Developmental editing (also known as story craft or high-level editing) focuses on the building blocks of your manuscript—the foundation of your story and characters. This service provides a comprehensive assessment of your manuscript and offers revision strategies.

You’ll receive in-line comments that will create a revision roadmap, and a brief report that we can discuss in a meeting together (via phone or Zoom). The feedback details how the “big picture” story elements are used within the manuscript, and offers suggestions that align with your goals for the manuscript.

A developmental edit examines:

• Plot

• POV

• Characterization

• Dialogue

• Setting

• Narrative style

• Genre alignment

• Worldbuilding

• Tone

• Craft

• Consistency

If you are contemplating reorganizing scenes, changing characters/POVs, or feel like a larger overhaul is necessary, this service may be what you need.
Please note that direct edits to the manuscript are not made at this stage, and grammar, spelling, and punctuation are not evaluated. Story craft editing should occur before copy editing or line editing, as the recommendations may necessitate significant content changes.

Work one-on-one with a book coach to get vital feedback that will improve your manuscript and your overall writing skills! Reach out today and get started with a personalized program, customized to help you meet your specific goals.

Coaching for story craft offers the opportunity for you to get assistance with high-level issues you may be encountering while trying to write or plan your book/series.

You’ll receive in-line comments on your manuscript, and additional opportunities to discuss the story and get answers to other questions you may have. As with each of my services, the coaching process is customized and designed with your unique needs and schedule in mind. Some authors may prefer a one-time manuscript critique, while others may work best with regular meetings or weekly email coaching.

Please feel free to reach out, and I’d be happy to work with you to design your coaching program!

Manuscript critique feedback provided during the coaching process addresses the high-level elements covered during a developmental edit, but with a selective focus on specific strategies—such as how to refine the overarching narrative, develop a character, or maintain reader interest. It also reviews opportunities for changes, further expansion, or where the story should be trimmed.

Line editing focuses on fully developing your authorial voice. I examine each sentence and make edits using Track Changes to build up your intended mood and ensure a consistent tone throughout your story. I also focus on the presentation of ideas and themes, and I may shift portions/paragraphs of text to enhance clarity.

Similar to copy editing, this service addresses awkward phrasing, overused words, spelling, grammar, and punctuation, but also prioritizes examining sentence flow to cultivate your unique writing personality. Line editing goes beyond the suggestions of a style guide to trim, shift, and recommend expansions that will improve your audience’s understanding. Above all, I work to preserve and polish your specific vision for the story.

A copy edit professionally polishes your manuscript by ensuring that it follows stylistic guidelines. For most fiction in the United States, this means The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, but I can also work with other style guides if needed.

(And if you’re hoping to break some rules, we can figure out how to make it work!)

Copy editing will address

• Grammar

• Punctuation

• Spelling

• Repetition

• Inconsistencies

• Basic fact-checking

• General organization

Please note that copy editing does not provide an intense examination of high-level issues like plot, POV, character development, pacing, or tone—if there are major concerns, I will bring them to your attention.

Copy editing is a great option if you’re happy with the direction of your story and just want to focus on making sure everything is clear and engaging for your readers!

During a beta read, my focus is on the experience the manuscript is offering from the perspective of a reader—not as an editor. It is focused on how I am connecting with and enjoying the story as a whole and primarily provides feedback on the existing elements rather than offering an analysis of how things could/should change. If you are already very happy with the direction/events of your story and are interested in seeing how they come across to your audience, this may be best for what you need. This service is solely focused on high-level story elements and does not address any grammatical or formatting issues.

A proofread is designed to catch any lingering errors and should serve as the final stage of editing before publication. A manuscript can enter the proofing stage after at least one round of professional copy or line editing has been performed. This is to ensure that the content of the manuscript has been examined before finalizing the formatting and sentence structure.

Proofreading will address:

• Typos

• Grammar

• Inconsistencies

• Spelling

• Formatting

• Punctuation

I will perform proofreading edits using the Track Changes function. You will also receive a style sheet that outlines the applied style guide rules and any grammar/spelling preferences.

A review of your query letter or synopsis will help your work get the attention it deserves!

To quote one of my clients:

“Raquel’s prompt and thorough feedback was exactly what I needed to polish off my submission materials with confidence. Her assistance has been pivotal in my writing career, and her professionalism is always top-notch.”

A great query letter does its job by convincing a literary agent to read your work. The letter should offer general information about the story and genre, provide a focused glimpse of the general plot direction, and briefly touch on information about the author.

A synopsis provides an agent with information about the entire plot—spoilers and all. It should boil the story and characters down to the most essential bits. A great synopsis highlights the author’s ability to craft an interesting narrative arc that leads to a satisfying conclusion.

I will provide an overall content assessment and in-line comments to address any necessary changes. I will examine each document to ensure it is direct, succinct, and aligns with recommended industry practices.

Please note that this service does not involve ghostwriting for submission materials.

Please feel free to reach out if you are interested in combining services or if you need a type of editing that is not listed. Let’s figure it out!