editor, which is why Rebels’ Revision is more than a developmental editing service: it’s a mentorship and editing package, designed so you’ll feel fully supported at every stage of revision and beyond.

This means I provide more Zoom time (between four and six hours) than many other developmental editors, and up to three rounds of edits, while one or two are the norm.

Line editing is included as standard, so I’ll fix issues at sentence as well as structural level.

This is the way I love to work. Happiness for me is having deep conversations about books and creativity, sharing the ideas and thoughts that will make a manuscript as strong as it can possibly be.

Here’s how my Rebels’ Revision developmental editing process works:

First Zoom call*

You send me your draft. Before I read it, we meet to talk about your vision for the manuscript and its publishing journey, clearly identifying what you’re trying to do and the areas you feel you need help with.

This is a crucial step of our work together, because my suggested edits will be guided by what best helps you reach your goals in the most enjoyable and powerful way for your readers.

First round of developmental edits

I carry out a thorough developmental edit. Edits are left as suggestions using Track Changes with notes in the margin. I’ll then write a 3,000 - 5,000-word editorial report giving ‘big picture’ feedback on your manuscript. 

Zoom feedback session

We meet to talk through the manuscript critique and create a clear revision plan so you’re confident moving forward.

You work on the revisions

You go away and begin work on revising your draft. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. You’ll have WhatsApp and email support from me and a Zoom check in if you feel you need it.

Second round of developmental edits

I review your revised manuscript and provide further developmental feedback if required.

Zoom feedback call

I send the manuscript back to you, and we meet again to chat through my suggested edits and clarify what the next steps are, if any are needed: some manuscripts will only need one or two rounds of edits.

You work on further revisions

You go away and continue revising the manuscript. Again, I’m just at the end of an email, phone or Zoom if you need support.

Third round of developmental edits

I complete a final read-through and round of feedback, if the manuscript needs this.

Final Zoom call

We meet for a final time to review the work we’ve done together and talk about the next steps for your book as you prepare for publication.

Why choose Rebels’ Revision for your manuscript?

Mentorship-style developmental editing
You’ll receive guidance at every stage, so you never feel overwhelmed. My approach combines big picture editorial feedback on structure, pacing, themes, and character development with line editing.

In-depth manuscript critique
I’ll deliver a 3,000 - 5,000-word editorial report with clear suggestions to guide your revisions.

Up to three rounds of edits
Some drafts will need one or two rounds of edits, but I offer up to three.

Generous Zoom support
You receive 4–6 hours of Zoom feedback with me throughout the process - significantly more than many other developmental editors offer.

Flexible support
We’ll stay connected throughout the process via email and WhatsApp, so you can always reach me when you need to. I also offer a week of email and WhatsApp support after I’ve finished editing your manuscript.

A writer’s eye
With over fourteen years of experience as a journalist, editor, and published writer, I bring a writer’s perspective and an empathetic approach to every manuscript.

The Rebels’ Revision developmental editing service is priced at £18 per 1,000 words for manuscripts up to 100,000 words. For drafts over this word count, bespoke pricing is available. 

I work with a small number of Rebels’ Revision clients at any one time, so I can offer each manuscript the care and attention it deserves. 

Book your free 20-minute call to find out more about how Rebels’ Revision developmental editing could help you.

*each Zoom call is 60-minutes long.

  • "Alex is an excellent editor; I knew I wanted to work with him on my novella One Last Song as I knew he would read empathetically, ask the right questions, evaluate the piece on its own terms and recommend those revisions which would make it the best possible version of itself. And so he did. I can also attest that he’s a superb proofreader with an eagle eye for detail; Inkandescent have entrusted him with many of our key projects."

    Nathan Evans, publisher and author of Polari Prize longlisted novella One Last Song

  • "Alex has a rare ability to see both the forest and the trees, spotting where readers need more context, tightening narrative flow, and polishing while preserving authenticity. He initially encouraged me to expand my book by 25,000 words (daunting at first!), but following his detailed notes made it surprisingly easy. He always responded to my queries with patience and encouragement. Once the manuscript was complete, he edited it down with precision and care until it was seamless."

    Kristine Kilty, author and international creative director

  • "Alex is not only a talented writer in his own right but an intuitive, creative and precise editor whose ideas always spring from the invention of the writer. After Alex edited my first novel, I felt reassured I was working well, thankful for the wisdom and ideas from his mark up, but also emboldened as a writer to pursue the rewrite."

    Neil Lawrence, author