Developmental Editing for Black women writers
As writers, we often start with a spark—an image, a voice, an idea we can’t shake. But turning that spark into a fully realized story that holds a reader from start to finish takes more than inspiration. It requires clarity, intention, and a willingness to shape and reshape what’s on the page. That’s where we come in.
Developmental editing is the stage where a story takes shape. It focuses on the foundation of the work, helping writers understand how their ideas, characters, and narrative choices are working on the page. Whether you are revising an early draft or refining a more developed one, this stage addresses the big picture of the story, including structure, character development, pacing, cohesion, and emotional impact.
At midnight & indigo, our editorial work supports Black women writers who are ready to engage seriously with revision. We work closely with you to identify what’s working, what needs attention, and what may still be missing. With thoughtful guidance and honest feedback, we support you in taking your work to the next level.
Through close reading and guided editorial conversation, we help Black women writers strengthen their stories and move forward with confidence.
Explore our developmental editing packages and find the level of support that best fits you.
The Story Spark Critique — $175
For writers who want clarity before they commit to the draft.
The Story Spark Critique is a focused, one-page written assessment designed to help you strengthen the idea and direction of your story before you dive deeper.
You have the beginning of something. This critique helps you figure out what it is.
What’s Included
An honest, thoughtful reading of your work. It will highlight your story’s potential and offer clear guidance to help you develop your next draft.
You Will Receive:
- A 1-page written assessment of your story's concept and early direction, with clear observations about what is landing and what needs attention.
- A Mini Craft Pattern Note identifying emerging patterns in your writing
- 2-3 prioritized next steps, sequenced so you know exactly where to put your energy first.
Delivered in 2-3 weeks.
Best For
Black women writers who want feedback before investing in a full edit.
Especially helpful for writers wondering, “Is this working, and where should I go from here?”
The Short Story Developmental Edit — $395
For writers ready to do the real work of revision.
You have a finished draft. This edit helps you make it the story it is trying to be.
The Short Story Developmental Edit offers a close reading of a single short story (up to 5,000 words). You will gain insight into structure, character development, pacing, and the choices that give your story impact.
What’s Included
The goal is not to rewrite your story. The goal is to show you what is working and what to expand.
You Will Receive
- A comprehensive developmental edit presented in a 3-4 page editorial letter
- A Craft Pattern Note identifying emerging patterns in your writing
- Margin notes in places where clarity or refinement will support your revision
Delivered in 4-6 weeks.
Best For
Black women writers seeking guidance on revision and a deeper understanding of their craft.
Also ideal for writers preparing stories for contests, submissions, or publication.
Meet Your Black Woman Editor
Ianna A. Small
CEO & Literary Architect -
midnight & indigo
Ianna A. Small is a seasoned developmental editor and story coach with over 12 years of experience helping writers bring their ideas to the page. As the founder and executive editor behind midnight & indigo, she’s worked with more than 400 Black women writers across the diaspora, guiding short stories, essays, and novel excerpts from rough draft to published piece. She leads all editorial direction for the literary journal and Writing Program, with a sharp eye for narrative structure, character development, and emotional resonance.
Ianna is a proud Syracuse alum, a member of ACES and the Editorial Freelancers Association, and a lifelong lover of Black and South Asian literature, Korean horror, cultural food docs, and all things Michelle Obama and The Golden Girls. She dreams of one day running m&i from a lounge chair in Greece (her happy place), manuscript in one hand, roti in the other.
Get Started
What’s Next
Once you reach out, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to send your work for evaluation and schedule a time for our Discovery call. If we mutually agree to partner, we'll follow up to get you booked and squared away with payment. Depending on what you booked, our coaching call may take place 4-12 weeks from the receipt of your manuscript pages to allow sufficient time to review and provide meaningful feedback.
All sessions are held on Zoom (phone is also an option if you prefer). You’ll receive the link in advance, so all you need to do is show up ready to dig in!
Have questions? Reach out at info@midnightandindigo.com