DYI Developmental Editing for Romance Authors

You’ve written your romance novel. Yay! You should celebrate.

But when the celebration is done, it’s time to whip your WIP into shape. Transforming your story into a polished, unforgettable book takes more than a great first draft. That’s where editing comes in.

There are two parts to editing. One has to do with grammar, spelling, and tightening your prose. The other has to do with the story itself. Developmental editing is the process of looking at the big picture—your plot, characters, pacing, and overall story structure—to ensure your story keeps the reader engaged from the first word to the last.

While working with a professional editor is invaluable, not every author has the resources to hire one for every draft. The good news? You can take the first steps yourself. Self-developmental editing is a skill every romance author should cultivate, giving you the tools to identify what’s working, what isn’t, and how to strengthen your story before it reaches an editor or beta readers.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or finishing your first manuscript, these tips will help you refine your work and ensure your love story resonates with readers.

Preparing to Edit

Before you dive into the developmental editing process, it’s essential to set yourself up for success. Editing a manuscript is a different beast than writing one, and preparation will help you tackle it with fresh eyes and a clear strategy. Here’s how to get started:

Step Away

It’s important to understand that when you read your story, you’re going to overlay what’s in your mind (your visualization of your story) onto the words you read. The problem this poses is that your reader won’t have this. All they’ll have is your words to guide them.  The best way to know if it’s your words and not what you see in your imagination that is telling the story is to take break from the book.

Stepping away from your work for a few days—or even a couple of weeks—gives you the emotional and creative distance needed to see your story objectively. When you return, you’ll spot missing details, plot holes, weak character arcs, or pacing issues you might have missed while deep in the creative process. Think of this as giving your mind the reset it needs to read your work like a first-time reader.

Gather Your Tools

Beyond re-reading your manuscript, consider adding these to your editing toolkit:

• Editing Software: Tools like Autocrit can give you feedback on your story’s timeline, character arcs, plot, conflicts, potential issues like contradictions, foreshadowing and more.
• Notebook or Digital Notes App: Jot down ideas, questions, or insights as you read through your manuscript. Breaking your notes into categories—like characters, plot, pacing, and romance arc—will keep you focused.
• Critique Partner or Beta Reader: If you have a trusted writing partner, ask them to read along and provide feedback on specific areas you’re working on, like the emotional progression of your romance or the believability of your characters.
• Highlighters and Sticky Notes: Some authors like to print out their manuscripts to read and edit. If this is you, tabs, highlighters and sticky notes can you mark areas for revision. Make sure you’ve put page numbers in your manuscript so when you’re ready to revise your story on your computer, you can easily find the location from your printed version to the digital one.

Mindset Check

Editing is about letting go of what doesn’t serve your story, even when it’s a scene, character, or line of dialogue you adore. Approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to cut, revise, or reimagine elements of your story. Remind yourself that every change you make is bringing your manuscript closer to its full potential. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.

For help on this, check out this post on Killing Your Darlings.

Performing a Developmental Edit

Once you’ve prepared to dive into your developmental edit, the next step is to evaluate the core elements of your story. This stage is about taking a close, critical look at the building blocks of your romance novel—characters, plot, pacing, and setting—to ensure they all work together seamlessly to deliver an unforgettable love story.

Step One: Does the Story Meet the Premise?

The biggest question you need to ask yourself is if your story meets the premise. Even if you’re a pantster and didn’t start out with a premise, you should be able to create one for your story.

Your premise is:

Character > Goal > Stakes/Opposition

For example:

Sally is an unemployed single mom who is finally getting on her feet again when she walks into her new boss’s office and discovers he’s her ex and unbeknownst to him, the father of her child.

If you have scenes in your book that don’t serve this premise, consider cutting them as they likely slow your story down or will confuse the reader.

Step Two: Characters

The heart of every great romance is its characters. If readers don’t connect with your protagonists or their journey, the story will fall flat. Here’s what to examine:

• Are the protagonists fully fleshed out, relatable, and consistent?
  Ensure your leads have distinct personalities, clear motivations, and believable emotional growth throughout the story. Watch for inconsistencies, such as actions that don’t align with their established traits or values.
• Is the chemistry between characters believable and engaging?
  Chemistry doesn’t just mean physical attraction. It’s about emotional connection, banter, and the small, intimate moments that make readers root for the couple. If their relationship feels forced or lacks spark, pinpoint why.
• Are secondary characters contributing meaningfully to the story?
  Supporting characters should enhance the main romance, not distract from it. Evaluate whether they help develop the protagonists or add depth to the story without stealing the spotlight.
• Does the character grow (character story arc)?
  Along with pursuing a goal, your character(s) need to grow and change. They should gain insight and overcome false beliefs and/or heal from an inner wound.

Step Three: Plot

A well-constructed romance plot keeps readers turning pages and invested in the outcome. Look at the overall story structure and ask:

• Does the story follow a clear romance arc (romance beats)?
  You have a variety of plot structures you can use to tell your story from the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, or a basic three-act plot structures. Which ever you use, check that you’re meeting the beats. In a romance, the basic beats include the meet-cute, inciting event, pinch point, midpoint, pinch point, black moment, fallout, epiphany, resolution, and HEA. Check out WWH’s romance beat sheet for more details and tips.
• Are there engaging twists and turns to keep readers invested?
  Readers know an HEA is coming, but you still need to create excitement and a sense of the unknown in the story. Consider whether your story has unique elements or surprises that add depth without straying too far from genre expectations.
• Is the conflict realistic and resolved in a satisfying way?
  The conflict should feel authentic to your characters and the story world. The resolution must provide emotional payoff, leaving readers with a sense of closure and satisfaction.

Step Four: Romance Story Arc

We’ve looked at the premise and the plot overall, but in a romance, couple’s arc is the beating heart of your novel. It’s the thread that keeps readers hooked as they follow your characters’ journey toward love. To ensure your romance shines, you’ll need to evaluate its emotional progression, tension, and resolution, while also testing the chemistry between your protagonists. Here’s how to refine this critical element of your story.

Evaluate the Emotional Progression of the Romance

A captivating romance arc hinges on believable emotional growth and high stakes that keep readers invested. As you review your manuscript, consider:

• Are the stakes high enough to make the reader care?
  The stakes—emotional, external, or both—should create obstacles that challenge your characters and make their journey to love feel hard-won. Ask yourself: What would they lose if the relationship doesn’t work out? Are the stakes clear and significant enough to keep readers rooting for them?
• Is the romantic tension strong and sustained throughout?
  Tension is the lifeblood of romance. It’s not just about whether your characters will end up together (because we know they will), but how they’ll overcome the obstacles in their way. Review the pacing of your romantic beats—do they ebb and flow naturally, building anticipation and excitement for the resolution?
• Is the resolution emotionally satisfying and believable?
  The payoff at the end of your romance arc must feel earned and authentic. Avoid overly convenient resolutions that undermine the struggles your characters faced. Instead, aim for a conclusion that reflects their growth and leaves readers with a sense of fulfillment.

Test the Chemistry

Chemistry is what makes readers fall in love with your characters’ relationship. It’s the spark that ignites when your protagonists share a scene. Here’s how to ensure it’s strong:

• Is the banter or dialogue authentic?
  Dialogue is a powerful tool for showcasing chemistry. Whether it’s playful banter, deep emotional conversations, or heated arguments, your characters’ words should feel natural and reflect their personalities. Look for opportunities to deepen their connection through what they say—and what they leave unsaid.
• Do the intimate scenes (physical or emotional) serve the story’s growth?
  Intimacy isn’t just about physical closeness; it’s also about emotional vulnerability. Each romantic moment should reveal something new about your characters or deepen their bond. Ask yourself: Does this scene move their relationship forward (or back in the case of conflict), or is it filler? Does it feel genuine to who they are?

Step Five:  Identifying and Fixing Common Romance Tropes

Tropes are the cornerstone of the romance genre, providing familiar frameworks that readers love and expect. Whether it’s the irresistible pull of enemies-to-lovers or the heartwarming charm of second-chance romance, tropes help create an emotional connection. But using them effectively requires balance: too predictable, and they risk feeling cliché; too unconventional, and readers might feel alienated. Here’s how to identify and elevate the tropes in your manuscript.

Are Tropes Used Effectively Without Feeling Cliché?

Tropes can feel tired when they’re executed in the same way readers have seen countless times. To ensure yours feel fresh and engaging:

• Add Personal Depth to the Trope: Make the trope unique by grounding it in your characters’ specific motivations, backstories, and flaws. For example, if you’re writing enemies-to-lovers, go beyond surface-level animosity and explore the emotional wounds or misunderstandings fueling their conflict.
• Subvert Expectations: Consider flipping a common trope on its head. For instance, instead of the billionaire man needing a wife to fulfill a family obligation and a down-and-out woman who needs money, switch it up. I read a romance in which the woman was the billionaire who needed a husband and he was a down-and-out man who needed money to save his family’s business. Small twists can breathe new life into a familiar storyline.
• Blend Tropes: Combining multiple tropes can add depth and originality to your story. What happens when a grumpy-sunshine dynamic collides with a forced-proximity scenario? Intertwining tropes creates layered relationships that keep readers hooked. In fact, I know of a course that recommends 3-4 tropes.

Are There Overused Plot Devices That Can Be Made Unique?

Certain plot devices, while beloved, can become stale if not handled thoughtfully. Look out for these common pitfalls and consider how to reimagine them:

• The Miscommunication Conflict: Miscommunication is a staple of romance, but it can frustrate readers if it feels contrived or easily solvable. If your story relies on miscommunication, ensure it stems from deep-seated fears or flaws, making it a believable obstacle rather than a plot convenience.
• The “Perfect” Protagonist: Flawless characters are unrelatable. Give your protagonists vulnerabilities, quirks, or mistakes that make their journey—and their love story—feel real.
• The Overdone Love Triangle: If you include a love triangle, make sure all parties involved are well-developed and their choices meaningful. Readers will engage more with a dilemma where both options feel equally compelling for the protagonist.

Making Tropes Uniquely Yours

When refining your use of tropes and plot devices, focus on what makes your story distinct:

• Infuse Personal Style: Your voice as a writer is your biggest asset. Infuse your scenes with your unique tone, humor, or emotional depth to differentiate your story from others in the genre.
• Draw from Uncommon Inspiration: Consider incorporating cultural, historical, or mythological elements that align with the tropes but add a fresh twist. For instance, a second-chance romance inspired by a local legend can give your story added depth. I took the single dad trope but made my MMC a guardian for his five-year-old uncle. That’s right…the kid was the son of my lead’s grandfather.

Step Six: Pacing

The rhythm of your story can make or break a reader’s experience. Review the pacing of your manuscript to ensure it’s working for—not against—your story.

• Are all your scenes important to the character or plot?
  Check that ALL your scenes are important in driving the story forward and/or revealing character. Consider the goal of the scene, the character’s motivation, is the character acting or reacting, the conflicts and tension, and the ending line (does it compel the reader to keep reading?).
• Does the story drag in places or rush key moments, like the romantic climax?
  Scenes that linger too long can frustrate readers, while rushed pivotal moments can feel unsatisfying. Balance is key. Especially in a romance, in which readers want the emotional rollercoaster ride.
• Are subplots balanced with the main romance?
  Subplots should enhance the story, not overshadow the romance. Check that side stories wrap up neatly and tie into the overall narrative.

Step Seven: Setting and World-Building

Setting needs to enhance the story, but often it’s written in a way that stops the forward movement of the story.

• Are you showing instead of telling?
  The goal of setting is to help reader experience what the character is experiencing. But instead of saying, “It was a dark and stormy night,” give readers setting from the character’s POV. For example, “Sally pulled her wool coat tighter around her to guard against the arctic chill.” Use the senses. You can even use the character’s insights or opinions to reveal the setting and character at the same time. For example: The dark sky spit down slush-like snow making Sally wish she was a bear and could hide under the covers until spring. In this example, we know it’s sleeting and Sally doesn’t like it. What if Sally did like sleet? We could write that instead: Sally lifted her head and opened her mouth, catching the slushy snow on her tongue with a laugh.
• Is the setting immersive and enhancing the romantic tension?
  Whether it’s a bustling city or a quiet small town, the setting should feel alive and contribute to the mood. Consider how your environment influences the characters’ interactions and emotions. There’s a reason some readers like small town romance. Or cowboy romances. Or beach romances. Are you fulfilling what these readers enjoy and expect from these settings?
• For subgenres, is the world-building consistent?
  If you’re writing in a subgenre like historical, fantasy, or paranormal romance, ensure the details of your world are clear and consistent. Readers should feel transported without being confused or pulled out of the story. Rules of the world should be consistent. I just read an book in which the characters in a book were essentially alive. In a couple of cases, when the reader tossed the book, the characters were also tossed around. But when you think of how we handle a book, it seemed to me they’d be battered and bruised each time you lifted it. Perhaps it only happened when the book was open…I can’t remember. The point is, if you have a “rule” like that, you need to be consistent. So when the reader had the book open and held up to show the character her world, he should have been slipping or sliding about in his world. Note: I did love this idea about the book, but felt it wasn’t consistent through the book.

Post Edit: Getting Feedback

After you’ve done your best to polish your manuscript, it’s time to get a fresh set of eyes on it. Beta readers and critique partners can offer invaluable perspectives, catching issues you may have missed and providing insight into how your story resonates with readers. Here’s how to make the most of their feedback.

Tips for Using Beta Readers or Critique Partners

Finding and working with beta readers or critique partners effectively requires planning and clear communication. Consider these tips:

• Choose the Right Readers: Look for individuals familiar with the romance genre and your specific subgenre (e.g., contemporary, historical, or paranormal romance). They’ll be more attuned to the tropes, pacing, and emotional beats readers expect.
• Provide Guidance: Give your readers a sense of what kind of feedback you’re looking for. Share specific areas you’re concerned about, like character development, romantic tension, or pacing. A feedback checklist can be helpful here.
• Limit the Number of Readers: Too many opinions can be overwhelming. Aim for a small, diverse group (3–5 readers) to get a range of perspectives without feeling inundated.
• Be Open to Criticism: Feedback can be hard to hear, but remember, it’s meant to help your story improve. Stay open-minded and resist the urge to defend your choices. Listen and evaluate their suggestions objectively. Remember when I mentioned that you layer what you meant over what you read in your story? Your readers don’t have your insight or vision. If they have critique or questions, it means your words may not have effectively conveyed what you meant.

Questions to Ask Beta Readers

Providing clear questions can help guide your beta readers’ feedback and ensure you get useful insights. Here are some key questions to include:

• Character Development:
  • Did you find the protagonists relatable and engaging? Why or why not?
  • Was the chemistry between the main characters believable and satisfying?
  • Were the secondary characters interesting and relevant to the story?
• Plot and Pacing:
  • Did the story hold your attention from beginning to end? If not, where did it lag?
  • Were there any plot points that felt confusing, rushed, or unnecessary?
  • Was the romantic arc compelling and well-paced?
• Emotional Impact:
  • Were there moments in the story that made you feel deeply connected to the characters or their relationship?
  • Did the resolution feel earned and satisfying? If not, what would improve it?
• Tropes and Expectations:
  • Did the story use familiar romance tropes in a fresh and engaging way?
  • Were there any moments that felt too predictable or overdone?
• Overall Impressions:
  • What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
  • Is there anything you feel is missing that would make the story stronger?
  • Would you recommend this book to a romance reader? Why or why not?

What do to with Reader Feedback

You’ve had a couple of readers read your manuscript and submit their feedback. Now what? Here are my thoughts:

1. Review all the feedback first: Don’t make any changes unless they’re obvious, such as spelling or you used the wrong character name. Reading critique can be hard, so on this first pass, just read it, take it in, and don’t do anything.
2. Consider the feedback given: Once you have a moment (or a day or two) to let the “ouch” pass, it’s time to objectively consider what your readers have told you. Did they not understand something? Did they say they didn’t like one of your characters? Why?
3. Do readers agree? You may find some readers point something out while others don’t. Some will give you contradictory information. It’s time for you to assess who’s right based on your intentions for the story, character, and/or scene in question.

Remember, your goal is to produce the best story you can. To that end, understand that feedback isn’t a mandate for change. You need to review the feedback and decide if it’s helpful and relevant. You don’t want to dismiss any feedback you get. It should all be considered. Your job is to decide what it means and what, if anything you should do with it.

Final Review

Before you consider your manuscript ready for submission or professional editing, it’s crucial to give it one final, comprehensive review. This last self-editing pass focuses on ensuring the core elements of your story—structure, character development, and the romance arc—are as strong as they can be. Use this checklist to guide your final polish.

Story Structure

• Does the story have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
• Is the romance arc woven seamlessly into the overall plot?
• Have all major conflicts and subplots been resolved in a satisfying way?
• Does each scene serve a purpose, advancing the plot or deepening character development?
• Are the transitions between scenes and chapters smooth and logical?

Character Development

• Are the protagonists fully realized, with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws?
• Do your characters experience growth or change over the course of the story?
• Is the chemistry between the main characters believable and engaging?
• Are secondary characters well-developed and relevant to the story?
• Do the characters’ actions and decisions align with their established traits?

Romance Arc

• Does the romance have a clear progression, from the initial meeting to the resolution?
• Are the stakes high enough to make the reader care about the relationship’s outcome?
• Is the romantic tension sustained throughout the story?
• Are the intimate moments (emotional or physical) meaningful and moving the story forward?
• Does the resolution provide a satisfying and believable payoff for the romance?

Dialogue and Voice

• Is the dialogue authentic and reflective of each character’s voice?
• Does the dialogue help build chemistry between the protagonists?
• Are the inner thoughts and narration consistent with the point-of-view character’s voice?
• Have you eliminated unnecessary dialogue tags or overly descriptive attributions?

Pacing

• Does the story flow naturally, with no dragging or rushed sections?
• Are key romantic beats given the appropriate time to develop?
• Are subplots balanced, enhancing rather than overshadowing the main romance?

Setting and World-Building

• Is the setting vividly described and contributing to the romantic tension?
• For subgenres, is the world-building consistent and immersive?
• Have you avoided unnecessary exposition or info-dumps?

Prose and Style

• Have you eliminated repetitive phrases or overused words?
• Is the tone and style consistent with the genre and subgenre of romance you’re writing?
• Are descriptions evocative without being excessive?
• Have you carefully proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?

Reader Experience

• Does the opening grab attention and establish the tone of the story?
• Are there enough twists and surprises to keep the reader engaged?
• Does the ending leave the reader emotionally satisfied and hopeful?
• Would you, as a reader, want to recommend this book to someone else?

Final Step: Read It Again

• Consider reading your manuscript aloud to catch awkward phrasing or unnatural dialogue.
• If time allows, step away for a few days and return for one last read with fresh eyes.

Next Steps….When to Bring in a Professional

No matter how thoroughly you’ve self-edited, there comes a time when your manuscript can benefit from the expertise of a professional. No matter how hard you try, there will be items and issues you miss because you read what you meant, not necessarily what’s on the page.

A professional editor offers a fresh perspective and specialized skills to help you take your romance novel to the next level. Here’s how to know when your manuscript is ready and what a professional editor can do for you.

Signs Your Manuscript Is Ready for Professional Eyes

You’ve worked hard to polish your manuscript, but how do you know it’s ready for a professional editor? Look for these signs:

• You’ve Done Multiple Revisions: Your manuscript has gone through several drafts, and you’ve addressed major issues in plot, character development, pacing, and the romance arc.
• You’ve Incorporated Feedback: You’ve shared your work with beta readers or critique partners and made changes based on their insights.
• You’re Stuck or Unsure: You’ve reached a point where you can’t see what else needs improvement or feel unsure about certain elements of your story.
• You Want an Expert’s Eye: You’re confident in your story but want a professional to identify subtle weaknesses or ensure it meets industry standards.
• You’re Preparing to Query or Self-Publish: If you’re gearing up to submit to agents, editors, or self-publish, a professional editor can ensure your manuscript is in the best possible shape.

How a Professional Developmental Editor Can Enhance Your Book

A professional developmental editor brings years of experience and objectivity to your manuscript, offering insights that go beyond what you might notice on your own. Here’s how they can help:

• Big-Picture Feedback: A developmental editor focuses on the structure, pacing, and overall flow of your story. They can identify plot holes, inconsistent character motivations, or areas where the romance arc needs more depth.
• Strengthening the Romance Arc: With a focus on the romance genre, they can ensure your romantic tension, stakes, and resolution meet reader expectations while staying true to your unique voice.
• Polishing Your Prose: While developmental editors don’t focus on grammar or line edits, they can highlight areas where your prose could be clearer or more engaging.
• Genre Expertise: A professional editor who specializes in romance understands the tropes, pacing, and emotional beats that readers crave and can help you align your story with market expectations.
• Objectivity and Perspective: They approach your manuscript without the emotional attachment you might have, providing honest, constructive feedback to elevate your story.

Finding the Right Professional Editor

When seeking a developmental editor, look for someone with experience in the romance genre and, ideally, your specific subgenre. Research their credentials, request a sample edit, and ensure their feedback style aligns with your needs and goals.  The best place to start is with your network, asking for referrals.

The Cost of a Developmental Editor

Alas, editing isn’t cheap. It’s one of the most expensive costs in book writing. If you’re an indie author, paying for editing (at the very least copyediting or proofreading) is important. If you’re seeking representation, you might get away without a professional edit IF you’ve done a thorough revision using the guidelines above and had critique or beta readers. But you’re taking a chance. I can’t tell you how many manuscripts I requested when I was an agent that fell apart in the middle. When it comes to getting an agent or publisher, you don’t have a second chance unless they ask for a revise and resubmit, which is rare.

Developmental Editing:

• $0.03 to $0.10 per word
• $7 to $14 per page

An 80,000 word manuscript would be anywhere from $2,400 to $8,000. Most I see from freelance editors is closer to the 3 to 5 cent per word.

Copyediting/Proofreading

• $0.01 to $0.04 per word
• $1.00 to $3.00 page (may include royalties)

An 80,000 word manuscript would be anywhere from $800 to $2,400.