Story Services
Objectively assessing the publication readiness of your own writing is difficult. Words and images have accumulated over time, research has multiplied, characters have refuse to stick to the outline—and after several drafts, you suspect you may have lost touch with your original intentions. Or is it…could it be…brilliant? If only you could run the whole manuscript past someone knowledgeable…
That's where I can help. Since starting my developmental editing business in 2006, I’ve been providing my clients honest, detached, and comprehensive feedback about their manuscripts, and pointing them toward possible solutions and the resources needed to achieve the results they desire.
Why? When someone plunks down money for your book, they deserve an entertaining and meaningful read. As your writing partner, my goal is to elevate your work toward that goal. Your passion for your story and your hard work will be met by mine. Those who know me would tell you that I have applied my all to everything I have done in life, and I will bring that experience and vitality to your manuscript. I love contributing to a winning team, and everyone wins when they are willing to do their very best!
I am not a perfect fit for every manuscript. Subjectivity reigns at every level of this industry; learning to target your work effectively begins in the writing and continues in choosing an editor. My fiction interests range from mainstream to literary, middle-grade through adult, in most character-driven genres; in nonfiction, I edit memoir and narrative nonfiction. I have particular expertise with novels based on true events and novels written by former journalists, whose works face specific challenges, and in women’s fiction and book club fiction, since I write both.
This customized, written critique will identify your project's strengths and missed opportunities through the evaluation of its underpinnings and characterizations. I'll let you know whether your major story elements are working for you and then suggest specific modifications or brainstorm alternate solutions. For what isn't working, I will either provide or point you toward craft resources that can shore it up. While stopping short of verifying your research, I'll comment on anything that I’m having trouble “buying.” Would some spots benefit from increased tension, a modification in pace, or higher stakes? I'll tell you. Is there potential for your themes and images to engage the reader more fully? I’ll tell you that, too.
For fiction and memoir projects, I will determine whether your plot is applying the pressure needed to create believable inner change in your protagonist. For nonfiction, I will comment on voice, focus, the logical presentation of information, and readability.
You will find feedback on your manuscript pages, but only a few sample pages of line edits—since some of the pages you submit might not end up in your final project anyway, let's save that level of polish until your story is in great shape. I will, however, include a list of issues that a line edit would address. Since a developmental edit can often feel overwhelming, I'll also include a plan for attacking the suggested revisions.
This service is for clients ready to shape the story for submission to agents, publishers, or to ready it for self-publication. This next step is a line edit that will examine how each and every word contributes to the efficacy of your story. From scene choice to word choice to every space and punctuation mark, I'll make sure your writing serves your story and represents you well. The pages will include comments on writing mechanics, setting, point of view, dialogue, and any continuity issues.
How do I know if my project is ready for the Craft Polish?
You qualify for this service if you have already received a structural edit from me and have completed the action plan for your developmental edit. Your Craft Polish will also include comments on whether the changes you made are working for you, and I'll identify any new problems that may have arisen. If you have not received a developmental edit from me, I'll need to see a sample of your work. See “How to Move Forward" section.
If you are ready to submit your work to agents and editors—or are receiving a lackluster reaction to your queries—you’ll want to be sure your submission materials don’t unwittingly contain deal-breaking or off-putting issues. An incredible bang for your buck at only $400, my Submission Package Review will ensure that your query letter, synopsis, and first ten manuscript pages create a powerful overview of your project—or, save you time by identifying clues that you may not be ready to submit just yet. Either way, this service can be eye-opening and beneficial.
1. Email me through my contact form to request services and tell me a bit about your manuscript. Include its genre, word count, and a brief synopsis (one paragraph will do). If the project is a good fit for me and if I can offer a calendar slot that works for you, we can move forward with a sample edit.
2. My sample edit will look different depending on the service.
Structural edit: I will do a test edit of 1,000 words from the middle of the manuscript to ensure we're a good fit and to provide a firm quote.
The Craft Polish: If we have not been working together on your manuscript, to qualify for this service, please submit a short pitch paragraph, a synopsis, and the first five pages of your novel, and I’ll make my best guess as to whether you're ready for a line edit. Even if I think the answer is yes, if at any point while reading your manuscript I determine that you need a full structural edit instead, I reserve the right to contact you about switching to that service.
Because of the comprehensive nature of my work, I must charge $200 for all sample edits. If you choose to book a service, that sum will serve as the non-refundable $200 down payment required of clients to hold their place in my queue.
The details of our collaboration, including time frame, confidentiality, and a final quote, will be spelled out in a countersigned letter of agreement. All work must be prepaid before delivery and is non-refundable.
3. Your evaluation begins with a professional presentation. Before sending any pages, ensure that your pages are formatted per industry standards.
Document
1-inch margins on all sides
12 pt. serif font such as Times New Roman
double spaced
left aligned
pages numbered in header or footer
your last name/title in the header on each page
each paragraph indented 0.5"
no extra space between paragraphs (if indicating a scene change, mark extra space with an asterisk)
use a hard page break at the end of each chapter
start new chapter on fresh page and drop down 1/4–1/3 page to number or title chapter
Title Page
include in the upper lefthand corner:
- name
- snail-mail address
- phone number
- email address
include in the top right corner:
- word count
centered on the page, include:
- TITLE
- by
- author name
Still too early in your writing process for developmental services? This small-group mentorship is a good option if you’d like guidance while drafting your novel. Conducted online via live video conference, this year-long program begins anew each January. You can read more here.
Confused as to which service you need? Let’s talk!
Use my contact form to set up a call. I’m happy to help clarify your best option.
Client Testimonials
“Kathryn is insightful and empathetic when editing. She's my ‘go to gal.’”
—Robin Gainey, optioned screenwriter and award-winning author
“She has more than once seen what I wanted to say before I did.”
—Kate Brandes, author of The Promise of Pierson Orchard and Stone Creek
“Kathryn has incredible energy and brings it all to the table for your project.”
—Jenny Krumrine, editing client
“Kathryn’s enthusiasm for my novel was infectious, and spurred me on to complete the final much faster than I would have on my own.”
—JF Althouse, author of Second Sight and Second Birth
“Kathryn has the ability to not only see the big picture aspects that need improving in a manuscript but the little details as well. She gives of herself to the writing community and is always there for others.”
—Janice Gable Bashman, writer, writing coach, and ghostwriter
