Developmental Editing
With developmental editing, we look at the story as a whole. Does the structure work? Is the conflict strong enough? Are the character arcs clear? Are the turning points in the right places? Does the manuscript hold the reader’s attention?
The focus here isn’t sentence-level polish or proofreading, but the plot, story structure, characters, emotional arc, and how all of those elements work together.
What do you get?
A detailed editorial letter, comments throughout the manuscript, concrete suggestions for revision, and a consultation where we can talk through the most important issues.
Line Editing
With line editing, we work through the manuscript sentence by sentence. The goal is to make the writing clearer, smoother, and more precise while preserving your own voice and style.
I look at sentence rhythm, repetition, word choice, over-explaining, the natural flow of dialogue, and places where a scene or paragraph could be stronger and more effective.
What do you get?
Detailed comments and suggested edits throughout the manuscript, concrete examples, and a consultation where we can discuss recurring issues and any questions you have.
Writing Coaching
Sometimes you don’t need editing. You need someone to help you think through where your story is, what’s getting in the way, and where to go next.
Each session starts with your questions and the current state of your manuscript. We can talk about characters, conflict, structure, worldbuilding, individual scenes, writing blocks, or simply what your next step should be.
What do you get?
A personalized 60-minute session, concrete feedback, and clear direction for moving forward. I won’t hand you a ready-made solution. I’ll help you find the one that fits your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which service I need?
If the main issues are with the story as a whole, such as structure, character arcs, conflict, or pacing, developmental editing is probably the best fit. If the story already works but you want to improve the sentences, rhythm, clarity, and style, line editing may be what you need. If you’re still writing, feel stuck, or want someone to help you think through your next step, writing coaching may be the better option. If you’re not sure, get in touch and I’ll help you figure it out.
When is my manuscript ready for editing?
It doesn’t need to be perfect. If it were, you probably wouldn’t need an editor. For developmental editing, however, it’s best to have a complete draft that you’ve already read through and revised at least once. If the story is still taking shape, sections are missing, or you’re struggling with fundamental questions about the manuscript, coaching may be more useful first.
What do I get with developmental editing?
You’ll receive a detailed editorial letter covering the manuscript as a whole, along with comments throughout the manuscript itself. We’ll look at areas such as structure, characters, conflict, pacing, plot development, and the emotional arc. The service also includes a consultation where we can discuss the most important issues and possible directions for revision.
Will you rewrite my book for me?
No. I may give you specific examples and suggest possible solutions, but my goal isn’t to turn your story into my version of it. The manuscript, the voice, and the final decisions remain yours. I’m here to help you understand what works, what doesn’t, and why.
Do you use AI to edit my manuscript?
I don’t outsource the actual editorial work to AI. I read and analyze your manuscript myself, and the feedback you receive comes from me. If you hire me, you’re paying for my attention, experience, and judgment, not for an AI-generated opinion passed on through me.
How long does editing take?
That depends on the length of the manuscript, the service you choose, and my current availability. I prefer to give realistic deadlines with enough breathing room for unexpected circumstances. We’ll agree on the exact turnaround time before the project begins.
What happens if my manuscript isn’t ready for editing yet?
I’ll tell you. I don’t want you paying for a service you’re not in a position to benefit from yet. In that case, I may suggest coaching, a smaller manuscript assessment, or another next step that better fits where you are in the writing process.
How do we get started?
Send me a few details about your manuscript, including the genre, approximate word count, and what kind of help you’re looking for. If needed, I may also ask for a synopsis or a short sample. From there, we’ll work out which service fits your manuscript, when I can take on the project, and what the exact price will be.
Are there any manuscripts you don’t work with?
Yes. I don’t take on nonfiction or manuscripts that require specialist or subject-matter editing. For fiction, I consider each project individually before deciding whether I’m the right editor for it.
What kinds of manuscripts do you work with?
I primarily work with genre fiction. My strongest experience is with fantasy and romance, but I’m open to a broad range of fiction for both editing and coaching. Every project is considered individually, so my offer is always based on the specific manuscript.