Developmental Editing


Affordable Fiction Editing Services

Inspiring Creativity in Fiction Writers

Friendly, Personalized, and Supportive Approach
 
Unlock Your Highest Writing Potential


I teach authors how to improve their writing, self-edit their work, and publish their books as a creativity coach, instructor, plot consultant, and developmental editor.
 
Fiction writing is an amazing creative journey, allowing writers to create interesting characters, imaginative worlds, and heart-wrenching stories. Great writing isn't just telling a story, it’s getting the reader so deeply emerged within the narrative that they hurry to turn the pages. It is knowing how to "hook" the reader and keep them interested until the end. It's learning how to handle Deep POV, conflict, characterization, realistic settings, as well as a compelling plot. 
 
While I work on all genres, I do specialize in editing cozy mysteries, cozy para-mysteries, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, sweet romance, rom-coms, sci-fi romance, and supernatural academy for writers targeting new adult, adult, and young adult readerships.

It is such an honor to guide writers on their creative journey.  I have over fifteen years of experience on all sides of the publishing industry. I was a Creative Writing major in college, and I previously owned an indie eBook publishing company. Then I worked as a developmental/acquisitions editor for another publisher, and in the last ten years, I’ve even had the honor of freelance editing and ghostwriting books for a number of successful authors. 
 
And I have been traditionally published (under a pen name), published by an independent publisher, and now I am a proud indie author. To date, I currently have nine fiction novels, and ten nonfiction titles published. Many of my books have spent time on the 100 Kindle bestseller lists and some of my fiction has been chosen as top picks at several prominent review sites. So I consider myself a long-time industry veteran.

I only edit for a select clientele, so if you would like to discuss the possibility of working together and to obtain a quote, please contact me directly. I only work on a limited number of manuscripts each year. 

Developmental Editing Services

My developmental editing focuses on "big picture" plot points and enhancing characterization. My feedback is loaded with tips, suggestions, and techniques for how to enhance your plot, deepen POV, create memorable characters, and amplify your “narrative voice.” Also, I will offer advice on how to polish the prose and offer ways to strengthen every scene to keep readers flipping the pages. This service also includes minor help with awkward sentences to improve the overall flow of your paragraphs. During every critique that I do, I give writers an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses, along with ways to improve any areas that might need more revision.

I will comment and offer suggestions on possible issues that include:

Conflict / Tension
Plot development
Character ARC / Goals
Show versus tell (Deep POV)
Opening and closing scenes
Pacing issues
Setting and descriptions
Redundancies
Clichés
Dialogue exchanges and dialogue tags
Point out repetition (including overuse of certain words or phrases)
Indicate any clarity issues
Give feedback on what could be improved
Recommend fact-checking
Point out any wordy prose
Comment on any awkward sentence structure
Point out any inconsistencies
Include examples of improvements, if possible
 

A proofread/copy-edit should be the very last thing a writer does, so I recommend that you wait until all the revision work has been completed. I can recommend a copy-editor and/or proofreader once the novel has been polished. 
 
This service does not include a copy-edit or proofread.
 
As of April 2024, all services include a 5% processing fee to cover administrative and transaction costs. (To avoid the fee, Zelle payments are encouraged.)

I work on a first-come (paid), first-served basis, so if you're looking to collaborate with me on your next project, get your requests in early!
 
Editing Services & Pricing
 
One Full Developmental Edit:
In my critique, I will check for conceptual flow (i.e. plot pacing, character development (characterization), story arc, etc.), plot holes, fluidity, setting, theme, backstory, and dialogue. I will do some critiquing on word choice, repeated phrases, and sentence structure. I work closely with writers to tighten and strengthen their work into the best possible shape. (*one pass only
Prices from $0.04 to $0.05 per word. Pricing varies based on genre and the quality of the draft provided.
 
*Urgent deadlines or rush projects may incur additional fees due to the need for expedited work.

First Chapter Critique:
The first chapter is crucial. I can help writers make sure that their opening is superb. Within a week of submitting your first chapter, I promise you’ll have a cohesive idea on how to make it “hook” your reader. (*one pass only).
Prices from $0.02 up to $0.04 per word. Pricing varies based on genre and the quality of the draft provided.
 
*Urgent deadlines or rush projects may incur additional fees due to the need for expedited work.

First Three Chapters Critique:
I will critique your first three chapters to ensure that these vital pages have a strong enough "hook" to lure your reader into the story. This service points out conceptual problems within the beginning chapters such as story arc, plot structure, lack of visual description, character ARC, any pacing problems, and suggestions on necessary revisions. (*one pass only
Prices from $0.02 up to $0.05 per word. Pricing varies based on genre and the quality of the draft provided.
 
*Urgent deadlines or rush projects may incur additional fees due to the need for expedited work.
 
Proofread and Line-Editing:
I will proofread your work to check for misspelled words, typos, and awkward sentence structure, and offers suggestions on necessary revisions. (*one pass only)
Prices from $0.05 up to $0.08 per word. Pricing varies based on genre and the quality of the draft provided.
 
*Urgent deadlines or rush projects may incur additional fees due to the need for expedited work.
 
*A 5% processing fee is included with all services. (To avoid the fee, Zelle payments are encouraged.)

*Rush projects or urgent deadlines will incur extra fees.

 NEW SERVICE! Chapter-by-Chapter Beta Read Critique:

Can't afford a developmental edit? This personalized beta reading service is a less expensive way to edit your manuscript. 
 
I will read your manuscript and provide honest, personalized feedback on each chapter, detailing what might need improvement and offer suggestions on necessary revisions, such as such as pacing, tone, character development, plot structure, genre expectations, dialogue, and overall coherence. This is not a developmental edit or line-edit, only a beta read with a critical assessment to help you polish the narrative one chapter at a time. (*one pass only).
 
Prices from $0.01 up to $0.02 per word. Pricing varies based on genre and the quality of the draft provided.
 
*Urgent deadlines or rush projects may incur additional fees due to the need for expedited work.
 
 
Turnaround time:
Once the manuscript has been submitted, along with first payment, the critique will be done within 4 to 5 weeks or less. Times may vary depending on the length of the manuscript.

*Please note: This service is only available in the English language.


Get a free quote today! 
 
I offer all new clients a complimentary 3-page edit with no obligation on full-length novel services. Please contact me for details and an initial consultation.

*Rush projects or urgent deadlines will incur extra fees.

Reminder, I work on a first-come (paid), first-served basis, so if you're looking to collaborate with me on your next project, get your requests in early!

 
 


 Hours of operation are 12pm (pst) to 7pm (pst) Monday through Friday. 
Closed on weekends and all major holidays.
 
As of April 2024, all services include a 5% processing fee to cover administrative and transaction costs. (To avoid the fee, Zelle payments are encouraged.)


DISCLAIMER
 
I consider myself a "writing mentor" with the goal of helping writers polish their work and improve their writing skills. However, this is a subjective business, and many suggestions will be based on my individual opinions and experiences, as well as my writing and editorial background.

And I am only human and do occasionally make mistakes. I cannot guarantee that all errors will be caught. I also cannot guarantee that you will be published or secure an agent following my critique. This is very much a talent based industry and much depends on a writer’s determination and drive to succeed. I will give you information I believe helpful, and try to guide you toward your goals. It's up to you to use my suggestions, put them into practice, and be receptive to feedback.