When I finished the final word of my first middle-grade fiction book’s initial draft this summer, I felt a great sense of satisfaction at having made it to the end of a story I truly love. Yet as I looked over words that represented months of bleary-eyed mornings, countless cups of coffee, and maybe just a little bit of sweat and tears, I faced that inevitable author question: Is it ready?
The answer, of course, was no. Not yet. First drafts are called ‘first’ for a reason.
I also knew that, despite having written numerous articles and a few books, all of them had been nonfiction. Middle grade is a whole different beast. I realized that I needed someone who knew, really knew, how to write for middle grade kiddos.
My critique readers provide advice. I even had a niece read my story to give me a kid’s point of view. But I just felt it wasn’t enough. That’s when I decided to make what might be the most significant investment in my writing career so far: hiring a professional developmental editor.
The Decision to Invest
Let me be honest: professional editing isn’t cheap. The investment of over $2,000 for a developmental edit was a substantial commitment that required serious consideration.
I asked myself some hard questions:
- Could I learn these skills through books and critique groups? Possibly.
- Would professional feedback accelerate my growth? Almost certainly.
- Would it make my book stronger before querying? That is the hope.
My husband and I discussed the cost versus the benefits. One thing that he said really stood out: it would be similar in price to taking a master’s level college course. I would learn and develop skills that I could carry forward into every future manuscript. Of course, all of this would be dependent on finding the right editor.
The Search for an Editor
I researched the best place to find editors and settled on Reedsy, a marketplace connecting authors with vetted publishing professionals. What drew me was their focus on credentials.
My wish list was specific. I wanted someone who:
- Knew the middle grade market deeply
- Had experience with fantasy/adventure elements
- Had an editorial background with major publishers
After requesting quotes from five editors, I narrowed the list through text exchanges with the editors and ultimately chose an editor whose feedback on my sample pages showed that they truly believed in my story while also providing specific suggestions to make it even better. My editor of choice had a wonderful background editing several successful middle grades series as well.
The Process Begins
I’m just at the beginning of the editing process. My goal will be to share updates as the edit progresses with you, my dear readers. My editor is set to begin on the first of the month, and the developmental edit will take approximately six weeks to complete. Here’s what I’m expecting:
- A comprehensive developmental assessment of my manuscript
- Specific guidance on structure, pacing, character development, and world-building
- Notes on what’s working well
- Specific recommendations for areas needing improvement
The editor has promised actionable feedback, providing me in-line advice and suggestions for changes. This is exactly what I need as I prepare to enter the competitive querying landscape.
Why This Investment Makes Sense for Me
I’m approaching this cost as an investment in my craft and career for several reasons:
- Middle grade is exceptionally competitive — Agents and publishers have high standards for debut authors
- First impressions matter — You only get one chance to query an agent with this manuscript
I’m hopeful that this editing process will help me grow as a writer and give my book the edge it needs to stand out during the querying process.
What I Hope to Learn
I might have my sights set too high, but the following is what I’m hoping to learn from what I’m viewing as an intensive master class in middle grade fiction:
- How to craft openings that hook young readers
- How to create characters that speak to the 8-12 age group
- How to balance humor, heart, and action effectively
The Emotional Reality
I know that the next six weeks will be challenging – I have to wait patiently while the editor works her magic. This will then be followed by many weeks of revisions on my part. I must admit that the vulnerability of submitting my work for scrutiny terrifies me (just a little). But I believe it will be worth the effort.
A Personal Decision
While I feel confident about my path, I recognize that professional editing may not be the right move for everyone. Every author’s journey and financial situation is different. For me, this investment made sense because I’m committed to traditional publication and want to give my manuscript the strongest possible chance. I do know that many authors find agents and publish bestsellers without ever working with a professional editor. What matters most is using whatever means we as writers can find to identify our blind spots and gain objective feedback.
The truth is that I will return to my own critique partners and beta readers once the edits and revisions are complete, to gain their valuable opinions as I put the final polish on my book before sending it off to query agents.
Final Thoughts
As I begin my six-week developmental journey, I feel both nervous and excited. While I expect some feedback that I may not want to hear, I also hope to receive positive highlights. Ultimately, I believe this process will improve my book and strengthen my writing.
I’ll update this blog once I’ve received my edits and share what I’ve learned from the process. For now, I’m taking a deep breath and preparing for the next level of this writing adventure.
Have you worked with a professional editor? Considering it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!