Developmental Editing Services

for Fantasy & Science Fiction Novels

How It Works

  • Request a quote, and I'll be in touch to provide you with a cost estimate, timeline, and a link to my questionnaire.

  • If you're happy with the time and cost estimate, you'll then complete the client questionnaire so I can understand more about your novel and your writing goals. Keep in mind that the time you take to complete this will impact the start date of the project.

  • Before the contract is signed, I will read the first 3,000 words and write up some initial comments. This sample helps me determine if I’m the right fit for your work, and allows you to see the type of feedback I provide.

    The words in this sample will be included in the calculation of the job cost, but you will not be charged unless you decide to sign a contract with me.

  • Once I receive the questionnaire, I will send a contract for your official acceptance. This will include all the project terms, payment schedule, and actual deadline.

  • When you sign the contract, you'll pay 50% of the total project cost. You will pay the final 50% at the conclusion of the project.

  • Once I've completed the editorial letter, I will send it to you via email.

  • My packages include one 60-minute follow-up call and up to 5 email responses for 60 days following delivery of the edit.

    I can also be a sounding board for you. If you’re considering adding a subplot or killing off a character, and you want an informed opinion - I’m your girl. I will not read any revisions or new content, however.

  • I get to know you and your story's vision.

    I believe in helping writers figure out the best way to tell the story they want to tell. Before I start editing a manuscript for an author, I take the time to understand their creative vision. I have a detailed questionnaire that gets at the heart of why you imagined this story into existence. This info guides my critique so I can make editing suggestions that inspire you.

    Whether your goal is to become a self-published author or query an agent, I guide you through the frustrating yet rewarding process of editing your draft.

  • I read your manuscript twice.

    In my first pass, I get the full reader experience. The only difference is I take copious notes on how the story makes me feel. If I'm confused, excited, nervous, frustrated, sad - I put myself in the shoes of future readers to make sure they have the best experience possible. Then, I prepare for my second editing pass of the novel.

    With the big picture in mind, I can then think critically about character development, plot structure, world building, setting, and more. I do an in-depth analysis of the book to begin crafting my critique.

  • I craft a thorough editorial letter with actionable feedback.

    As a developmental editor, I focus recommendations on structural improvements over copy edits. This means that I do not provide proofreading or inline comments on the draft. Instead, I take all my feedback and organize it into a comprehensive editorial letter. In this letter, I lay out my analysis and break down what's working and where the biggest opportunities lie.

    At the very end, I summarize my developmental edit into actionable bullet points to give you a blueprint for the next steps in your writing process.

  • I use an encouraging and inspirational approach.

    I am passionate about the art of storytelling. I do this because I love to read, and I thrive on solving structural problems in fictional works. This means that with each book edit I take on, I care deeply about seeing it come together. I'm invested in your success as an author.

    In my feedback, I'm honest but kind. I'm not here to provide a scathing review of every issue. I'm here to help you identify the problems you're too close to see and guide you through the roadblocks you know exist. I'm a partner to help you turn your dreams into reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The exact contract value will vary depending on the word count, but my normal rate is $0.017 per word. This equates to $255 for every 15,000 words.

  • Before we enter into a contract, I will read the first 3,000 words of your manuscript and provide some initial comments. You will not be charged unless you decide to move forward with the project.

  • I specialize in fantasy and science fiction, so I prefer receiving this type of work, but I’m open to other genres. However, I do not read horror or erotica. If you have questions, please reach out!

  • No, I do not. As much as I would love to offer refunds, you are paying for my time, which I cannot get back.

  • I recommend sending a complete draft when possible so I can provide feedback on its entirety. However, I will absolutely read incomplete drafts too! Sometimes when you’re stuck, outside help is exactly what you need.

  • You will pay 50% of the total cost before work begins and 50% at the end of the project.

  • My questionnaire is extremely thorough so an upfront call isn’t necessary unless you have more questions for me. I am happy to schedule a pre-edit call at no additional charge. Just ask!

    Post-edit, my packages include one 60-minute follow-up call, which must be scheduled within 60 days of completion of the edit.

  • My feedback usually involves larger structural changes, which may include heavy rewriting or revision. It would be a waste of my time and yours to comment on small details that may not make it into future drafts. This type of edit is typically for earlier drafts.

  • My turnaround will depend on the length of the project and my current availability. Once you reach out, I’ll give you an approximate turnaround to help you decide. I’ll set an actual due date if you opt to work with me.

  • Once I’ve delivered the edit, you will have 60 days to ask any follow-up questions or schedule a call to receive additional support. Any post-edit insight must be based on content I’ve already read. I will not read revised material or new content once the editorial letter has been delivered.

Request a Quote.

Interested to learn more? Fill out the form and I will be in touch via email to talk through the details.