services

Developmental Editing

Let’s strengthen what is already working well and bring the rest of your book to the same level.

Process: Please email me a 250 word synopsis of your book, plus the 5 opening pages. I read these for free to determine if we will be a good match! If we are, we set up a phone call to discuss scheduling for the following:

  • First read: as a reader, noting my reactions both positive and critical

  • Second read: as an editor, establishing the sources of my reactions 

  • Comments: typically a few paragraphs per chapter

  • Final letter: typically 5-10 pages of revision suggestions that address your book as a whole, including structure, plot, character, theme, and language

  • Video conference: typically 1-2 hours to discuss my feedback and strategize for your next steps

Fee: $0.05 per word

Timeline: ~3 weeks read/response time per 75,000 word manuscript. 

There may be a delay before we can begin our work together as I only accept one manuscript at a time. That means while we are working together yours has my full attention! 

Deadline Packages

When you have a big goal, it helps to have accountability and support.

On the twisty path to completing a novel? Is your memoir trapping you in the past? Is that collection of essays or short stories stalled? 

I have seen great results come from authors who’ve set a goal of writing a certain number of pages per month for regular submission to me. 

Process: If working with me on a monthly basis interests you, please contact me with a project description and a brief writing sample so that I can determine if we might be a good fit for the following:

  • Submission: You submit 20 pages (or 5000 words) once a month (usually 1st or 15th)

  • Response: I read and respond with both line edits and a summary letter

  • Discussion: We have a 30-minute zoom session to discuss my feedback and your next steps  

Fee: $300 per month

Timeline: Reservations of 3- or 6-month blocks

Knowing a close reader is providing feedback can help you maintain focus on making real progress.

Agent Prep Consult

Your novel is ready: It’s time to find an agent! First impressions count. 

Agents will ask to see a query letter and the opening of your novel in order to make a decision about whether they want to see the complete manuscript. 

Process: if you would like me to finesse your materials with an eye to industry standards and narrative pacing, please email me to discuss scheduling and availability.

  • Reading: I read your agent query letter and your opening chapter (up to 5,000 words)

  • Response: I provide detailed written feedback

  • Discussion: We have a 30-minute debrief via video chat


Fee: $500