Editing Services
Think of your favorite book. The plot took you on a journey, the characters became good friends, and the themes shaped your own view of the world.
Your story can do the same for someone else.
So you do rounds of self-editing, seek feedback from beta readers, and bring your project to a critique group. You implement their suggested changes and polish your novel as much as you can, dreaming of the day you see it on bookstore shelves.
But even after all your hard work, you’re still not sure if your book stands out from the crowd.
I can help.
Your story is like a vein of diamond hidden inside a rocky cave. My goal is to provide guidance, tools, and encouragement as you dig your jewel out of the stone.
My editorial comments ask thoughtful questions, offer constructive solutions, and provide useful resources to help you refine your manuscript. If you choose Developmental Editing, you’ll receive personalized feedback on your plot, characters, theme, dialogue, pacing, and other big-picture elements of your story. Likewise, Line Editing will help you polish your narrative voice, while Copyediting and Proofreading will ensure that your book is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors.
My motto is, “I treat your novel like it’s my own, but I remember that it’s not.” In other words, I treat your story with as much care as I treat my own, but I also remember that it’s your story, not mine. I will offer suggestions on revising and tightening the wording, but I will not rewrite your work. I balance the readers’ expectations with your authorial voice to help you reach your audience as only you can.
Hiring an editor is an important investment as an author, whether you plan to publish traditionally or independently. You’re not only improving one manuscript; you’re also discovering your personal writing strengths and weaknesses so that you can continue growing with each book you write. A well-edited manuscript communicates your professionalism to agents, publishers, and readers.
Your audience needs your story. Readers are waiting for your book to gift them with the joy of discovery, the courage to persevere, and the hope to know that they’re not alone.
That’s why I want to help you create a compelling story that nestles in readers’ hearts.
Are you ready? Contact me or explore my editing services below!
Developmental Editing
Service Description
In Developmental Editing (also known as Content Editing or Substantive Editing), you receive detailed feedback on your plot structure, character development, character arcs, worldbuilding, theme, dialogue, pacing, and other big-picture elements of your story. I make comments on each page of your manuscript using the Comments feature of Microsoft Word Track Changes.
You’ll also get a ten- to twenty-page Editorial Letter that summarizes your story’s overall strengths, areas of improvement, and recommended next steps. Once I return your manuscript, I offer a free follow-up consultation call, during which you can ask any questions about revisions. You can schedule this call at any time within two months of receiving your edited manuscript.
Investment
$0.03–$0.04 per word (industry standard)
Timeframe
4–6 weeks
(Note: If your manuscript is over 100,000 words, please allow up to 8 weeks for completion.)
Is it right for me?
Developmental Editing may be a good fit for you if you’ve done several rounds of self-editing and enlisted the feedback of beta readers. This type of editing provides you with a professional opinion on your manuscript before you submit it to agents or independently publish it.
Manuscript Critique
Service Description
In a Manuscript Critique, you receive a ten- to twenty-page Editorial Letter that summarizes your story’s overall strengths, areas of improvement, and recommended next steps. This letter provides a detailed step-by-step guide for revising your novel on your own. A Manuscript Critique does not include line-by-line comments within the manuscript.
Investment
$0.015 per word (industry standard)
Timeframe
3–4 weeks
Is it right for me?
A Manuscript Critique may be a good fit for you if you are confident in your ability to apply developmental edits on your own. This service is a good option for authors who want a big-picture overview of what’s working and what’s not working in their manuscript.
Line Editing
Service Description
In Line Editing, you receive feedback on pacing, character voice, dialogue, clarity, word choice, passive voice, weasel words, showing vs. telling, and other aspects of your prose. I provide comments on each page of your manuscript using the Comments feature of Microsoft Word Track Changes.
I will also provide a three- to five-page memo that summarizes the strengths, areas of improvement, and recommended next steps for your writing style. Although I will offer advice, I will not rewrite your work. Instead, my suggestions will help you communicate more clearly in your personal authorial voice.
Investment
$0.025–$0.04 per word (industry standard)
Timeframe
4–6 weeks
Is it right for me?
Line Editing may be a good fit for you if you’re confident in the foundational elements of your story (plot, characters, theme, etc.), and you’re looking to improve the readability and flow of your prose. Generally, Line Editing should be performed after Developmental Editing.
Copyediting
Service Description
Copyediting reviews each sentence for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, accuracy, clarity, logic, consistency, word usage, sentence structure, and transitions between ideas. I will make comments and corrections using Microsoft Word Track Changes.
Investment
$0.02–$0.03 per word (industry standard)
Timeframe
3–4 weeks
Is it right for me?
Copyediting may be a good fit for you if you’ve polished your story and prose, and you want to ensure that your story is free of inconsistencies and grammatical errors. In general, Copyediting should be performed after you’ve refined your story and prose through Developmental Editing and Line Editing.
Proofreading
Service Description
Proofreading examines your manuscript for any last-minute inaccuracies in spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency. I will make comments and corrections using Microsoft Word Track Changes.
Investment
$0.012–$0.02 per word (industry standard)
Timeframe
3–4 weeks
Is it right for me?
Proofreading may be a good fit for you if you’re looking for a final check of your manuscript before pursuing traditional or independent publishing. Rather than reviewing plot, characters, or writing style, Proofreading analyzes only the most detailed aspects of grammar and consistency, so it should only be performed after Developmental Editing, Line Editing, and Copyediting.
Story Coaching
Service Description
In Story Coaching, you work with me one-on-one to develop your novel. Whether you would like help brainstorming a new story, assistance in solving a plot hole, encouragement when you’re stuck, or general writing tips, Story Coaching provides you with a real-time mentor. If you would like feedback on your written material, please send me up to twenty pages at least 48 hours before our scheduled call.
Investment
Story Coaching comes in several formats.
- One 30-minute call: $30
- One 60-minute call: $60
- Four 30-minute calls: $110 ($10 discount)
- Four 60-minute calls: $225 ($15 discount)
Timeframe
Story Coaching is very flexible! You choose the date and time.
Is it right for me?
Story Coaching may be a good fit for you if you would like one-on-one guidance and personalized direction on your manuscript.
Beta Reading
Service Description
In Beta Reading, I read an early draft of your manuscript and provide a three- to five-page overview of your book’s strengths and areas of improvement. This summary covers large-scale elements, such as plot structure, characterization, theme, and dialogue. This service does not include line-by-line comments within the manuscript.
Investment
$0.008–$0.012 per word (industry standard)
Timeframe
3–4 weeks
Is it right for me?
Beta Reading may be a good fit for you if you would like basic feedback on an early draft of your novel. Before you start polishing your prose, a Beta Read can help you make sure your plot and characters are solid so that you can confidently move forward with revisions.
Chapter Critique
Service Description
In a Chapter Critique, you receive editorial comments on each page of a single chapter. At the end of the critique, I will provide three to five paragraphs of overall comments and recommended next steps. In a single document, please provide your chapter, a brief summary of the story context, and three to five questions you have about the chapter. Please submit these materials in a single document.
Note: If you would like multiple Chapter Critiques, we can negotiate the project on a case-by-case basis.
Investment
$0.03–$0.04 per word (industry standard)
Timeframe
2–5 days
Is it right for me?
A Chapter Critique may be a good fit for you if you have one specific chapter that is particularly pivotal in your plot, or if you’d like feedback on your opening chapter.
Book Proposal Critique
Service Description
In a Book Proposal Critique, I provide comments on your book proposal: a single document containing your one-page query letter (single-spaced), one-page synopsis (single-spaced), and first three chapters (double-spaced). My comments offer ways to strengthen wording, improve clarity, and increase marketability.
Investment
$500
Timeframe
2–4 weeks
Is it right for me?
A Book Proposal Critique may be a good fit for you if you’re preparing to submit your manuscript to an agent or publisher, and you’re looking for a professional opinion to help you make your best first impression.
Synopsis Critique
Service Description
In a Synopsis Critique, I provide comments on your single-spaced, one- to three-page fiction synopsis. My comments offer ways to strengthen wording, improve clarity, and increase marketability. This service also includes a review of up to two revisions of your synopsis.
Note: The synopsis is a short summary of your entire novel, including the ending. It is distinct from the back cover copy.
Investment
$80
Timeframe
2–3 days for each review
Is it right for me?
A Synopsis Critique may be a good fit for you if you’re trying to make your synopsis stand out in preparation for submitting your materials to an agent or publisher.
Query Letter Critique
Service Description
In a Query Letter Critique, I provide comments on your query letter. My comments offer ways to strengthen wording, improve clarity, and increase marketability. This service also includes a review of up to two revisions of your query letter.
Investment
$40
Timeframe
2–3 days for each review
Is it right for me?
A Query Letter Critique may be a good fit for you if you’re striving to make your query letter stand out in preparation for submitting your materials to an agent or publisher.
My Professional Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing: English and Minor in Professional Writing from Liberty University (summa cum laude)
- Independently published fiction author (The Time Travel Team: The Great Historic Mystery)
- Favorable Kirkus Indie Review featured in May 2019 issue of Kirkus Magazine
- Honored at 2022 Clear Water Press Summer Workshop as most prolific editor
- Finalist in 2022 Clear Water Press Novel Contest
- Four-time semifinalist in Clear Water Press Novel Contest
- Completed Developmental Fiction Editing Mastery with Joleen Graumann at the PEN Institute
- Completed Nadine Brandes’ online editing course, “Self-Edit Your First Draft”
- Member of Realm Makers
You have a story the world needs to hear.
I would be honored to help you bring it to life!
If you’d like to inquire about editing services, request sample edits, or ask other questions, please send me an inquiry using the following form, and I will be in touch. I look forward to hearing from you!