Ready to take your novel from “promising” to powerful?

Developmental editing that digs deep into your story’s bones—and helps you rebuild it stronger

Hi! I’m Michael, a freelance book editor with 20 years of experience in writing and editing. I know how hard it is to see the forest for the trees when you're deep in your novel. Maybe you’ve poured your heart into the first draft, revised it (twice), and even let a friend read it—but something still isn’t quite clicking.

That’s where developmental editing comes in.

My job is to help you shape your story into the best version of itself. I’ll work closely with your manuscript to untangle plot issues, strengthen characters, sharpen your pacing, and make sure everything flows with purpose and emotional resonance—all while preserving your voice and vision.

No fluff. No red pen slashing through your dreams. Just expert-level storytelling support with honesty, insight, and a sense of humor.

  • What writers have said about my feedback:

    “Michael, thank you so much for your encouraging words! I so appreciate your perspectives and critique!”

    “Thank you, Michael. I appreciate your insight and guidance!”

    “I really hope you can continue to give me such wonderful feedback in the 6-month rewrite! Thank you for all your suggestions and guidance throughout this year!”

    Writers I love:

    I’ve admired, studied, and emulated the writing of many of the greats in sci-fi and fantasy, including Robert Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, Fritz Leiber, Michael Moorcock, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lloyd Alexander, Ursula Le Guin, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, Michael Swanwick, Charles Stross, and more.

    I’m also a fan of modern fiction, including “literary” writers like Toni Morrison, Louise Erdrich, and Barbara Kingsolver.

    Other experience:

    Since 2018, I’ve written dozens of short stories through the Deadlines for Writers online writing challenges and worked on my own novel. I also served as a beta reader for writers working on short stories and first drafts and rewrites of novels.

    Fun stuff:

    I also love cats, Cuban coffee, and cool t-shirts.

Developmental Editing

($0.035 per word)

This is the best option if you're looking for in-depth, story-level help. I’ll read your manuscript carefully and provide holistic feedback designed to help you revise with confidence and clarity. Think of me as your story’s second brain: sharp, kind, and just a little obsessive.

Perfect for fiction writers who:

  • Have finished a draft (or two or three) but still feel something’s not clicking

  • Want to make sure their plot, characters, and pacing hold up from start to finish

  • Need expert help before querying agents or self-publishing

  • Are stuck in the revision process and want to break through the fog

  • Crave clear, honest feedback that doesn’t crush their soul

Why Work With Me?

Writers say I’m insightful, clear, and great at asking the questions that unlock their next breakthrough. I combine story expertise with a practical approach—so you’ll walk away with both a big-picture vision and concrete steps to get there.

Writing a novel is a long journey. I’ll help make the revision stage feel a whole lot less lonely (and even a little exciting).

What You’ll Get

  • In-line comments and suggestions throughout your manuscript. From character motivations to pacing hiccups to line-level improvements that affect flow or clarity—I’ll leave notes to help you shape your story scene by scene.

  • A 5–10 page editorial letter. A comprehensive analysis of what’s working, what needs improvement, and how to approach your next draft. We’ll cover plot arcs, subplots, character development, world-building, tone, theme, and more.

  • One-on-one feedback session (60 minutes). We’ll meet via Zoom to review my notes, discuss your questions, and brainstorm your next moves. (Bring snacks. Or wine. Or both.)

  • Optional follow-up support. Available if you want to keep working together on future drafts.

The Details

  • Advance Bookings: Reserve your 2025 spot now—future-you will thank you when my rates go up.

  • Genres Accepted: Fantasy, science fiction (including YA), horror, adventure, mystery, historical fiction, and select literary fiction. (No poetry or religious fiction. Not sure? Just ask!)

  • Payment: 50% due at booking, remaining 50% due before final delivery. I accept PayPal, Venmo, and other major online payment methods.

  • Cancellations & Rescheduling: Cancellations or reschedules must be made 30 days in advance.

  • Turnaround Time: Depends on project length. I’ll provide a time estimate when we book—good editing takes time, but I’ll keep you updated throughout.

  • Got questions? Shoot me an email—I’d love to hear about your project!

Not sure if you’re ready?

Use the button below to book a free 30-minute call—no pressure, just a friendly chat about your story and how I can help.

FAQs

  • A manuscript evaluation gives you big-picture feedback in a shorter editorial letter, without comments in the manuscript itself. A developmental edit is more intensive—it includes in-line comments and a longer letter with detailed analysis of structure, pacing, characters, world-building, and more. It’s ideal if you’re ready to revise and want specific, scene-level suggestions.

  • Yes. Developmental edits are for full manuscripts only. If you’re working on an outline or a partial draft, I’d recommend a coaching session or a critique of your synopsis or first few chapters instead. Feel free to reach out and we can chat about what’s right for your stage.

  • I do—but I recommend going through at least one revision on your own first. You’ll get more out of the edit (and save yourself money and time in the long run) if your manuscript is in solid shape before we begin.

  • Yes! Your edit includes a 1-hour Zoom call to discuss the feedback, brainstorm fixes, and plan your next steps. You can also follow up by email if you need clarification on anything in the letter or notes.

  • Nope! Developmental editing focuses on big-picture elements like plot, pacing, character arcs, and world-building. Line edits and copyedits—where we get into sentence-level polish—come later, after you’ve revised the manuscript based on developmental feedback.

  • Turnaround depends on your word count and my current schedule, but generally, it takes 4–8 weeks. I’ll give you a more specific timeline when we lock in your booking.

  • I offer optional follow-up services, including a revision check-in or a second look after major rewrites. We can talk about your needs during our post-edit Zoom call.

  • Awesome—love to see progress. I offer follow-up services at a discounted rate for returning clients. Just let me know what you need.

  • I typically ask for 50% at booking and 50% when you submit your manuscript. If you need to break that up further, just ask—I’m happy to work with you when possible.