Developmental Editing, Editorial Assessment, and Beta Reading
Your story should leave a mark on your readers’ hearts.
We all have that one book—or several—we still think about years after finishing. These stories carry us through life’s hardest moments, and it reminds us who we are when we feel lost.
I chose to specialise in historical fiction and fantasy, because they have a way of reaching us indirectly. Through other worlds and other times, they touch on things that feel difficult to face directly.
For every project, I dedicate my full attention, skill, and passion, so your story can truly connect with readers, and you can feel confident in the work you share with the world.
“Working with Marie was the best thing for my book. I had been going through draft after draft, and I had no clarity on where the story needed to go next. I found Marie after searching the internet for someone who understands historical fiction, and I can confidently say she does! She took so much time and care with my manuscript, and with my anxiety about past experiences with other editors, and made me feel so at ease. Her edit was thorough, and I knew (finally!) what I needed to do next. Most of all, she was so supportive throughout and after the edit was complete. I will recommend her to others I know!”
What our collaboration looks like
We chat briefly to make sure we’re a good fit and discuss your manuscript’s current stage, your goals, and how I can best support you. You can request a free sample edit (up to 1,000 words) to see if my editing style resonates with you.
After we sign a contract, you send me your manuscript, and I dive in for a full read. I will also read your comp titles and do additional research to better understand the context of your story and its themes.
I read your manuscript 2 times.Throughout the process, I stay in touch, asking questions and keeping the conversation open so the edit stays aligned with your vision.
I return your feedback by the agreed deadline. You’ll receive an editorial letter (10+ pages) with big-picture notes. If it’s a developmental edit, you’ll also get margin comments and chapter-by-chapter breakdown.
You have my ongoing support. There’s no ticking clock after delivery. You’re welcome to take your time, reflect, revise. Then, we exchange voice notes or direct messages to go over your questions, ideas, and next steps.
Developmental Edit
For authors who need thorough, detailed guidance - every chapter, every scene
Your manuscript is written, and you've poured your heart and soul into building this world and these characters. You've spent countless hours with your story, taking it from an idea to a completed and revised draft.
After all that dedicated work, it can be incredibly challenging to see the big picture when you're so close to your own words. You don’t see if your plot threads are in place, if character motivations are clear, or if the pacing is right. It takes a fresh, expert pair of eyes to see the forest and the trees.
I'll dive deep into your manuscript to make the foundation of your story stronger. I'll look at core elements like plot, pacing, character arcs, world-building, and thematic development.
What’s Included:
A detailed editorial letter covering:
- Plot, pacing, and emotional flow
- Character development and arcs
- Worldbuilding clarity and consistency
- Loose ends or confusing sections
- Overall strengths and areas to deepenIn-line margin notes throughout the manuscript
Suggestions on structure, character arcs, scene tension, emotional continuity
- Specific recommendations on what to cut, expand, or move
Bonus: Forever support – no deadline on post-edit questions.
Rate: $0.017/word
Turnaround time: 4-7 weeks (depends on the word count)
Editorial Assessment
For authors who want expert feedback they can implement themselves
An editorial assessment is perfect when you’ve got an already self-revised draft but need a professional perspective on what’s working and what isn’t.
Maybe you’re not ready for deep edits yet, or you’re the type of writer who likes to tackle revisions independently. Either way, I’ll give you a detailed, big-picture evaluation of your story’s strengths and areas to refine. You’ll walk away knowing exactly where to focus your energy.
What’s Included:
A detailed editorial letter covering:
- Plot, pacing, and emotional flow
- Character development and arcs
- Worldbuilding clarity and consistency
- Loose ends or confusing sections
- Overall strengths and areas to deepenUnlimited support post-delivery
Rate: $0.009/word
Turnaround time: 2-4 weeks (depends on the word count)
Beta Reading
For authors who need to know how real readers will respond
Before you hit publish (or send to the agents), it’s important to know how your book is actually received by readers. Are they hooked from chapter one? Do some scenes drag? Is your ending as satisfying as you hope? I’ll read your book as a passionate (but honest!) test audience, giving you detailed feedback on pacing, emotional impact, and overall readability.
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, YA
What’s Included:
A feedback letter covering:
- Reader Reaction Summary
- Pacing & Engagement Notes
- Character Impressions
- Emotional Impact Assessment
- Clarity & Consistency Checks
- Ending Satisfaction Evaluation
- General Reader Experience
Rate: $0.003/word
Turnaround time: 2-3 weeks (depends on the word count)
“It's very easy to have your nose so far in your own words that you miss important structural or thematic issues. Marie was an external, impartial voice who pointed these places out. I felt that she really understood the story I was trying to tell. The feedback and suggestions she gave (including a couple of craft books to check out) were specific, actionable, and got me excited about the next steps.”
— Jamie Broker, author of Once Upon a Wrensong, cozy fantasy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not necessarily. Most writers prefer to communicate via email. If you’d like a short call to talk through your goals before we begin, I’m happy to schedule one.
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The first option is to pay 50% upfront, with the remaining balance due on the day I deliver the edits. Alternatively, you can choose a custom payment plan, which allows you to spread out the cost over time with installments.
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If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help. Just send me a short message describing your draft’s current stage and what kind of feedback you’re looking for. We can figure it out together.
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Finding the right editor is a big decision, and I want you to feel confident before you commit. That’s why I offer a free sample edit of up to 1,000 words. This gives you a chance to see how I approach your work and whether my editing style resonates with you.