Editing Services
You Don’t Need a Query Consult
It's easy to assume you need a query consult when you're struggling to get an agent's attention. In my experience, though, the query is often just a symptom of a larger problem: the manuscript itself isn't yet doing what it needs to do.
That's why I offer both manuscript consults and developmental edits.
Manuscript Consults
A manuscript consult is a big-picture assessment of your work. I’ll identify what’s working, what’s not, and where I believe your revision efforts should be focused. Think of this as a diagnosis. But it’s not the cure. Meaning, I’ll give you the overview of where I think revision should be focused. But I won’t give you a step-by-step breakdown showing you how to get there. A manuscript consult is designed to help you understand the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses before you ever sit down to revise. This often works for writers who have experience revising, but just can’t seem to figure out where to get started with this particular rewrite.
Developmental Edits
A developmental edit goes much deeper. In addition to identifying problem areas, I’ll provide detailed guidance for revision. This is the step-by-step breakdown. It includes feedback on plot, pacing, character arcs, stakes, worldbuilding, scene structure, subplots, narrative tension, and theme. Yes, I still do identify the issues. But I also offer specific guidance that will help you strengthen the manuscript as a whole.
Book Coaching
Book coaching is designed for writers who want ongoing support while drafting or revising a manuscript.
This is a bit like having a personal trainer for the entire writing process. Coaching sessions can include brainstorming, problem-solving, accountability check-ins, revision guidance, and feedback designed to keep your project moving forward. And, yes, there are frequent check-ins. Just as that personal trainer keeps you accountable, a book coach makes sure you keep plugging away, and the book doesn’t languish on your desktop untouched for weeks.
Book coaching can take place at any stage of the game: whether you’re working through a first draft or making your way through revision, coaching provides personalized one-on-one support tailored to your goals.
Copyediting / Line Editing
Once the big-picture work is complete, it’s time to polish the manuscript at the sentence level.
Copyediting and line editing focus on clarity, consistency, style, grammar, punctuation, and readability. I’ll help ensure your manuscript is clean, professional, and ready for submission or publication.
This service is ideal for writers who have already refined their story and are looking for a final editorial pass before sending their work out into the world.
Rates
For authors, I prefer to offer project-based quotes rather than hourly rates.
Project fees are determined by manuscript length, the level of editorial support requested, and the overall scope of the project. For book coaching, I offer monthly rates based on the frequency of consultations (weekly, biweekly, etc.).
If you’d like to discuss your project, please fill out the form below.
Testimonial
Holly is a publishing pro! Her reviews of my novels are always timely and thoughtful, and she draws on years of experience as an award-winning author to provide insightful assessments of my work that ultimately strengthen my manuscripts. – Jen Doktorski, YA author