Fiction Manuscript Editing Services
Does your story work?
Writing the first draft of your novel is an incredible achievement. But shaping your book into a story that works can feel daunting. You’ve consumed numerous craft books learning about character arcs, scene structure, story arcs, and settings. But applying this knowledge and editing your fiction manuscript can feel overwhelming. Before you know it, doubt creeps in. Your confidence sways. You swing from believing you’ve written a masterpiece to wondering what right you have to call yourself a writer (*ahem* Every right. You’ve drafted a novel, remember?).
However, first drafts are often about getting the story onto the page. Stories rarely land on the page fully formed and perfected. That’s where my fiction manuscript editing services comes in. A developmental edit will highlight your strengths and identify areas for you to focus on. It will also look in depth at how all those story principles are working in your book. Editing is invaluable to your story. But sometimes, it can leave you with unhelpful comments such as “add more depth to the setting in this scene”, or “your novel lags in the middle, consider increasing the pace in the first half of act two”. The editor neglects to show you how to make these improvements. Don’t worry. Help is at hand.
Discover book editing with specific, objective and actionable feedback on every scene that shows you how to craft a page-turning novel
Here’s how I help you craft a climatic, page-turning novel that readers crave:
Objective story principles
Feedback and advice is objective and based on 30+ story principles from entry hooks to point of view character’s goal.
Scene-by-scene analysis
Each scene is evaluated and edited against the story principles, so nothing is missed and you can craft the best version of your story.
Creative suggestions
No more wondering how to solve an issue. I make creative suggestions which you can use or ignore. Plus, they can spark new ideas.
Positive commentary
Positive comments on every scene boosts confidence, showcases skills and points you to where you’ve written like a story pro.
Actionable comments
Scenes comments are actionable, telling you how to improve. They’re like a tick list to a page-turning novel making book editing easy.
Story structure review
Your manuscript is assessed against key story arc scenes to ensure you have a solid, proven story structure that will satisfy readers.
Choose from one of three options…
Sample Edit
Not sure if I’m right for you? You can request a free edit of the first chapter of your fiction manuscript. While this can’t assess issues across the whole story, it will demonstrate the kind of scene-by-scene feedback you’ll receive on story principles such as character goal, complications, use of senses, and much more.
FREE
Manuscript Review
Not ready for a full manuscript edit? In that case, consider a manuscript review. This provides you with the cover letter overview which runs through all the different story elements and how your manuscript performs against these. It will show you your strengths and weaknesses so you know which areas require work.
£0.01 per word
Full Story Edit
This is the full fiction manuscript editing service. It is also the most popular choice. This edit provides you with a scene-by-scene edit showing you which story principles require work and which you’ve already done well. Alongside the scene editing on your manuscript, you also receive a cover letter which gives you a full overview.
£0.02 per word
A simple 3-step process to an actionable story edit
1. Choose your package
Choose the book editing package that’s right for you (yes, you’ll find the prices there, too), and feel free to contact me with any questions.
2. Book your slot
Either use the contact form or email me at tara@thewordprofessor.com, stating which book editing package you would like, so we can agree timeframes.
3. Relax and sit back
Pay the deposit to secure your slot and sit back and relax with your favourite hot drink, knowing your manuscript is getting the love it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which genres of fiction do you offer manuscript editing services for?
The main genres I edit are romance, bookclub fiction, literary fiction and women’s fiction. I can also edit crime and thriller novels. I do not edit fantasy, science fiction, young adult’s or childrens.
2. Do you also offer copy editing, line editing, and proof reading?
No, sorry, I don’t. My passion is stories and I chose to specialise in these. However, I do have various editors in my network if you would like to be referred on.
3. How long will my manuscript edit take?
A free sample will usually be back with you within a few days. The other services can vary depending on the length of the manuscript. However, time frames will be agreed beforehand. On average a manuscript review takes 2-3 weeks and a full story edit 4-6 weeks.
4. Will I be able to contact you for advice or to discuss my book after my edit?
Should you have questions following your story edit, then I would be happy to answer them via email. Plus. additional support is available in the form of hourly Zoom calls. You can purchase one of theses calls for £99.
5. What if I have additional questions before committing one of your fiction manuscript editing services?
I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. Simply use the contact me form or email tara@thewordprofessor.com.