JH Editing Services

The Importance of an Editor Who Understands Your Book

You’ve worked hard on your story. You’ve poured your hopes, dreams, and fears into the plot and characters. Now you’re looking for a dedicated freelance editor to help you transform your manuscript into a masterpiece.

As an author myself, I understand the challenges of telling the story you intend to tell. You deserve an editor who balances the readers’ expectations with your authorial voice to help you reach your audience as only you can.

When you work with me as your developmental editor, you’ll receive an encouraging and committed mentor who prioritizes your intentions for your story. 

Tools That Enable Me to Understand Your Story

1. Years of Experience

Developmental editing isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. Rather, each novel requires a tailored approach. A contemporary romance shouldn’t sound like a historical epic, and a dystopian adventure should have a different atmosphere than a comedic fantasy.

In addition to being a voracious reader, I’ve spent over six years editing dozens of manuscripts in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, contemporary, historical, mystery, adventure, YA, and middle grade. My experience with a wide range of genres enables me to adapt my comments to the needs of your specific novel.

2. The Author Questionnaire

Before we proceed with a project, I’ll email you a brief author questionnaire, in which you can share your goals for the story, your intended audience, and your expectations for the editing process. When you answer these questions as specifically as possible, you provide me with the tools to understand your manuscript on a deep level. 

3. Ten Questions About Your Novel

When you send me your manuscript for editing, I also request that you send me ten questions about your novel. These questions can cover any area of the story about which you’d like specific feedback.

By default, developmental editing provides feedback on all major storytelling components (plot, characters, theme, scene structure, setting, conflict, etc.). However, these ten questions can direct my attention to particular characters, themes, scenes, or other elements about which you would like professional feedback.

4. Follow-Up

After you review your edited manuscript, you can email me with any questions you have about my comments. I will do my best to provide clarification and equip you to effectively revise your story. Your manuscript is not merely a project; it’s a creation that deserves special attention.

Shaping Stories That Readers Cherish

You deserve a developmental editor who encourages and supports you as you shape your story into a work of art. By drawing on years of experience, an author questionnaire, ten questions about your novel, and follow-up messages, I make every effort to understand you and your novel as clearly as possible. This deep insight equips me to make comments that help your story touch readers’ lives.


If you’re looking for an editor who seeks to serve you and your project, I would be honored to help you bring your story to life. Contact me to request a sample edit today!

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