Manuscript Review
A full developmental edit or a quicker assessment – whatever you need
You send me your manuscript.
I send you notes.
Simple.
You've passed that first hurdle and written a complete draft of your memoir. Now it's time for some expert eyes on it.
You're ready for someone to tell you what's working and what's not working, to find all the places your storytelling could be clearer, your characters brighter, your message stronger.
You're not afraid of having your work dissected -- in fact, you're hungry for it.
It's time for the next draft, and you want it to absolutely shine.
I offer full developmental edits and briefer manuscript reviews.
In each service, I'll read through your complete draft and return notes on everything that affects its readiness for publication. We're talking structure, organization, repetition, missing pieces, character development, story arc, style, stakes, pacing, repeated grammatical errors, wobbly tone, whether or not the themes of your memoir are coming through clearly... the list goes on and on.
A manuscript review is a broad diagnosis of any issues with your draft.
A developmental edit includes specific advice and suggestions on how to fix those issues.
What You Get
Manuscript Review
A broad overview of every major element of your manuscript, from story to character to voice to pacing to structure
A three- to five-page report on what's working and what's not
An optional 60-minute call to discuss your book and to clarify anything you're feeling fuzzy about
When to choose this:
You have a complete draft of your memoir
Perhaps your writing group or some close friends have read it, but you haven't had any professional eyes on it yet
You have taken your manuscript as far as you can by yourself, and you need an expert review to know what to work on next
You're ready to make big changes in your next draft
You want to run with the feedback and find your own answers for sticky spots in the manuscript
Price per word:
$0.022 / £0.016
Developmental Edit
A detailed rundown of everything your manuscript needs to be ready for self-publication or submission to agents
A 10- to 30-page editorial review with higher-level notes and suggestions
A marked-up copy of your manuscript with specific suggestions, comments, and questions in the margins
An optional 60-minute call to discuss your book and talk through my suggestions for your next revision
When to choose this:
You have a complete draft of your memoir, and you might be several drafts in
You want detailed, page-by-page feedback on your draft and actionable suggestions for how to improve it
You want a hands-on partnership to help you navigate the changes your memoir needs
You're ready to invest some time and money in the process
Price per word:
$0.036 / £0.024
I had an idea and I knew I wanted to turn it into a book, but I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. With Stephanie's help and guidance and superb editing skills, I soon managed to turn my spark into a full-blown book! I am so pleased I used Stephanie's services, and just to top it off, I already have an offer from a publisher, which I don't think would ever have happened without Stephanie's help.
Natalie Anson-Wright
Stephanie is a delight to work with. She helps you nurture your writing into the best it can be, letting you know what can be improved, added, and rewritten. At the same time she is also very encouraging, charming, and friendly too. With positive notes and clear understanding of what she is doing, she has become one of my biggest writing cheerleaders.
Jon Bolitho-Pearn
Writing a book can be a daunting task, or at least it was for me. I was blessed to find Stephanie, who I believe went above and beyond in helping me write, organize, and bounce chapter ideas with her. It was nice to know that I could completely trust her and know the work was being done professionally.
I am beyond thrilled with the final product and I believe whoever is lucky enough to have her on their team will benefit immensely.
Penelope Bunsen
