Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
POINT ACROSS works with complex research,
idea-driven non-fiction, and multimodal projects to clarify ideas, arguments, and findings.
BUSINESS ° ACADEMIA ° NON-PROFIT ° INDEPENDENT WRITERS
POINT ACROSS is an independent editorial practice focused on non-fiction projects. Clients include independent writers, professionals, academics, researchers, non-profit and private sector organisations. Projects include narrative non-fiction, research design, questionnaires, research reports, design-thinking, and multimodal work.
POINT ACROSS is a one-person studio. You work directly with me, Beata, from start to finish. This keeps the collaboration focused, continuous, and closely tailored to your project.
POINT ACROSS is a one-person studio. You work directly with me, Beata, from start to finish. This keeps the collaboration focused, continuous, and closely tailored to your project.
SERVICES
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Books
Strong books depend on a clear thematic and conceptual spine. I work with you to:- define and refine the overall coherence of the project
- strengthen the structure across chapters or contributions, and
- ensure the argument and/or narrative develops consistently across the manuscript.
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Articles
Successful articles depend on a focused, well-positioned argument. I help:- refine the logic of the argument
- clarify the intervention, and
- strengthen the overall structure of the text.
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Memoirs
Memoirs work when personal experience illuminates larger truths. I work with you to:- deepen the analytical and reflective layers of the story
- clarify its focus, and
- strengthen the connection between individual experience and broader context.
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Questionnaires
Strong questionnaires balance clarity, neutrality, and focus. I help:- eliminate ambiguity in wording
- avoid bias and leading questions
- improve structure and flow, and
- ensure the questionnaire yields meaningful, usable data.
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Research reports
Reports are only as strong as the connections between their parts. I work with you to:- align data, analysis, and recommendations
- clarify limitations
- refine overall structure and argument, and
- highlight what is new and significant.
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Research design
Good research design begins with clear objectives and appropriate methods. I help:- assess feasibility of your approach
- identify methodological alternatives, and
- refine methods and sampling strategy.
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Multimedia projects
When words are not enough, images and sound can extend the narrative. I work with you to:- integrate different media so they support the argument, and
- strengthen the overall coherence of the project.
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Project critique
Early-stage critique can prevent structural problems later. I review your project’s core elements to:- identify what is working
- flag issues or redundancies, and
- outline where further development would strengthen the final outcome.
Get in touch about your project
Send a short description of your work to discuss
scope, timeline, and fit.
scope, timeline, and fit.
How it Works
Every project is different, so the process is adapted to the scope, stage and needs of the work. The following outlines the usual approach.
Initial Contact
We get in touch to start the conversation. We briefly discuss your project, goals, and timeline. We assess our fit and discuss the best way to collaborate.
Sample
Sample review
I review a short sample to assess the scope, level of intervention, and timeline. This review is for assessment purposes only and does not involve editing. Based on this review, I provide a detailed quote.
Optional sample edit
If helpful, I can provide a paid sample edit to demonstrate my approach. This is optional and agreed in advance.
I review a short sample to assess the scope, level of intervention, and timeline. This review is for assessment purposes only and does not involve editing. Based on this review, I provide a detailed quote.
Optional sample edit
If helpful, I can provide a paid sample edit to demonstrate my approach. This is optional and agreed in advance.
Agreement & Scheduling
Once we agree on scope, timeline, and type of work (developmental editing, line editing, or both), we sign a contract. A 50% deposit secures your place in my schedule (shorter projects are paid in full upfront).
Editing
I complete the edit according to the agreed scope and timeline. Turnaround time depends on length, complexity, and level of editing required.
Delivery & Follow-up
Once the edit is complete and the remaining fee is paid, you receive the full edited file and a short editorial report. I remain available for questions for two weeks after delivery of the edit, or for as long as agreed in advance.
Optional: Iterative Collaboration
Many projects benefit from an iterative process involving discussion and revision across several stages. For such multi-phase or iterative projects, timelines and milestones are defined at the outset.
Optional: Iterative Collaboration
Many projects benefit from an iterative process involving discussion and revision across several stages. For such multi-phase or iterative projects, timelines and milestones are defined at the outset.
If the process looks like a good fit, tell me a bit about your project.
If you have any remaining questions,
FAQs may be of help.
FAQs may be of help.
Investment
Below are indicative investment ranges for common types of collaboration.
Fees reflect scope, stage of development, and level of conceptual engagement. Quotes are provided in USD or EUR.
Books
from $2,000
For book-length nonfiction and extended manuscripts requiring structural clarification, argument refinement, and conceptual coherence.
- Typical range for a 30,000-word manuscript: $2,000–$3,500
- Projects involving substantial restructuring or ongoing collaboration are scoped individually.
Research Articles
$1,000–$2,000
For academic or long-form analytical writing (approx. 8,000 words).
- The range reflects the difference between a single comprehensive editorial pass and more iterative structural development.
Multimedia Projects
$1,000–$2,500
For narrative and conceptual development of long-form projects (e.g., 60-minute film).
- More complex or extended engagements are quoted individually.
Research Design
from $1,500
For projects requiring analytical structuring, methodological clarification, or iterative conceptual development.
- Longer-term or multi-phase collaborations are scoped according to duration and depth of involvement.
Payment
Payment is made by invoice, either in agreed stages or upfront:
Payment in stages
For larger projects, the fee is usually split into two instalments:
– 50% to secure a place in the schedule
– 50% due before delivery of the completed work
Alternative payment plans can be arranged by agreement.
Full payment upfront
Smaller projects and project critiques are paid in full upfront.
I work with international clients. Payment can be made via international bank transfer or other agreed methods. Any bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the person commissioning the work.
Payment in stages
For larger projects, the fee is usually split into two instalments:
– 50% to secure a place in the schedule
– 50% due before delivery of the completed work
Alternative payment plans can be arranged by agreement.
Full payment upfront
Smaller projects and project critiques are paid in full upfront.
I work with international clients. Payment can be made via international bank transfer or other agreed methods. Any bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the person commissioning the work.
About
Who you'll be working with
Beata Świtek
Point Across, Founder
I am a socio-cultural anthropologist with over ten years of experience in non-fiction editing and writing, social research, and advisory work on multimedia ethnographic projects. I work across applied and academic contexts, including books, articles, research reports, questionnaires, and multimodal projects.
I hold a PhD in anthropology from UCL and am currently Co-Editor-in-Chief of a multidisciplinary journal on Asia. I have led and contributed to research and writing projects for academic, non-profit, and governmental organisations.
I am based in Tokyo.
I hold a PhD in anthropology from UCL and am currently Co-Editor-in-Chief of a multidisciplinary journal on Asia. I have led and contributed to research and writing projects for academic, non-profit, and governmental organisations.
I am based in Tokyo.
I have always been drawn to the unknown: curious to explore new topics, places, and ways of thinking. Staying with one subject for years has never been my thing. I moved from my home town to study across the country and later in different countries, and while I enjoy travelling, what I have always found more compelling is living for longer periods in different places and getting to know different communities. I have lived and worked in several countries, spending much of my career somewhere between academia and the world outside it.
Along the way, I gradually realised that what I most enjoyed was not simply doing research (although that is great fun as well!), but developing ideas of my own or with other people. Working with students and colleagues, and with people for whom I produced or organised research, to shape an idea into a piece of work or a research project has always been a rewarding experience. That realisation was one of the things that eventually led me to leave a tenure-track position, relocate to Japan, and focus on developmental editing alongside my own projects.
Developmental editing allows me to continue that broad exploration, far beyond what I could ever imagine, experience or research myself, while helping others shape and share their ideas. It truly does not get any better.
What I love most is watching a piece of writing, a film, or project design find its form. I feel a particular excitement when a story or argument begins to emerge and the author’s voice becomes clearer with each round of edits.
The early stages of developmental editing can feel like wading through mud in a dense forest, when progress is slow and the destination uncertain. With each exchange, the path begins to open, the ground firms, light filters in, and the direction becomes clear. That moment of clarity is the magic that keeps me hooked.
Associations & Memberships
Focused, limited workload.
I work with a small number of projects at a time so I can offer thoughtful, deeply considered feedback on every engagement.
Do you have any questions?
Let's discuss your project
Send a brief description of the project, where it is in its development, and what you feel is not yet working. An initial conversation can establish whether developmental editing is the right fit and what kind of support would be most useful.
