Substantive Edit:

A substantive edit looks at the big picture. Start here to tackle the big issues before moving on to the nit-picky details. Substantive edits not only point out areas for improvement, they also include notes, suggestions, and tips for improving the manuscript.

A substantive edit includes:

  • Fiction-writing evaluation, including:
    • Characterization
      • Relatability
      • Believability
      • Goals/motivation/conflict
      • Backstory
    • Plot development
      • Hook
      • Transitional elements
      • Introduction/conclusion
      • Subplots
    • Setting
    • Genre-specific notes
  • General writing techniques
    • Point-of-view
    • Showing vs. telling
    • Dialogue
    • Including the five senses
  • Assessment of basic writing skills
    • Grammar
    • Punctuation
    • Formatting
    • Pacing
    • Voice
  • Overall assessment of the story and writing strengths and weaknesses
  • Fiction Fliers to explain various fiction-writing techniques (as needed)

Rate: $0.04/word

Who needs a substantive edit? Perfect for new writers (unpublished or who have not yet secured an agent or publisher) or for experienced writers who are writing in a new genre.

*Christian Editor Connection certified Substantive Fiction Editor.
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Line Edit:

After the substantive edit, the line edit looks at your manuscript line by line to help transform a good story into a great novel.

A line edit will help you:

  • Tighten your writing
  • Find ways to improve the natural flow of the piece
  • Correct continuity issues
  • Replace good words with better words (to capture and engage your reader’s attention)
  • Polish your story

Rate: $0.03/word

Who needs a line edit? When agents and publishers are requesting to read sample chapters or the full manuscript but the novel still hasn’t garnered a contract, try a line edit.

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Developmental Edit:

A full, substantive edit with most of changes made for you! You’ll still receive the same comments, suggestions, and tips regarding characterization and plot, but the editor will make as many of the edits for you as possible.

A developmental edit includes:

  • Communication between editor and author to clarify issues for editing
  • Correcting/rewriting trouble areas, including:
    • Inconsistencies (spellings, descriptions, etc.)
    • Telling
    • Passive voice
    • Point-of-view
    • Grammar
    • Punctuation
  • Reorganizing for clarity and flow

The editor will send two copies of the manuscript: one with changes marked and a clean copy with all changes made.

Rate: $0.05/word

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Novel Critique:

In a hurry? Are finances tight? Consider a critique. Get an assessment of your manuscript without the line-by-line comments and edits. A critique includes:

  • Overall assessment of the story and writing strengths and weaknesses
  • Comments and suggestions at the end of each chapter
  • Fiction Fliers to explain various fiction-writing techniques (as needed)
  • Recommendations for the next step

Rate: $2/page (1” margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced)

The cost of a critique can be applied toward a substantive, developmental, or line edit.

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First Chapter Assessment:

Assessment of writing skills, strengths, weaknesses, and challenges.

Rate: $30 (up to 15 pages; 1” margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced)

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Fiction Coaching:

Whether you have an idea that needs development or skills that need honing, I will work with you to strengthen your writing and help prepare it for publication. No need to have a complete manuscript. I can help with that too! As your coach, you can expect:

  • Manuscript development, from initial concept to completion
  • Strengthening your weaknesses
  • Learning to self-edit
  • Market research
  • Brainstorming

Fiction coaching includes a first chapter critique plus critiques of subsequent chapters, correspondence to discuss the chapters, and help as needed to learn and understand fiction writing techniques.

Coaching rates vary depending on manuscript length, quality, and needs. Contact me for more information on coaching and availability!