Editing Services

“When you write a book, you spend day after day scanning and identifying the trees. When you’re done, you have to step back and look at the forest.”

― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

You've done the gargantuan task of finishing a novel! Congratulations!! Take a moment to feel incredible. You deserve it.

Hiya! I’m Ace, a freelance editor. I have an M.A. in Creative Writing and Publishing and professional experience as a Page Editor and in London-based independent publishing houses.

Every writer deserves a partner who understands their artistic vision and can help bring it to life. We'd be a great fit if you are looking for:

• An empathetic approach that empowers my writers and nurtures creativity

• Detailed, in-depth feedback and a collaborative approach

As a writer myself, I understand the plight of authors and the importance of a second set of eyes. I always focus on things that work well and areas for improvement. Get excited to turn your writing into the best version of itself!

You need someone who gets it

Developmental Edit 📚

Structural support for early drafts, messy drafts, complex narratives or new authors.

• Editorial letter + in-document tracked comments throughout

• Chapter-by-chapter feedback

• Suggestions for restructuring, plot holes, and character development

• Optional 60-minute strategy session

• Two readthroughs

Price: £0.025 per word
Typically 6-8 weeks

Who is this for?

Writers with an unfinished draft or have recently completed a first draft. If you are looking for in-depth feedback on how the creative story elements in your novel can be developed for maximum impact. Or if you have started a story and want assistance with the direction of the rest of the story.

Manuscript Assessment ✨

A lighter version of the developmental edit. Focuses on big picture story elements, without in-text edits. For near-final drafts needing a last sweep right before querying or self-publishing.

• Editorial letter of comments about plot, structure and characters

• Consistency check

• Optional 60-minute strategy session video call.

• One read through

Price: $0.18 per word
Typically 3-5 weeks

Who is this for?

• Authors on a tighter budget who still want detailed feedback!

• Authors who need guidance on the overall direction of their manuscript or want to understand its potential before investing in a more intensive edit

• Authors who want a pre-developmental edit for early drafts.

• Authors who are post-developmental, edit and looking for a follow-up review

• Authors who have been through several rounds of critiques and are confident in their self-revision skills

Line-by-Line Edit ☕

Sentence-level polish to elevate prose while retaining author voice. Great for authors looking to elevate prose.

• Sentence-level editing for clarity, flow, and tone

• Suggestions for tightening language and enhancing rhythm

• Tracked changes for clarity and tone

• Margin notes for style suggestions

Price: $0.020 per word
Typically 4-6 weeks

Who is this for?

Writers with a completed draft who need a fresh perspective. If your draft has a clear plot and you are looking for editing at the sentence and paragraph level, this edit is for you.

Frequently asked questions ✍

What genres do you edit?

My first love is science fiction, fantasy, and romantasy!

I also work in historical fiction, romance, LGBTQIA+, speculative fiction, mystery, memoirs, literary fiction and YA.

I'm not the best fit for body horror or gore.

What is your editing style?

I focus on detailed and actionable feedback. I learned lots of different writing structures and rules I can present to you and explain how to best apply or break these rules in the context of your story! You can expect praise feedback (so you can learn what works), advice feedback (to explain various ways to strengthen certain elements) and reaction feedback (so you can understand reader responses to plot twists and turns). I'm also a big fan of asking questions to discovering the story and your specific goals.

No one has ever read my work and I'm terrified!

First, I am honored you are considering me to be one of the first sets of eyes on your work. Second it is completely natural to be nervous to share your work. I often work with debut authors and my goal is to make you feel comfortable throughout the process. Please let me know if there are any accommodations to ensure the process is easier for you!

Do I need editing if I want to publish traditionally?

While you don't need anything, agents and publishers are busy and are much more likely to champion a book that is well developed and edited vs a book that needs a lot of structural support before it can go to market.

An objective and professional look over your work can help you stand out in the "slush pile" (the hundreds of query letters agents get in their inbox daily).

Payment plan and discounts

All returning clients will receive 10% off.

The standard payment plan is 15% due at time of booking. A 35% deposit is due before I begin. The remaining 50% is due just before completion.

I prefer Wise for as the payment method, but am happy to discuss other possible plans and options.

Get in touch 📝

Send me a short note about what kind of edit you're interested in, a little about your piece and how long it is,

OR if you're unsure what kind of edit you need book a free 20 minute call to discuss your projects and your goals.

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