The Manuscript Rework
Hands-on editorial rewriting for novels that already have a foundation.
You’ve drafted the book, but the story still isn’t coming together the way you hoped.
Maybe readers lose interest halfway through, or your characters’ choices don’t feel convincing. You may understand the feedback you’ve received but can’t see how to turn it into an effective rewrite.
The Manuscript Rework combines a complete editorial assessment with direct revision of your draft. As a bestselling ghostwriter and editor, I’ll determine what the novel needs and then carry out those changes myself.
An expert editor will manage both the diagnosis and the execution while respecting your original concept and authorial voice.
What You’re Hiring Me to Do
I’ll work from the prose you’ve already written and reshape it wherever the story requires a stronger approach.
I may reorder sections, rebuild scenes, rewrite passages, or remove material that no longer serves the novel. Some pages may need only a light touch. Others may change considerably.
Most of the final word count will come from your submitted draft. I may create short passages when a scene needs a better transition, stronger character response, or additional context.
If your novel is incomplete, I can revise the portion you’ve drafted. Writing the remaining chapters would require a separate ghostwriting agreement.
The Manuscript Goes Through Two Passes
Pass One: The Editorial Read
I’ll read the full draft before beginning any rewriting. During this pass, I’ll test the plot’s logic and the characters’ motivations. I’ll also note where the pacing slips or the reader lacks essential information.
Once I’ve completed the read, you’ll receive a written assessment outlining the manuscript’s primary concerns and my proposed solutions. That assessment will guide every decision made during the second pass.
The report is provided for your reference. Meetings and ongoing correspondence aren’t included in the package.
Pass Two: The Manuscript Rework
I’ll return to the opening chapter and begin carrying out the revision plan.
Changes may include scene reconstruction and paragraph-level rewriting. I may also revise dialogue, internal reactions, transitions, or narrative flow.
The rewritten manuscript will use Track Changes so you can review every alteration. I’ll reserve comments for decisions that would benefit from a brief explanation.
Completion Check
After finishing the rewrite, I’ll read through the updated manuscript to catch continuity slips or errors introduced during the revision.
This check doesn’t replace a dedicated copy-edit or proofread. I recommend proofreading the novel after you’ve reviewed and accepted the changes.
How I May Strengthen the Novel
Story Construction
I’ll examine whether the plot develops through clear cause and effect. I’ll also look for missing setup, weak payoffs, unresolved threads, or conflicts that don’t build effectively.
Character Credibility
I’ll review what each major character wants and whether their behavior follows a believable emotional path. When a reaction feels shallow or a decision lacks support, I’ll strengthen the writing around it.
Scene Effectiveness
Every scene should alter the situation in a meaningful way. I’ll revise scenes that repeat information, delay the conflict, end without impact, or lack a clear purpose.
Pacing
I’ll adjust sections that linger too long and develop moments that pass too quickly. Special attention will be given to the opening chapters and any portion where the novel begins to lose energy.
Voice and Prose
I’ll refine the narration while preserving the qualities that make it sound like your work. I’ll also strengthen dialogue, remove unnecessary repetition, and rewrite unclear passages.
Reader Expectations
I’ll keep the intended genre and age category in view throughout the project. The revision will support the experience your readers expect without forcing the novel to imitate current trends.
What You’ll Receive
Your completed project will include:
A written editorial assessment explaining the revision plan
A professionally reworked manuscript with Track Changes and explanatory comments
Both passes will be completed by the same bestselling ghostwriter and editor, so the recommendations and their execution will remain consistent.
You’ll retain final authority over the manuscript and can accept or reject each tracked change.
A Strong Fit for This Service
The Manuscript Rework may suit you if:
You’ve completed a novel or drafted a substantial portion.
You’ve received feedback but don’t know how to execute the recommended changes.
You’ve revised repeatedly and feel too close to the manuscript to judge it clearly.
You want professional help preparing the novel for querying or independent publication.
You learn best by comparing your original writing with a completed revision.
You want to preserve your story while improving how it reads.
My ghostwriting service may be more appropriate if you’ve only developed an idea or outline. This package also won’t suit authors looking for regular coaching sessions or ongoing creative consultation.
Project Boundaries
The Manuscript Rework doesn’t include:
Completing portions of the novel that haven’t been drafted
Adding a large amount of new material
Author-requested revision rounds after delivery
Regular calls or extended email discussions
Query letters, synopses, promotional copy, or formatting
A separate copy-edit or final proofread
Additional writing and publishing services may be booked separately when available.
Scheduling
The schedule will depend on the manuscript’s word count and the intensity of the required rewrite. Most full-novel projects will require two to three months, while shorter drafts may be completed sooner.
I reserve dedicated calendar blocks for Manuscript Rework clients so I can concentrate on one stage of the project at a time.
If you’re working toward a deadline, include it with your inquiry. A faster turnaround may be available for an additional fee.
Request a Quote
To request a personalized quote, please send:
The manuscript’s genre and intended age group
Its current word count
Whether the novel is complete
A short synopsis or story description
The areas causing you the most concern
Sample chapters
After reviewing your sample, I’ll provide a project quote and proposed delivery window.
If you’re ready to have your draft professionally evaluated and reworked, send me the project details to get started.
Pricing
Manuscript Rework projects start at $0.05 per word, with a minimum project fee of $1,500.
Your final rate will depend on the condition of the draft and the amount of rewriting required. Manuscripts needing extensive reconstruction may be quoted at up to $0.07 per word.
After reviewing your sample chapters, I’ll provide the exact project price before you commit.
