Developmental Editing for Commercial Fiction
Expert developmental editing for Romance, Mystery, Suspense & Thriller authors who want to understand what isn’t working and exactly how to fix it.
USA Today bestselling author • Former Associate Literary Agent • 20+ Years in Publishing • 15+ Years as a Developmental Editor
Maybe your beta readers disagree, the middle sags, your protagonist isn’t landing, the ending doesn’t feel earned, or maybe you simply know the manuscript isn’t there yet, but you can’t see what needs to change.
That’s where developmental editing comes in.
I look beyond grammar and sentence-level polish to examine the story underneath the words: structure, character motivation, stakes, pacing, escalation, emotional payoff, genre expectations, and reader experience.
You'll learn what’s wrong with your manuscript and what to do about it.
I’m an author. I’m an editor. I’ve been the literary agent reading submissions and evaluating projects for acquisition. All told, I’ve spent more than fifteen years helping fiction authors strengthen their manuscripts.
Years in Publishing
Years as a Developmental Editor
Published Novels
Bestselling Author
Certified Developmental Editor, Editorial Arts Academy
I specialize in commercial fiction where character, emotion, tension, and reader expectations matter.
Contemporary • Sports • Rockstar • Romantic Suspense • Steamy Romance • LGBTQ+ Romance • New Adult • Commercial Romance
As Alexa Padgett, I’m a professional romance author. I understand the emotional contract romance makes with its readers and the importance of chemistry, conflict, character arcs, emotional payoff, and a satisfying ending.
Mystery • Psychological Thriller • Domestic Thriller • Crime • Women’s Suspense • Upmarket Thriller
As J.J. Cagney, I write multi-award-winning mysteries and thrillers. I understand the machinery behind a page-turner: questions, clues, revelations, escalation, reversals, danger, and payoff.
Also a fit: Women’s Fiction • Science Fiction • Fantasy • Character-Driven Commercial Fiction
Whether you need to diagnose your opening, understand what isn't working in the manuscript as a whole, or get deep structural guidance, I'll meet your manuscript where it is.
START HERE
Something isn't working. Let's figure out what.
Not sure why your opening isn't landing—or whether your manuscript is ready for agents, editors, or readers? I'll read your first chapter like an editor and a reader and identify the issues most likely to affect a reader's decision to keep reading.
You'll receive focused feedback on:
This isn't a line edit or a rewrite. It's a professional diagnosis of your opening so you know what's working, what isn't, and what to fix first.
$197
PAY $197 — GET YOUR DIAGNOSTIC
After payment, you'll receive instructions for submitting your first chapter. If your manuscript needs deeper structural work, I'll explain which editorial service would make the most sense.
BIG-PICTURE DIAGNOSIS
You know something is wrong with the book. You need to know what—and what to fix first.
I'll assess your manuscript at the big-picture level and identify the highest-impact problems affecting story structure, character, pacing, stakes, tension, emotional arc, genre expectations, and reader experience.
You'll receive a focused editorial report and a prioritized revision roadmap so you know what matters most, what can wait, and where to begin.
$450–$850
Based on manuscript length and scope.
IN-DEPTH EDITORIAL REVIEW
You want an expert assessment of the entire manuscript—and a clear plan for making it stronger.
This is a deeper, comprehensive assessment of your completed manuscript. I'll evaluate the book as a whole, looking at the elements that determine whether the story delivers on its promise and keeps readers turning pages.
My critique may address:
You'll receive a comprehensive editorial letter explaining what is working, what isn't, why it matters, and what I recommend changing. The goal isn't to rewrite your novel for you. It's to give you the editorial insight and revision strategy you need to make the strongest decisions for your manuscript.
$950–$1,550
Based on manuscript length and scope.
FLAGSHIP SERVICE
For authors ready to seriously strengthen the manuscript.
I'll examine the story at both the structural and scene levels, looking for the issues that affect the reader's experience and the book's ability to deliver on its genre promise.
Depending on your manuscript, that can include:
You'll receive comprehensive editorial feedback and a prioritized revision roadmap tailored specifically to your book.
$0.04 per word
Example: 80,000 words = $3,200.
REVISION SUPPORT
Let's fix the problems together.
I offer ongoing support for authors who want an experienced editorial partner while they draft or revise.
We can work through plotting, character problems, chapter restructuring, pacing, motivation, scene construction, revision strategy, and the places where you've simply gotten stuck.
Starting at $375/month
Minimum three-month commitment.
I don’t simply point out that something isn’t working. I explain why it’s affecting the reader and what you can do about it.
“The manuscript reads like a procedural for most of its length, but shifts in tone later create a disconnect in reader expectation.”
“Genre expectations are established early. When they shift later in the narrative, readers need preparation or the transition feels abrupt.”
“The goal is not to reveal outcomes early, but to sustain tension through escalation and consequence in every scene.”
“My work is exponentially better because of Alexa’s input.”
— Carol Potenza, Tony Hillerman Prize Winner
“She preserves voice while strengthening structure and emotional impact.”
— Michael Gorton, #1 Bestselling Author
“Her feedback is clear, precise, and immediately actionable.”
— Tracey Mitchell
“Alexa’s edits are clear, insightful, and supportive. Her guidance has helped me grow significantly as a writer. Her comments consistently push my writing to a stronger level.”
— Lennette Rodriguez, MFA Candidate
Tell me about your manuscript and where you are in the process.
We’ll determine which service makes sense for your book.
I’ll read like an editor and like a reader.
I’ll identify what’s working, what’s not, and why.
You’ll have a clear roadmap for making the manuscript stronger.
I’ve spent more than two decades inside publishing as an author, developmental editor, literary agent, marketer, and publishing professional.
I’ve edited manuscripts preparing for publication, I’ve written more than 35 novels myself, and I’ve lived through the revision process from every possible side of the desk.
My job is to help you make your book the strongest version of itself.
Tell me about your manuscript, where you are in the process, and what you’re struggling with.
REQUEST AN EDITORIAL CONSULTATIONPrefer email? Reach me at alexa@alexapadgett.com
I take on a limited number of editorial clients each month so I can give each manuscript focused attention.