Editing Services
You've plotted, drafted, revised, and edited your manuscript and now it's time for someone else to step in. You've read it too many times, so you can't get any distance from it. Or maybe you've sent it to trusted critique partners and beta readers, but they disagree about what the manuscript needs.
You need a professional editor. Someone who loves books, loves making them shine, and can tell you the truth about what's working and what can be improved.
I've been editing manuscripts for twelve years. My critique partners have gone on to be traditionally published or have found success self-publishing. I have been an associate editor with an independent press since early 2022 and have been on the faculty for the American Night Writers Conference (2019 and 2020) and Storymakers Conference (2022 and 2023).
Pricing
Testimonials
I’m lucky enough to have had Gina critique and edit my work for years. Her critical eye has helped me polish and revise four novels that have gone on to be traditionally published. As an editor, she excels in characterization and plot, but she also keeps abreast of trends and tropes in publishing so that she can give feedback on ways to make tired storylines fresh again. She is a consummate professional who communicates clearly and is always responsive and timely in her feedback. I can’t imagine sending a book into the world without her input. - Kate Watson, YA Author
My Style and Genres
I offer sample edits of up to ten pages to see if we're a good match editorially. My goal is always to help your manuscript shine, to become the best version of itself. I never want to change your story into something it's not, into something that feels like mine instead of yours. Your voice matters. Your story matters. I want to help you bring it to life in a way that you're proud of and that connects with your readers.
I work in Word with Track Changes and heavily utilize the Comment feature. Rather than telling you what to fix, I often choose to ask questions that will drive you to make the necessary fixes in the way you see fit. In addition to inline edits and comments, Developmental Edits come with an edit letter that addresses overall story and character arcs, pacing, and genre expectations.
I edit both fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. Primarily, I read for an adult or young adult audience, and will often be a better fit for women's voices. I do read middle grade, chapter books, and picture books, but don't spend as much time editing those age categories.
In fiction, my favorite genres are:
- Fantasy, all subgenres
- Soft science fiction (sorry, I can't fact check your physics or chemistry or anything of the sort)
- Romance of all heat levels (but not ultra dark romances - I won't be the best fit for noncon or hard BDSM)
- Historical with a particular focus on 1700 - 1950 in Europe and the European diaspora in North America
- Contemporary literary and women's fiction
- Thrillers and Romantic Suspense, but mostly if you're looking for plot holes and plausibility
In nonfiction, my favorites are:
- Social justice and social history
- Memoir, but be warned that I will mercilessly address the marketability of your story
- History, particularly if it's about women, music, the revolutionary period, or subversive stories
- Parenting, education, homeschool, and child development
If you think I'd be a good fit for your work, send me an email. I'd love to fall in love with your story and help it shine!