Book Blueprint
Shape the core idea, reader, positioning, early structure, voice, tone, title, subtitle, and next steps before serious drafting begins.
A different kind of developmental editor
Ideas, structure, manuscripts and story systems shaped with unusual care.
who is Rob?
I work with non-fiction authors, professionals, founders, thinkers, and experts who have something important to say and want help shaping it into a stronger book.
Services
For the messy middle of making a serious book.
My work sits at the intersection of developmental editing, research support, manuscript strategy, and ghostwriting.
Manuscript Review
A full high-level read with clear developmental observations, a written report, and focused meetings to decide what the draft needs next.
Research Architecture
Turn notes, references, source material, and scattered ideas into an organised working foundation you can actually write from.
Developmental Editing
Chapter-level and in-text guidance on structure, argument flow, sequence, emphasis, repetition, clarity, and reader experience.
Book Development Coaching
Regular expert support for authors planning, drafting, or revising who want momentum, accountability, and a strategic partner.
Ghostwriting
Discreet article, proposal, partial manuscript, full non-fiction, and developmental ghostwriting quoted around the real shape of the project.
The editorial posture
Your secret partner in crafting excellence.
Behind-the-scenes collaboration, strict confidentiality, deep reading, unusual questions, and clear next steps. The point is not to make the book sound like me. The point is to help it become more fully itself.
Pricing
Choose the stage that looks most like your book right now.
Starting a Book
Book Blueprint
R3 500
For authors at idea stage who need help shaping concept, structure, voice, and direction.
- Two 60-minute online sessions
- Audience, positioning, comparable books, title, subtitle, and early structure
- Written summary of recommended next steps
Research Sprint
R9 500
Full Research Architecture
R16 500
Improving a Draft
Manuscript Review
From R8 500
A deep, high-level professional review of a completed or near-complete non-fiction manuscript.
- Up to 30 000 wordsR8 500
- 30 001 to 50 000 wordsR13 500
- 50 001 to 70 000 wordsR17 500
- 70 001 to 90 000 wordsR21 500
- Over 90 000 wordsCustom quote
Developmental Editing
From R0.30/word
Minimum developmental editing project fee R25 000
Ongoing Support
Writing Partnership
From R7 500/month
For authors who want sustained support while planning, drafting, or revising a non-fiction book.
Core Coaching
R7 500/month
Intensive Coaching
R15 000/month
Consultation Session
R1 500/hour
Ghostwriting
Quoted per project
Optional add-ons
- Obsidian manuscript or research wiki - from R2 500
- Visual manuscript map or structural diagram - from R1 500
- Print of your draft, marked up for that traditional editing feel.
- Additional meeting hour - R1 250
- Printing, courier, and rush turnaround - quoted separately
- Final proofing, layout and print management - quoted separately
Process
A clear route from rough idea to better draft.
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Send
You send your manuscript, project notes, proposal, or idea outline.
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Review
I review the material and confirm the service that fits your stage.
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Quote
You receive a quote, or we proceed from the published pricing above.
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Begin
Once booked, I begin the work and schedule the relevant sessions.
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Move
You receive clear, thoughtful, structured feedback designed to help the book move forward.
Meet Rob
Reader first. Writer beside you. Work done quietly in the background.
Rob works directly with authors and publishers in South Africa and around the world. Much of the work is confidential, which is exactly how many clients prefer it. References are available on request, and Rob can share a few names of people who are happy to speak about working with him.
Rob believes the reader comes first. He will champion your work by helping shape a book people trust, enjoy, and want to spend their time with.
Contact Rob