If you're concerned about your premise ans want general feedback, consider a manuscript assessment. Generally they're done on full manuscripts but I can't see an editor saying no. In this case, I'd suggest a developmental editor with experience in your genre. They'll know what works and doesn't work. Dev editors are basically detectives, so a good one will be able to spot your story clues and see where you're going as a whole. Feel free to DM me. I can put you in touch with someone.

It can be done but it could end up being a waste of time and money because things might change with a first draft! It might be more helpful to you to have someone look over your outline and make sure the proposed story is flowing smoothly.

It really depends what kind of edits you’re looking for. I’ve done collaborative copy edits with authors so we’re on the same page the whole time. I would edit a chunk of chapters, send them back, the author would send the next chunk. But I’ve also edited a whole manuscript before letting the author see my changes.

I’m a line editor and proofreader. I don’t necessarily see a problem with this (depending on how consistent the chapters were exchanged etc) except for contractually. At least for me personally, my contract outlines the cost of the work based on a full manuscript… so would just have to think of how to swing it in that regard.

A full manuscript is better but I will occasionally accept in-progress works. What's your genre?

Is this for a developmental edit? If that’s the case, I work with WIPs and helping authors move their book along. You can DM me if you’d like to chat. :)

I prefer the full manuscript. I want to see the full picture before giving feedback.

I totally offer copyedits in chapter batches as an option! Developmental edits are a little trickier because you need more of the big picture to pass judgement on if something is working or not. It’s not impossible if you’re giving exact notes on what you need fixing though.

@laura.k.e.jones