How do you write an editorial letter?
- 10-25 pages of structural feedback.
- Covers plot, pacing, character arcs, POV, theme.
- Opens with what’s working before naming issues.
- 3-7 structural issues per letter, with specific examples.
- 4-8 hours to write after a careful read.
An editorial letter is a 10-25 page document covering big-picture structural feedback on a manuscript — plot, pacing, character arcs, POV, theme. Written for the author after a developmental read, it opens with what’s working, then names 3-7 structural issues with specific examples and suggested directions (not fixes). Most letters take 4-8 hours to write after the read.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Editorial letters are the deliverable that justifies developmental editing fees. A great letter gives the writer a revision roadmap; a weak letter sends them in circles. Knowing the structure of a good editorial letter — what’s working, named issues, examples, suggested directions — helps both editors writing them and authors evaluating them.
Chapter ii·What to include
- An opening: what’s working, what makes this book worth saving.
- 3-7 structural issues, each with specific examples.
- Examples cited by chapter and page number.
- Suggested directions, not prescriptions.
- A revision priority list (which issues to fix first).
- A closing: confidence in the book’s potential.
Chapter iii·Example
An editorial letter for a 95,000-word fantasy: 14 pages total. Opens with two pages on what works (voice, worldbuilding, opening 50 pages). Names 5 structural issues with chapter examples: midpoint sags, antagonist is two characters that should be one, magic system rules contradict in chapters 12 and 18, protagonist’s arc reverses in chapter 23, ending undercuts the theme. Each issue has 2-3 suggested directions. Closes with revision priorities and confidence.
Chapter iv·Related questions
WriteLoom’s Edit studio drafts editorial letters from your developmental notes — structure built in.
See the Edit studio