POETRY EDITORIAL SERVICES
Afrocentric Developmental Editing is a comprehensive and in-depth process aimed at improving the structure, content, and overall coherence of a poetry manuscript. It involves analyzing and refining the fundamental elements of a poetry collection, such as sequencing, thematic consistency, emotional arc, pacing, voice, manuscript organization, and overall reader experience. Copy editing and proofreading focus on grammatical errors and typos, and developmental editing addresses the broader architecture of a manuscript while preserving and maximizing the poet's voice.
Unlike traditional developmental editing, Afrocentric Developmental Editing considers Ebonics the original language of Black people and Black experiences the standard, so your work will be edited through that cultural lens.
As your Developmental Editor, I will comb through the manuscript poem by poem, line by line, and sentence by sentence, looking for ways to maximize your voice and strengthen your collection.
This process includes pointing out awkward phrasing, unnecessary repetition, weak imagery, unclear language, pacing issues, thematic inconsistencies, and moments when a poem or collection could benefit from greater clarity, cohesion, or emotional depth.
For poetry manuscripts, I pay close attention to:
voice and tone
poem sequencing
collection cohesion
emotional and thematic consistency
repetition and redundancy
lineation and flow
overall readability
manuscript pacing
and the movement of the collection as a complete body of work
With this editing style, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors are not the primary focus.
Instead, I focus on structure, language, voice, readability, and the overall impact and flow of your poetry collection.
This type of editing is particularly valuable for poets seeking guidance in shaping their ideas and transforming raw material into a polished and compelling manuscript ready for publication.
I offer 2 types of Afrocentric Developmental Editing Services:
1.) Developmental Editing For A Completed Manuscript-
That means your manuscript draft is complete.
This service is designed for poets with a finished chapbook or full poetry collection who need developmental editing support.
You must have:
a completed manuscript
a final page count
and a manuscript outline, collection map, or book treatment
Length Of Service:
Chapbooks: 8 weeks
Full Poetry Collections: 10 weeks
Cost Of Service:
Chapbooks: Up to 40 pages $1,500
Full Poetry Collections: 41–150 pages $2,700
For projects with more than 150 pages, a custom quote is required. Please send me an email with your book specifications to: [email protected].
2.) Full-spectrum poetry book development
This service includes Afrocentric Developmental Editing and Book Coaching.
This service is designed for poets who have not yet completed their manuscript and need support in developing, structuring, and finishing their book.
It includes:
manuscript development
collection mapping and sequencing
Live check-ins via Zoom
chapter or poem deadlines
Afrocentric developmental editing
This service is intended to help ensure your poetry book is completed with clarity and ease.
Length of Service: 6 months
Cost of Service: $5,500
All Afrocentric Developmental Editing Services Include:
Two Comprehensive Editorial Letters
Collection Map / Outline/ Book Treatment Review
One Preliminary Book Consultation
Two Editing Review Sessions via Zoom
Two full manuscript readings with line edits and recommendations
Payment Plans