Choosing a service

Not sure which service best suits your needs? This guide will help you find the perfect match for your novel.

Help! I need feedback as soon as possible!

While it’s preferable to book an editor weeks or months ahead, I understand sometimes life gets in the way. Maybe your previous editor has cancelled or your timeline has changed and now you need feedback sooner than expected.

If you’re in a hurry, please reach out at your earliest convenience. I leave room in my schedule to accommodate urgent requests, so I can sometimes fit in a developmental edit or manuscript evaluation at short notice. However, where possible please book ahead so I can work around your timeline. I take bookings several months in advance, so it’s never too early to book in your edit.

What if by “as soon as possible”, I mean I need feedback within three days? Can you still help me?

This will depend on my current schedule and the length of your novel. I can complete a manuscript evaluation or a novel scan in a few days if I have the capacity to block out my schedule. When you reach out please indicate that your request is urgent and include any hard deadlines.

I need all the help I can get.

A standard developmental edit is the best service for you as it will help you understand the full state of your novel.

This is my first time writing a novel.

Congratulations on becoming a writer! If you’ve finished your first draft and have already identified some areas to work on, you might prefer to do a round of self-editing before hiring a developmental editor. On the other hand, if you’re not sure what to do next, a developmental edit will put you in an excellent position to move forward. A manuscript evaluation is a more affordable alternative.

If you’ve gotten halfway through and you can’t figure your way out of a plot pickle, I suggest a plot assessment or basic developmental edit.

I’m on a budget.

If you’re looking for a more affordable service, I recommend a basic developmental edit, manuscript evaluation or a novel scan.

I feel like my novel is missing something, but I don’t know what.

A standard developmental edit will give you the full view of your novel. If you feel your issue is plot-related or don’t want a full developmental edit, you might prefer a basic developmental edit.

I’ve written my first draft but I’m stuck on how to move forward.

A standard developmental edit will help you identify the best way forward with your novel.

I haven’t started writing yet, and I’m already stuck!

Many writers struggle with the first steps to write their novel. I recommend coaching to help you get started.

I was writing my novel, but one of my characters has gone off and done their own thing! Now my plot is in shambles.

This is an all too familiar tale. If your novel is nearly finished, I recommend a developmental edit or manuscript evaluation. If you’re still in the early stages, a plot assessment is more appropriate.

I’m ready to query or self-publish my novel. Is it too late to get feedback?

It’s never too late to get feedback. I offer pre-querying and pre-publishing packages for writers who would like their querying or publishing materials reviewed, including the start of your novel.

I’ve been submitting my novel to agents or publishers, but I’m not getting anywhere.

Publishing is highly competitive, so please remember the reason for your rejection might not have anything to do with your novel. It could be related to current trends in the industry, or simply that the agent or publisher already has a similar novel lined up. I suggest you start with a basic developmental edit to assess where your novel is at.

If you think the issue lies with your query letter, take a look at my pre-querying package.

An agent or publisher asked to see part or all of my novel, but then turned it down.

Since the start impressed them, there’s probably an overarching plot, prose or character issue at play here. I recommend a standard developmental edit or manuscript evaluation to help you find these problems. Though as mentioned above, publishing is highly competitive, so please remember the reason for your rejection might not have anything to do with your novel.

I want to improve my prose.

A standard developmental edit is the best option for you!

I’ve published my novel, but it’s not receiving the traction I expected.

It’s always disappointing when your novel is not performing as well as you hoped. To help you identify what’s not working, a basic developmental edit or a novel scan is the most affordable way to get an idea of where your novel is at.

I haven’t quite found what I’m looking for.

If you’re looking for a more tailored service, I recommend coaching or contacting me for advice. Please note I don’t offer proofreading, line editing or copy editing services.