Manuscript Review

I provide deep developmental editing and line editing for full novel and memoir manuscripts. I charge by the hour and not by the page because some projects need more attention than others. For example, for a book that needs help with structure, I usually need to read the book in full before making suggestions that affect the entire manuscript. For manuscripts that need minimal copyediting, I can usually work faster–and it just wouldn’t be right to charge you more.

Though all projects are unique,  the fee for an average 250-page manuscript usually works out to about $2,500. This fee includes developmental editing, an edit letter, and a one-hour follow-up call via Zoom to go over any questions you might have.

Before we begin work together, I offer a free 15-minute session via Zoom to discuss your book’s goals; I will also edit your manuscript’s first 5 pages for free. This will give you a chance to see how I edit, and it will help me see if I am the right editor for your book.

If we agreed to proceed, I will provide you with a written estimate for the number of hours I expect it will take me to edit your book. Half of that total will be due when you send your pages to me. I will check in with you along the way so there are no surprises, and about two weeks before completion, I will follow up with the remaining balance due. I have never charged a client more than my initial quote.

Coaching

I provide coaching on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Our focus can be on craft, structuring a project and goal setting, reconsidering writer’s block, creativity building, revision, building a reading list, or all of the above as needed. Sessions are typically one hour long and can be biweekly or monthly. I can also provide expert help with agent query letters and developing strategies for submission.
Rate: $125/hour.

Agent Queries and Comp Titles

There is a deep education you acquire by reading lots of contemporary books similar to your own. Knowing the other books out there with similar themes, characters, and struggles will help you understand what books are in conversation with yours. You also naturally start to make connections: Who was the agent for this book? What publishing house championed it? What writers inspire this writer that I love? Who is my audience? Who understands the kind of story I am trying to tell?

And yet, I know this is a process that takes time…right at the time when you are most eager to send out your work and move to the next stage! If you could use a partner, I can help you write your query letter, create a well-researched list of agents to contact, and find comparative titles for your work.

Comp titles are important for your agent query letter. That section of your letter shows how your book is similar to contemporary works that are already successful in the world and also how your book differs–how your book will be adding something new to the conversation.

Depending on what you need, we can create just the right package for you, from query letter development, to comp title search, to the creation of an agent list.
Rate: $125/hour.

Agent and Comp Title Package ($875)

Includes a 1-hour Zoom discussion about your book and query letter development, a review of your sample pages, and the creation of a guiding logline. You will receive from me a list of at least 10 comp titles and the 3 that I believe will best serve you in your query. You will also receive a list of 20 agents and why I think they could be a good fit. Finding an agent is usually a long and involved process for everyone. I can’t guarantee that you will find your agent quickly, but I can help you create a sparkling query and a detailed plan for the journey ahead!