General developmental consultation

For authors looking for consultation on story ideation, book planning, book outlines, series planning, query letter strategy, querying strategy, or other general topics, we offer consultation calls/video meetings or written email exchanges at an hourly rate.

Packages are usually either fixed-scope consultations (i.e., two book planning calls) or structured as ongoing retainer packages of a set amount of time (i.e., five hours of consultation via timed email responses or standard calls over the course of a month).

Coaching calls

Coaching calls offer actionable developmental feedback on manuscripts in a dynamic manner. They include an in-depth read of the entire manuscript, a memo on the most significant developmental concerns/areas for improvement (~5+ pages), and a series of 5 one-hour calls to expand on the notes, discuss potential ways to revise the work, and answer any questions related to genre, audience, and larger positioning concerns.

The memo acts as a base/structure for the calls, during which the editor will expand on the points listed in the memo in more depth and discuss them with the author.

This is great for authors who want dynamic discussion and guidance on how to revise in real time and/or writers looking for a developmental overview before deeper editing.

Package features:

• Approximately 5-page memo of feedback on the manuscript

• Five one-hour calls/video meetings with the editor

Package add-ons:

• Chapter-by-chapter notes

Manuscript assessments

A manuscript assessment is an in-depth report that provides overarching editorial feedback on all developmental concerns within the work. It analyzes character development, plot arc, worldbuilding/setting, pacing, structure, believability, clarity, language, writing style, and more. Providing a rich and expansive analysis of your work, an assessment gives you a clear evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript and makes suggestions for how to restructure or revise in order to resolve any large-scale issues. Generally, manuscript assessments are approximately 15+ pages.

This is recommended for authors who are looking for a deep and comprehensive assessment of the work, a breakdown and all major and minor developmental concerns, and do well with extensive written feedback.

This package includes one-hour review call.

Package features:

• Approximately 15+ page assessment report

• One-hour call/video meeting with the editor

Package add-ons:

• Margin commentary throughout the manuscript (for further specificity)

Package variations:

• Margin commentary only

Developmental line editing

This package includes in-line editing of the work and focuses on strengthening the manuscript by improving its plot arc and structure (plot holes, gaps in continuity, pacing of scenes/chapters, and narrative structure), refining its character development and motivation, tightening the text, and helping the work to meet the requirements of its genre. 

Developmental line editing offers suggestions for trimming and rewriting, redrafts dialogue and paragraphs, addresses concerns on a scene-by-scene basis, and clarifies the writing. The package also features margin commentary for queries and recommendations on lingering developmental concerns.

It is not recommended for a manuscript to undergo line editing unless it has been through coaching or assessment first.

This package includes one-hour review call.

Package features:

• Developmental line edit

• Margin commentary throughout the manuscript

• One-hour call/video meeting with the editor

Comprehensive editing

Comprehensive editing blends manuscript assessment and developmental line editing to streamline the editing process. It is not recommended for a manuscript that needs a significant overhaul or large-scale rewriting to address developmental concerns. Such manuscripts should undergo the more traditional process of two rounds of developmental editing: an assessment followed by a developmental line edit.

Comprehensive edits include the following: a report covering overall editorial thoughts (character development, plot, worldbuilding/setting, pacing, structure, believability, clarity, language, writing style); margin commentary that addresses specifics on a scene-by-scene basis (smaller plot inconsistencies, minor character issues, dialogue concerns, overused language); suggestions for trimming and rewriting larger pieces of text; and a full developmental line edit of the manuscript to refine and clarify writing.

This package includes one-hour review call.

Package features:

• Overview assessment memo

• Full developmental line edit

• Margin commentary throughout the manuscript

• One-hour call/video meeting with the editor

Copy editing

Copy editing occurs after a manuscript has been through developmental editing and revision. The edits do not alter the developmental content of the work; instead, copy editing is a mechanical form of editing that focuses on the sentence level.

A copy edit clarifies language and voice, corrects errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax, and ensures the continuity of plot, character details, and setting. This package includes a half-hour review call.

Package features:

• Copy edit

• Half-hour call/video meeting with the editor

Questions always welcome!