Developmental Editing for Fiction — Feedback Optional Add-on
What is it?
Instructor feedback on the three deliverables of a developmental edit: manuscript, book map, & editorial letter.
How much?
USD $179
How can I register?
Feedback is available only to students taking the course. A registration link will be provided before the course starts.
When can I register?
Registration opens April 15, 2026 and closes April 27, 2026.
If you’d like instructor feedback on your developmental edit, read on…
Each developmental edit (as taught in the course Developmental Editing for Fiction) consists of three documents:
* The writer’s manuscript, annotated with marginal comments from the editor.
* A book map showing the novel’s structure and plot, which is then used for analysis.
* An editorial letter (sometimes called an editorial report) addressed to the writer, giving an overview of the novel’s big-picture strengths and weaknesses and making recommendations for revision.
The Manuscript
During a close reading of the course text, you will leave marginal comments that reflect your reading experience.
Instructor feedback will consist of a 2-3 page memo providing an overview of your commentary style in the manuscript used during the course.
Questions addressed in the feedback include:
* Are comments developmental in scope?
* Is your tone likely to keep the writer’s mind open to your editorial analysis and suggestions?
* How are comments distributed?
* How does the number of comments compare with other editors?
* What are your commentary strengths?
* What could you improve on?
Deadline to submit your manuscript with commentary for feedback will be provided when the course starts.
Turnaround time for feedback: 2 weeks
The Book Map
After you have finished reading the manuscript, you will prepare a book map. This is a spreadsheet that “reverse engineers” the novel’s structure and plot.
Instructor feedback will consist of a 1- or 2-page memo providing an overview assessment of your book map in terms of its usefulness as a tool for analysis. Your book map will be returned to you as well, annotated with a few comments from the instructor on points of interest.
Questions addressed in the feedback include:
* Is the book map complete?
* Are scene synopses pithy and accurate?
* Do the columns headings track useful information for analysing plot, structure, character arc, the cause-and-effect chain, or other developmental issues relevant to this specific novel?
* What are your book map’s strengths?
* What could you improve on?
Deadline to submit your book map for feedback will be provided when the course starts.
Turnaround time for feedback: up to 2 weeks
The Editorial Letter
After you have read the manuscript and prepared a book map, you will analyze the novel’s strengths and weaknesses and write the author an editorial letter or report.
Instructor feedback on your editorial letter will consist of marginal commentary throughout the letter–questions, compliments, concerns, suggestions.
Commentary will address
* tone
* professionalism
* accuracy
* quality of analysis
* selection of the novel’s strengths & weaknesses
* quality of recommendations for revision
Deadline to submit your editorial letter for feedback will be provided when the course starts.
Turnaround time for feedback: up to 2 weeks
What Students Are Saying About Pat’s Feedback
“Pat is a fantastic tutor, incredibly generous with her time and knowledge, and very kind with her feedback. I paid extra for the feedback add on and it was well worth it. I’ve gained confidence in my editing process, my own story instincts, and from Pat’s very detailed and personalised feedback.“
“Pat is an encouraging editing instructor. She clearly knows her trade and enjoys it. It was insightful to see the work of my editing peers and compare process notes. I don’t know of any editing courses outside EAA that provide personalized instructor critique on an active edit. It is a unique opportunity.“
The feedback was thorough and meaningful and personalized, pointing to specific details in my marginal comments, editorial letter, and book map as evidence that I was on the right track. It helped me to feel capable as a dev editor.
This feedback is for you if you want an experienced developmental editor’s opinion on the scope and quality of your work.
Note: You do not NEED the instructor’s feedback in order to get full value from the course.
The instructor provides one or more examples of book maps, editorial letters, and manuscript commentary in the lessons themselves.
Your Instructor — Pat Dobie, MFA
Pat Dobie edits literary and commercial fiction across genres, including speculative, historical, mystery, and romance. Her clients have gone on to get agents, achieve traditional publication, self-publish successfully, and win awards. As a fiction writer herself, Pat has been on both sides of the editorial exchange and knows that good editing can make a profound difference to a writer’s life. She has an MFA in Writing from Pacific University and has been editing professionally since 2010. She’s the author of FICTION EDITING: A Writer’s Roadmap and the novellas Pawn to Queen and The Tenants. Learn more about Pat at LucidEdit.com.
FAQs
If I can’t meet the deadlines you set, can I still submit material for feedback?
No. I’d like to accommodate busy schedules, but the process I use for feedback requires everyone’s work to be delivered on the same day.
Can I buy feedback individually for each deliverable?
No. All three deliverables (manuscript with comments, book map, and editorial letter) are important parts of the developmental edit and I’d like to view them in context with each other.
If I buy feedback but miss the deadline to submit material, can I still get the feedback?
No. The point of a “learn by doing” course is to mimic the conditions of a real-world edit, which include hard deadlines.
How is the feedback delivered?
Feedback will be delivered via email.
What is the cost of the feedback?
Feedback can be purchased for 179 USD.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes for the course (subject to EAA’s refund policy), no for the feedback. If, once you have received feedback for all three deliverables, you find its scope or quality unsatisfactory, let me know and I will work with you toward a solution.
When can I sign up for feedback?
You can sign up for feedback between April 15, 2026 and April 27, 2026.
How can I sign up?
Easy! Just scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the form.
Feedback Registration--The Countdown Begins!
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)