Editing
Feeling stuck?
Is your story ‘almost there,' but you sense something's lacking?
Do you have a great premise, but not sure if you're nailing it? Do you have a million great scenes, but they're just not threading together cohesively?
Ready to roll?
Or maybe you're ready to submit your story to editors and agents, or release it into the wilds as an indie self-publisher.
No matter where you're at, I can help with intensive developmental & line editing.
Developmental edits involve looking at both ‘big story' arcs as well as scene-by-scene progression and beats.
I read with an eye for arcs for both the hero & heroine, for the romance conflict, and for plot (no one understands how hard romance writers work). I also read for tension, characterization, conflict, and pace.
I balance ‘voice' with story, so I won't be trying to change your story into something it's not.
Instead, I'll be working to help you uncover it. Dig deep, chisel away at it until you find its white hot core.
We can work together at any stage of the writing process.
Whether it's after your first draft or when you're ready for a final polish, I can help.
I tend to provide loads of inline comments, as well as suggestions on how to implement the ideas, should they resonate.
I also give you a narrative overview document, summarizing the inline feedback, outlining major issues/themes/places to focus. If there's a particular area you're concerned about, let me know beforehand and I'll give extra attention to it!
Editing for ‘story' rather than proofreading
These are developmental & line edits. What's that mean??
Developmental edits focus ‘big story' issues. Does your story have a strong spine? Are you tapping everything you can? Are your character's arcing? How does the plot intertwine with the romance & both character arcs.
Line edits do what they say–go through line by line. They're sort of a hybrid–they focus on the smaller details–wording, clarity, continuity, and smaller details–but they also look at ‘big story” things, such as how backstory is introduced and pacing issues. They also address ways to ramp up the power of your prose.
Copy edits focus on things like grammar, spelling, readability, and calling out inconsistencies.
Proofreading is final step to check for mistakes, like typos, misplaced commas, and missing words.
What you'll get with me are the first two–developmental & line edits.
Officially, I don't do copy edits or proofreading or fact-checking, but rest assured, I'll point out anything I see or have questions about, and make suggestions.
Why Choose Me
I'm an author, and I love romance. So I get it. I know what it's like to write it, and I know what it's like to read it.
I also teach writing craft. I've taught with RWA (Romance Writers of America), WriterUniv, and Savvy Authors.
I've edited many romances. I'm relentless with my own stories, and I will be with yours too. I dig deep & offer loads of specific feedback on how to power up your story, & often give specific examples you can use if they resonate for you.
Come on, it'll be fun!
Someone told me I better put in my awards and such, to prove to you I know what I'm doing, so here's me, doing that uncomfortable bit.
My books have:
◊ Been named “Must Read Romances”by USA TODAY's Happily Ever After site. (King's Warrior, Claiming Her, Deception)
◊ Won RWA's Golden Heart Award (The Irish Warrior)
◊ Won Romantic Times'/RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award for Best Historical Romance Hero of the Year (Deception)
◊ Received multiple starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly
◊ Been consistently placed on Best Of lists
But as much as I love writing romances (both historical & contemporary), I also love editing and digging into the craft with other writers. I just love…Story.
I'd love to help you with yours.
Fees
I charge $.01/word (for a 50K romance, that's $500.) For my repeat authors, I offer a 20% discount: only $.008/word!
Turnaround
I'm pretty quick with turn-around. When you book, we'll come up with a schedule that works for both of us.