The Novel Development Package
You’ve got a story inside you. Maybe the spark of an idea or maybe a few chapters, but you’re stuck.
This package gets you moving, gives you structure and accountability, and helps you finish a professionally edited first draft in just 16 weeks.
This isn’t another generic writing course.
It’s one-on-one coaching and editing. A clear, guided path from idea to completed manuscript.
Write your book. Finish your novel. 16 weeks.
“Bonnie is a brilliant collaborator, from helping to hone the initial concept right through to the editing process. A little over four months ago, this book did not exist.”
— EVA GLYN, Bestselling Escapist Fiction Author
What’s included in this package?
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Get focused, expert feedback on up to 40,000 words of your work-in-progress. This report helps you refine your story’s structure, pacing, voice, and characters, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
You’ll receive:
A comprehensive editorial report showing what’s working, what’s holding your story back, and practical steps to take it further.
Targeted guidance on plot, style, and narrative momentum.
Strategic feedback on outlines or unwritten sections to help you avoid pitfalls and write to the end.
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A tailored 16-week writing plan designed to guide you from partial draft to finished novel. Each week breaks your writing into achievable milestones so you stay consistent, focused, and motivated all the way to The End.
You’ll receive:
A bespoke week-by-week plan aligned with your manuscript and writing pace.
Clear, measurable targets to keep you accountable.
Built-in flexibility so progress feels steady, not overwhelming.
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Great stories live and die by their characters. Character mapping gives you the clarity and depth to make them unforgettable.
You’ll receive:
A detailed breakdown of your characters, showing what works and what needs developing.
Guidance on key character’s motivations, conflicts, and emotional journey so characters evolve naturally.
A map connecting character arcs to key plot beats so you can see how everything ties together.
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Every story has moments meant to make readers laugh, cry, or gasp. Your beat sheet breaks your manuscript into every scene, mapping purpose, conflict, and emotional impact to ensure nothing falls flat.
You’ll receive:
A complete scene-by-scene breakdown with objectives, stakes, and emotional beats.
Guidance on pacing and momentum, highlighting slow points or missed opportunities.
Recommendations for strengthening arcs and tying each scene to characters and themes.
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The developmental edit dives deep into your manuscript’s structure, pacing, plot, setting, and character arcs so every scene, chapter, and emotional beat works together to deliver maximum impact.
You’ll receive:
A strategic editorial letter from a former Big Five editor detailing what’s working, what’s holding your story back, and how to fix it.
Targeted in-text manuscript comments guiding you step by step through big-picture changes.
A clear revision path showing exactly how to strengthen your story’s foundation and themes and bring them to life on the page.
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This focused, 1:1 call gives you absolute clarity on your developmental edit feedback. After receiving your editorial letter and in-text notes, we’ll spend 45 minutes going through your manuscript in detail. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to revise, why it matters, and where to focus first.
You’ll receive:
A guided walkthrough of your developmental feedback and an actionable revision plan you can implement immediately.
Clear revision priorities to prevent overwhelm.
Answers to your big-picture questions about plot, character, pacing, or structure.
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Your title and hook are your story’s handshake with the world. They’re the first thing readers, agents, and editors notice, and they determine whether someone leans in or moves on. Together, we’ll craft a title and hook that clearly communicate what your story is, who it’s for, and why it matters.
You’ll receive:
A strong, market-aware title that captures your novel’s essence and sparks curiosity.
A clear, compelling hook that works for readers and industry professionals.
Strategic guidance on positioning your book for querying or self-publishing.
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Your back cover copy is your book’s sales page in under 150 words. It has to hook readers, agents, or publishers instantly. We’ll capture your story’s essence and create a pitch that makes people want to know what happens next.
You’ll receive:
A professionally crafted blurb designed to hook readers and/or agents and editors.
A refined positioning statement highlighting what makes your story stand out.
An optimised version tailored to your publishing path.
Who is this package for?
Writers who are sick of circling the same idea. Starting, stopping, second-guessing, without ever getting a full draft on the page.
Writers who can’t tell if their story “works” and keep losing momentum because of plot holes, self-doubt, or not knowing what to fix next.
Writers overwhelmed by endless advice and zero structure who want a clear plan, real accountability, and professional feedback so they can finally finish a novel they’re proud of.
A look into the process
Start by sending over your existing work, whether it’s a few chapters or a rough outline. I’ll do a deep dive into your opening, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities. Together, we’ll map out the story’s trajectory, define key character arcs, and plot the beats that make your genre shine, so your novel grabs readers from page one.
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Step One: Submit Your Partial Draft
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Step Two: Develop Your Story
Using a detailed 16-week writing plan, we’ll structure every scene, chapter, and subplot. Through character mapping, scene-by-scene beat sheets, and personalised guidance, you’ll build a story that’s emotionally compelling, tightly paced, and true to your vision. This step turns your ideas into a fully realised draft, ready for professional Big Five editing.
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Step Three: Submit Your Full Draft
Once your draft is complete, I provide a comprehensive developmental edit. You’ll receive an editorial letter plus in-manuscript notes, just like a Big Five publishing house would deliver. This feedback shows exactly what’s working, what needs refining, and how to elevate your manuscript into a polished, publishable story. Then you revise with clarity and confidence.
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Step Four: Walk Away with a Finished Book
At the end of the 16 weeks, you’ll have a complete, professionally edited manuscript. But you’ll also have the tools to launch your book: a compelling title, an irresistible hook, and back-cover copy that sells. More than a finished novel, you’ll gain the skills, structure, and confidence to write your next one even faster.
From first draft to finished novel in four months
Get the complete Novel Development Package for £3,500 GBP | $4,900 USD
Payment plans available
What Authors Are Saying
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![A woman with blonde hair and bangs is holding a blue book titled "Love & London" in front of her face, with her eyes visible. The background is pink with doodle hearts and a logo that says "Ellie White Author." An overlay of a book cover titled "It's Not Love, Actually" is in the bottom right corner, depicting a couple kissing in front of London landmarks like Big Ben and telefones.]()
“Bonnie is wonderful. She’s professional and knowledgable, with a passion like no other. She looked after my characters and their story like they were her own. I already have another project booked in with more to come her way.”
ELLIE WHITE
Bestselling Romance Author -
![A woman with short blonde hair, glasses, and earrings smiling, with a book titled "The Cruise" by Caroline James and a seaside sunset scene in the background.]()
“Working with Bonnie has been a game-changer for my writing. She shapes and tones the story but ensures that my voice remains authentic. I couldn’t ask for a better person to work with, and I have no hesitation in recommending this brilliant editor.”
CAROLINE JAMES
#1 Bestselling Later-in-Life Romance Author -
![A smiling woman with long blonde hair in front of a bookshelf, next to a book cover titled 'Chasing After You' by Laurea Matthews with purple and pink flowers and water background.]()
“I can’t recommend Bonnie enough. She’s so professional and informative. I know my books are the best versions of themselves because of her attention to detail, and I’m incredibly excited to work with Bonnie again! She’s the best!!”
LAUREA MATTHEWS
Indie Romance Author -
![Black and white photo of a woman with dark hair, looking to the side, with a book titled 'Overdue I Love You's' by Izza Malik in the foreground.]()
“Working with Bonnie was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my novel. She has an evocative way of viewing writing, and a passion for understanding characters. She wants you to succeed and it’s evident in her work. I regret not finding Bonnie sooner!”
IZZA MALIK
Indie Romance Author -
![Black and white headshot of a smiling woman with glasses, against a white circular background, with a colorful postcard or brochure showing a scene from Santorini, Greece, with white buildings with blue domes, pink blossoms, and a small outdoor table and chair in the foreground.]()
“Bonnie is insightful and a brilliant collaborator, from helping to hone the initial concept right through to the editing process. A little over four months ago, this book did not exist. I’m so grateful to her for starting its journey.”
EVA GLYN
Bestselling Escapist Fiction Author -
![A woman in a beige coat browsing books in a bookstore with bookshelves filled with books. A blue overlay contains the text "The Wall Between Us" by Catherine Rose and the phrases "Cover to be Revealed".]()
“My experience was amazing. Bonnie’s feedback was insightful, detailed, and helped me to add real depth to my story. I really felt her passion for the novel, and that she truly wanted the best out of it. I feel like I have someone cheering me on as an author!”
CATHERINE ROSE
Sci-Fi & YA Romance Author -
![A woman with long, wavy hair smiling and resting her chin on her hand, wearing a black top and jewelry, next to a copy of a book titled "The Forever Queen" with a fiery background and a sword.]()
“The Forever Queen won 1st place at the 2025 BookFest Awards. Bonnie’s editorial contributions to the book truly made all the difference. I appreciate her help so much.”
S.T. FERNANDEZ
Award-Winning Fantasy Author -
![A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair, glasses, red lipstick, and a necklace, poses for a photo against a background of a window and wooden paneling. A book titled "When Darkness Reigns" by Leila Thorne is partially visible in front of her.]()
“Working with Bonnie was a dream and she far exceeded my expectations. I picked up things I will carry over into my future writing, and the way she refined my work had me so excited to share it. Bonnie is the only editor I’ll be using. So long as she wants me!”
LEILA THORNE
Romantasy Author -
![A woman standing outdoors near a fountain with buildings in the background, on a blue background with a pink and white book cover titled 'and our MENTAL GAGS' by Diana V. Fernandes in the corner.]()
“Bonnie’s feedback was spot-on and detailed, and she captured my characters’ essence perfectly. She’s extremely professional and never once left me without an answer. Every time I open the manuscript, I’m reminded how happy I am that we’re working together.”
D.V. FERNANDES
Contemporary Fiction Author -
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“Would I work with Bonnie again? A million times yes! Bonnie was the BEST editor that I could’ve asked for. She really puts her clients first and is willing to cater to what they picture for their final draft.”
LEXI MONROE
Romance Author -
![Two book covers by Nicole Hart, titled 'Entangled in Secrets' and 'Entangled in Darkness,' with a dark, broken glass theme against a blue background.]()
“Every indie author needs a Bonnie in their life! Working with her was incredible—she’s informative and very knowledgeable about the publishing industry. She has gone so far above and beyond my expectations, and it’s been an utter joy from start to finish.”
NICOLE HART
Dark Romance Author -
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“Bonnie is one of the most amazing editors I’ve ever worked with. So quick and thoughtful, and just fun to work with. She’s a rising star in the book industry.”
PATRICIA ADRIAN
USA Today Bestselling Author -
![An illustration of a woman with long blonde hair touching her head, with the text 'Faye Holland' below her. In front of the illustration, there is a book titled 'Unwritten Rules' by Faye Holland, featuring dark purple and red tones and a graphic design with flowers and a gas mask.]()
“Bonnie is fantastic. She has such a talent for pulling out just what an author needs! I was blown away by her incredibly kind constructive criticism and she solved some of my biggest concerns. Five stars on that alone.”
FAYE HOLLAND
Paranormal & Dark Romance Author
Add-on editorial services to take your book to the next level
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Line Edit
This is your story, elevated. A line edit reshapes structure, rhythm, and style, enhancing voice and flow. Every paragraph is refined, dialogue sparkles, and your narrative keeps readers hooked from the very first line to the final page.
£2,000 GBP | $2,900 USD
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Copyedit
This is your ultimate polish. A copyedit doesn’t just correct grammar; it refines language, sharpens clarity, and ensures your prose flows like a bestseller. Every sentence is optimised so readers stay engaged from first word to last.
£1,500 GBP | $2,200 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most writing courses rely on pre-recorded videos or group tutorials. While these can help you complete exercises, the advice is often generic—and once the course ends, you’re left to figure out how to bring your manuscript to life.
The Novel Development Package is different. It’s two services in one: I guide you step by step to finish your book and elevate it to Big Five–level standards. With personalised 1:1 support, you’ll make steady, measurable progress while receiving feedback tailored specifically to your story, your goals, and your unique voice.
Whether your ultimate plan is to self-publish or submit to agents, optional add-ons—like line or copy edits—are available at a 40% discounted rate exclusively for this package, giving you the opportunity to take your novel even further.
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This package is perfect for writers who have a great novel idea but aren’t sure how to get from the first page to a finished manuscript. It’s ideal if you’re ready to take proactive steps, but want expert guidance to plan, draft, and structure your story.
Both confident beginners and more experienced writers are welcome—I’ll meet you wherever you are on your writing journey. Together, we’ll build your confidence, strengthen your skills, and keep you accountable as you move steadily toward a completed novel.
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A Developmental Edit looks at the big picture of your manuscript: plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, and overall story impact.
It helps you:
Clarify and strengthen your story vision
Tighten pacing and structure
Deepen and refine your characters
Avoid costly rewrites later
Prepare your novel for publishing or submission
In short, it ensures your manuscript is story-strong and ready for the next stage.
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To complete the package in four months, you should plan for 5–7 hours per week on your manuscript and practical tasks. This keeps you on track while leaving room for life’s other commitments.
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The listed values are based on industry-standard rates from the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)—the same rates top UK and US editors charge for professional work.
What makes the Novel Development Package unique is that it combines multiple services into a single, streamlined experience. You get Big Five–level editorial guidance on story structure, pacing, and character development without juggling separate services or editors—saving you both time and money while ensuring your novel reaches its full potential.
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Yes! I understand this is an investment in your writing, which is why I offer flexible payment options. A 50% booking payment secures your slot, with the remaining balance due midway through the project.
Flexible four-month payment plans are also available on request. All plans begin with an upfront booking payment to reserve your place, and work begins once this is received. Manuscripts are not delivered until payment is complete.
If you’d like guidance on which option might suit you best, just get in touch. I’m happy to talk it through with you. I limit the number of authors I work with each year to ensure every project receives my full attention, so your booking secures both your place and my dedicated time.