Short answer? However you need it to. I’ve worked with enough writers to know that every one has their own process and I can adjust the type and form of feedback that I give for your needs.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

Story Consultation

At the very beginning of your journey as a writer and just want to consult with a professional about your work?  We can arrange a phone call or e-mail correspondence to answer your questions and get you started on the creative process.

Developmental Editing

If you’re a little further along but still figuring out how you want to tell your story, or if you’ve hit a wall in writing it, a developmental edit can be a great way to set yourself on the right path. Starting with anything from an outline/synopsis to a full manuscript, this type of collaboration covers the basics—genre, structure, plot and character development. It’s an opportunity to get a fresh look at how to best go about telling your story for the market.

You can customize by deciding if you’d prefer to get feedback via a phone conversation, e-mailed notes or a combination of both. Keep in mind that this is a great time to ask a lot of questions, so consider how you most effectively communicate.

Line Editing

A line edit is a comprehensive look at every facet of the manuscript. It’s the last step before formatting to publish or sending the work out to an agent or editor, and it’s an essential step for presenting a polished, professional manuscript.

A line edit includes light copyediting*, editing for plot, structure, characterization, voice, tone, flow, pace and continuity as well as all of those intangible elements that make a work uniquely yours. If needed, it will also tackle developmental issues. This is a nuts and bolts edit done on both a micro and macro level.

Line editing is an investment so I offer a free sample edit of the first 10 pages of your manuscript so that you can get a feel for my work.

A phone consultation is included with a line edit.

(* Light copyediting includes fixing typos and formatting gaffes, basic grammar issues and correct word usage.)

Backcopy

Those brief paragraphs on the back cover (virtual or physical!) are your book’s introduction to the reader, so it’s essential that they convey not just the basics elements of your work, but your voice. With a detailed outline/synopsis and the first three chapters of your manuscript, I can craft backcopy that’s both true to your work and that will stand out in the marketplace.

Prices vary by service.  Feel free to contact me about rates.