Development Editing
Writing crime and thrillers is tough. Editing them is tougher. That’s where I come in.
Most people think editing means fixing commas or typos. That’s copy editing. Developmental editing goes much deeper. It’s about shaping your story—structure, pacing, character arcs, and making sure the whole book keeps readers hooked.
Every crime story or thriller has sub genres. If you’re writing a crime story, you’re likely to know the must have components to satisfy readers. I don’t let my clients miss any of them. But there are a few ‘secrets’ best-selling authors don’t reveal about how they wrote their crime stories. I share them with you.
Why work with me?
I specialise in crime and thrillers. Many editors avoid choosing a niche. I embraced one. Why? Because you don’t want “just any editor”—you want someone who understands what makes a thriller pulse, what crime readers expect, and how to deliver it.
What I do
Every crime or thriller has essential ingredients. Miss one, and readers feel it—even if they can’t explain why. My job is to make sure nothing slips through. I also share the storytelling techniques bestselling authors use (but rarely talk about) to keep readers turning pages.
Here’s what author Ross Grigg said in this book The Calm Beyond.
“I would not have come anywhere close to completing this project without the assistance and encouragement of my developmental editor, Mark McGinn. Mark has written several crime fiction novels based in our hometown of Christchurch that are well worth a read.”
My approach
I use the Story Grid framework as a foundation, with my own refinements. At its heart, every strong scene needs:
- An inciting incident that changes the character’s direction.
- Rising complications that build tension.
- A turning point where the character must adapt.
- A crisis choice between two tough options.
- A climax where they commit.
- A resolution that shows the consequences.
Impact on readers
Readers don’t think about this—but they feel it. And that’s what keeps them hooked.
Ready to take your story further?
If you’re writing a crime novel or thriller and want to make sure it delivers at every level, I’d love to help.