Whether you’ve just completed your first draft, you’re getting ready to submit your novel to agents and/or publishers, or polishing your novel before self-publishing, I offer a range of editing services to suit your needs. In all cases, I will offer honest feedback based on years of experience, and help you to shape your work to fit your vision. Please contact me for pricing.
Submission-ready Editing services
Query
If you’re reaching out to agents or publishers hoping for representation or publication, and would like help crafting a winning query, this service is for you. I’ll help draw out the hooks that will capture agents’ and editors’ attention, and craft an impactful and compelling pitch that’s more likely to encourage manuscript requests.
Query, synopsis & first chapter
You’re confident that your novel is ready for submission, but you may want some help making sure your submission package is sure to wow agents and publishers. This service includes the query crafting described above, plus a close review of your synopsis and first chapter. Agents and editors read so much that they often base their decision to reject or keep reading on the first chapter, so that first chapter needs to be as compelling as possible. A clear, concise synopsis that outlines major story turns and character arcs, but doesn’t get bogged down in extraneous details, offers the assurance that readers are in good authorial hands—that you as a writer will deliver the story you’ve promised. This will help solidify that you’re an author they will want to work with.
Manuscript Editing services
Editorial Assessment
An editorial assessment is a big-picture review of your novel, addressing the overall execution of the concept, story structure, and notes on general elements such as plot and characterization. If there is a particular aspect of your story that you’d like feedback on, I can focus my attention accordingly. This service includes an editorial letter that outlines key strengths and general areas for improvement. After completion and return of the assessment, we would book a one-hour phone or video call to address any questions.
Developmental edit
A developmental edit, sometimes referred to as a substantive edit, is a deeper review of your novel to ensure the overall story is cohesive, compelling and that the execution matches your vision. It involves an in-depth appraisal of general elements such as plot, world-building, pacing, characterization, tension, atmosphere, and so on. This service includes an editorial letter that outlines key strengths and general areas for improvement, as well as notes in the margins of the manuscript addressing specific scenes using the Comments function. If there is a particular aspect of your story you’d like me to pay special attention to, I can focus my feedback accordingly. I will also include a sample line edit (described below) of the first five pages, which will offer guidance on how to finesse your writing as you revise your manuscript. After completion and return of the edit, we would book a one-hour phone or video call to address any questions.
Line edit
*For clients who have already undergone a developmental edit.
A line edit focuses less on story and more on writing. This service involves a close examination of your manuscript, with line-by-line edits using the Track Changes and Comments functions to address common issues such as clarity, repetition, word choice, sentence structure, continuity, and so on. While I can correct things like typos, grammar and punctuation errors, please note that line editing is not the same as copyediting, which focuses on technical aspects such as grammar and style. Copyediting is not a service I offer, but I’d be happy to recommend a copyeditor should that be of interest.
Consultation services
Q&A
Written a novel and not sure what your next step is? Do you want to self-publish, seek agent representation, submit to a small or large publisher? Do you have specific or general questions about the publishing process or industry? Are you curious what it takes to win over a so-called gatekeeper? With over 15 years of experience as a publishing professional, I would be happy to impart any knowledge that may be useful as you plan the next step in your writing career. This service includes a phone or video call to discuss any questions you may have.
Custom
If none of the above services are exactly what you need, but you think I could be helpful to you in your writing or publishing journey, please get in touch to see if we can customize a service to suit your needs.
*Please contact me for pricing.
If you’re not sure which service(s) would best suit your needs, I can help. Fill out the contact form below and we can go from there. I look forward to hearing from you!