These are the major services I offer, moving from the most broad to the most detailed. If you're not sure what your manuscript needs, let’s make a plan together!

To kick off the process, please send me an email describing your project, and attach a ten-page sample of your manuscript. Once I have seen your writing and know the book's total word count, I will give you a timeline and a flat project fee, based on how long I expect it to take me. This promises that there will be no surprises or hidden costs at any point; what you agree to up-front is what you’ll get. 

Critique

This is a great option if you have a partial or complete draft, and you’re not sure what direction to take next, or you want some objective thoughts on how it could be improved. I will read the manuscript carefully and respond with a detailed letter (usually 8-10 pages) evaluating the work’s strengths and weaknesses and offering concrete next steps in terms of revision and publication.

Developmental Edit

Sometimes called a substantive or content edit, this will address the complete work, from voice and character development, to pacing and plot arc. I almost always recommend doing a developmental edit first (which may involve moving around, cutting, or adding big pieces of the story), before turning to a copy or line edit (which will address language and smaller errors). I will read through the book carefully, making comments directly on the manuscript as I go, and I will do a second, briefer run-through at the end to check my work. Then I'll send the marked-up manuscript back to you with a detailed letter (usually 10-12 pages) outlining my thoughts and breaking down the edit into its main concerns. Once you read and absorb the letter, the margin comments can serve as a guide through your revision, pointing out specific places to focus your gaze. This is the ideal choice if you have a complete draft that you would like to make submission or self-publishing ready.

Copy Edit

This is a good option if you want to polish your manuscript before submission, or if you have a later-stage manuscript that you are planning to self-publish. I will address spelling, grammar, style, and consistency within the manuscript, as well as clarity and smoothness at the line level, making all edits in track changes (plus any queries in margin comments), then send it back to you. Once you've looked through it and made corrections, I will do one final pass to make sure all edits are incorporated and the manuscript is clean. I prefer to work with the Chicago Manual of Style.

Agent Query

I will look at any or all parts of your submission, including the query letter, synopsis, and sample, and provide specific comments, as well as edits in track changes. This covers everything from the broad (i.e. improving the hook, making the synopsis more catchy and unique, polishing the sample) to the specific (length, word choice, and copy editing).