Imagine your readers

up at ridiculous o’clock because they have to read one more chapter

You love your idea. The thought of seeing a book with your name on it out there in the world gives you the good kind of butterflies. And perhaps a few nervous ones too, but that’s ok. You’ve got this.

Problem is, by the time you’ve finished your manuscript, you’re starting to go a little cross eyed. You’re so immersed in the story that you can’t get far enough away to be objective. 

Is the pacing page-turningly good, or muddled? Would that character really say that? Does your prose grab your readers by the hearts the way you dreamed of?

You need someone to take an eagle-eyed view.

You already know what you want your book to be.

You know your work better than anyone. My job is to help you transmute your manuscript into the book you’re dreaming of.

My editing style focuses on:

  • Honest, actionable critique. I'll give you a true assessment of what works and what doesn't.

  • Practical suggestions and hands-on teaching examples to help you refine your prose.

  • Making sure your plots are binge-worthy and your characters are unforgettable.

  • Understanding your vision for your book so we can laser-focus on achieving that.

  • Bringing out the strongest version of your voice.

Why choose me?

I’ve been a wordsmith officially since 2008, and playing with words all my life.

My background in copywriting, ghostwriting and brand coaching adds some unique skills to the mix:

  • I know how to make every word count. If you’re struggling with wordy prose, showing vs telling, or too much exposition I can show you how to fix it.

  • My brand voice coaching skills mean I’ve got a strong ear for your voice and how you express your ideas.

  • I’ve spent nearly two decades honing my ability to polish and polish again until prose gleams. If you need practical help reworking your sentences, I’ve got your back.

  • I’ve got a strong sense of what makes a book work. Flow and pacing are my jam!

  • I go beyond the words to create deep heartfelt relationships with your readers by making sure your words create an unforgettable emotional connection.

My editorial services include:

Manuscript assessments

What is it?

A high level overview of your manuscript. We’ll have a chat about what you like and don’t like. Then I'll read your book at least twice and send you a detailed report highlighting key strengths, areas for improvement, and any plot tangles or inconsistencies that need help. I won't touch your actual manuscript - this service is an overview only. Suitable for novels and nonfiction books.

Who’s it for?

You’ll get a readers-eye view of the story that helps you understand your book’s strengths and weaknesses, and what to do about them. This gives you a good overview with plenty of practical pointers.

Fees and timing

Starts at $1000 USD for 75,000 words. Payment plans available.

Takes four weeks for 75,000 words or less, and up to six weeks for longer manuscripts.

Developmental editing

What is it?

An in-depth edit that focuses on the underlying structure of your book, making sure the bones are strong. We’ll look at plot, structure, flow, world building and characters. Nonfiction writer? We’ll make sure the underlying structure and the takeaways for your readers work.

Who’s it for?

You've got questions about the big picture stuff, or you know there are some bits that just aren't working. You're less concerned with word choice and more concerned with whether the world building works, the magic system makes sense, or the characters are compelling enough. I’ll go through your manuscript in detail highlighting areas to improve, suggesting changes, and pointing out wonky bits that need a little help.

Fees and timing

$0.04 - $0.05 per word. Payment plans available.

Takes 4 - 8 weeks depending on the amount of work needed (based on 80,000 words)

Line editing

What is it?

I'll break out my tool kit and dive deep into your manuscript on the sentence level. I’ll make in-depth suggestions and hands-on tweaks to improve syntax, flow, word choice, style, and reader experience.

Who’s it for?

You know the overall plot, structure, and characters work. The worldbuilding's strong. The characters are running the show, just as it should be. Now you're ready to see your prose truly shine and forge deep connections with your readers.

Fees and timing

$0.03 - $0.045 per word. Payment plans available.

Takes 2.5 - 6 weeks depending on the amount of work needed (based on 80,000 words)

Heavy editing / ghostwriting

What is it?

Heavy editing is like line editing on a sugar high. I’ll dig deep into your manuscript, rewriting sentences and paragraphs, and moving sections around as needed. It’s an intense and hands-on form of editing that marries my ghostwriting skills with your ideas.

Who’s it for?

Heavy editing is for you if you’re still learning your craft or you’re not happy with your prose, but you’re eager to get this done. As well as getting highly polished prose from a professional writer, you get an inside look at what it takes to make prose shine and create strong emotional connections. You get a better manuscript, and multiple teachable moments that you can take and use to improve your own writing craft.

We’ll do a free sample edit first to be sure you’re happy with my approach, and feel confident that I can capture your voice.

Fees and timing

Starts at $0.08 per word. Exact fees depend on the condition of the manuscript and the amount of rewriting or from scratch writing needed. Payment plans available.

Takes 6 - 10 weeks depending on the amount of work needed (based on 80,000 words)

Detailed nonfiction book planning (including exercises for your readers)

What is it?

Whether you want to teach your readers to make artisan cheese, or build their self esteem, you need a plan. Nonfiction book planning draws on my experience planning and ghostwriting nonfiction books to give you an outline that ensures you’re never lost for what to write next.

Who’s it for?

This service is for you if you’ve got a nonfiction book in mind, but don’t know where to start. Or you have started but goshdarnit, it’s like herding cats.

Fees and timing

Starting at $850 USD. Payment plans available. Fees include a 90 minute strategy call, and a chapter by chapter plan for your book. This sets out your ideal reader, your core message, the number of chapters you’ll write, and bullet points of what you’ll include in each. We can also fill out the outline beyond the bullet points, and work together to create takeaways and exercises for your ideal reader.

Not sure what you need?

No problem. Get in touch and we’ll figure it out.

Frequently asked questions

  • I can sometimes take on a rush project. Get in touch to see if I've got a slot with your name on it!

  • Yes. I offer a 1000 word sample edit to assess the level of editing you need, and be sure we're a good fit. Get in touch to book yours.

  • Sometimes, if the project's a good fit for my skills and we click well. You're very welcome to reach out.

  • My style is encouraging, honest and practical. I'll tell you what's not working and how to make it better. And I'll point out what's working well, so you can keep doing that. I believe in encouraging authors, and that comes through in my upbeat attitude and strong belief that the gold is already there in your writing, we just need to bring it out and shine it up.

  • I prefer to work in Google Docs where possible, but I can also work in Word. I don't accept any other formats.

  • No and never.

  • Payment is via the Bonsai payment system, which my clients tell me is super easy to use (it accepts most major credit and debit cards.)

    All projects attract a non-refundable 25% deposit to secure your place on my calendar. Subsequent payments can be split into instalments.

  • I sometimes work with authors pursuing the traditional publishing route, especially with book coaching and manuscript assessments.