Fiction Developmental Editor & Writing Coach

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Every writer needs a helping hand...

Manuscript evaluation

Have you thought “Okay… but is this actually working?” at least once (or, let’s be honest, 237 times)?

Well, congrats, you’re officially a writer. 

A manuscript evaluation is your go-to for professional, craft-based feedback without getting lost in a sea of inline comments or paying for a developmental edit too soon. It can light the way like a sleuth’s flashlight in a shadowy park.

Whether you’re on your first draft or your fifth, an evaluation helps you uncover structural weaknesses, inconsistencies, plot twists, or clues that need tidying up, and an array of other areas that may need strengthening before diving into heavier edits

“Rachel is the best editor I have ever worked with! She has a unique way of delivering her edits that makes you feel excited to make the changes instead of embarrassed that you need to edit that thing. Her deep knowledge of psychology allows her edits to enhance your writing so that it resonates deeper with your readers and helps you bring the rich complexity of your characters to life. Best believe she will be the first person I thank in my acknowledgements!”

Neno Littlewood

Author & Book Coach, Writers Rebellion

Sound like you? If so, you're gonna love this...

  • You’ve self-edited until you're dizzy and need fresh eyes on what’s working and what’s not. 
  • You crave big-picture guidance on plot, pacing, character motivation/ arcs, and all those little details that make your characters and setting sing.
  • You’re curious if your book has too few, too many, or just the right amount of genre tropes readers crave.
  • You're seeking insights on genre-specific components such as twists in your mystery plot, swoon-worthy (or steamy) moments for your characters, or how your world’s magic adds to the story.
  • You’re preparing for developmental editing and want insights to dodge expensive rewrites by getting your book in great shape before submitting it to an editor.
  • You’re preparing for developmental editing and want insights to dodge expensive rewrites by getting your book in great shape before submitting it to an editor.

“I received general feedback and specific edits from Rachel, and I was impressed. From her overall tone (upbeat, supportive, honest) to her keen eye, Rachel did not disappoint. I can highly recommend her to anyone wishing to improve their craft and reach their publishing goals.”

Kim Kelly Stamp

Memoirist

Get the clarity and direction to craft your most captivating draft yet

Rates start at $0.017/ word ($400 minimum) | Turnaround time 3-4 weeks

Story development

I’ll do one full read-through of your manuscript with my detective hat on (from a reader and editor point of view). Be prepared for insights and questions about plot, character development, pacing, tension, structure, and market fit.  

 

Gentle edits

You’ll receive light in-line comments throughout your manuscript excerpt, including reactions, questions, and technique suggestions to improve clarity, style, and meet genre expectations. With my honest and gentle feedback, you can revise your story with confidence.

 

No fluff editorial letter

Get a 2-3 page editorial letter detailing your novel’s strengths, challenges, and recommendations for revisions.

Additional feedback

Receive a 45-minute follow-up call (or email consultation) to discuss feedback, brainstorm revisions, or ask questions.

If you’re interested in more hands-on support after your evaluation, I offer private coaching sessions and workshops to help you implement editorial feedback.

When can I get in?

  • June: 1 available
  • July: 2 available
  • August: 2 available
  • September: 1 available
  • October: 2 available
  • November: 2 available
  • December: 1 available

“The hardest part for me was getting started, and Rachel gently pushed me and offered me a structure to get going – and not to get stuck overworking any single chapter or paragraph (a big challenge for me!). I would have never started, let alone finished, without Rachel’s thoughtful, kind, and direct assistance. If you’re looking for a Method and Moxie, Rachel can help you.”

Derrick Hull

Nonfiction Author

Time for a blind date

Start with a free taste

We’re gonna kick things off with a sample edit.

In a sample edit, I edit a 1,000-word excerpt of your manuscript for FREE. I ask for the entire manuscript so I can get an overall feel for the story and your writing. I typically choose a section at least several chapters into the book because you’ve likely spent more time working on the beginning, and it often differs from the rest of your book since you are setting up the story and characters. Something from the middle better represents your writing style and structure for the bulk of your book. 

This process serves two key purposes:

  1. Meet and Greet: It’s our literary “first date.” You experience my editing and communication style, which helps you determine if my approach aligns with your needs.
  2. Price Quote and Turnaround Time: No two manuscripts need the same TLC. By evaluating a section of your manuscript, I can gauge how long the full edit will take, which allows me to create an accurate price quote and timeline.

Please note, a sample edit might contain more or fewer marginal comments than the actual development edit, since I’m trying to show you what you can expect over a short section of text. With a full developmental edit, you’ll get an in-depth editorial letter with examples, resources, and more in addition to the in-line (marginal) comments. 

Tell me oh editor friend, how does this work?

Whether or not you choose to continue working with me, you’ll walk away with valuable feedback on the section I review, at no cost to you. If I feel like your manuscript isn’t quite ready for a developmental edit, I’ll be upfront with you about that and suggest alternative next steps.

When you request a sample edit, you’ll be taken to a short intake form. Here you’ll tell me about your book, any areas of concern you have, your timeline for editing, and some optional questions to help me get to know you a bit better. Finally, you’ll upload your manuscript as a Word doc. 

Now the ball (or should I say book) is in my court. I’ll complete a free sample edit and provide you with a quote, an estimated time to complete the project, and delivery date options based on my availability. 

You’ll review my edit and proposal, get all jazzed about how I can help you rock your revisions, and say “Rachel, let’s freaking do this.” 

Once I get that enthusiastic thumbs up, we’ll pick a date for your edit and I’ll send you a contract to sign (with NDA included), and you will pay the deposit. Then it’s game on!

When you’re ready to get started, send that manuscript on over.

Gimme me free edit

But wait... I need to know more

Developmental editing and manuscript reviews both look at the big picture, but in different ways. This is reflected in the amount of feedback you get and thus the price tag. 

A manuscript review is like a professional beta read. I will read through your book once with some in-line comments, and I’ll summarize my findings on a 2-3 page note. This is perfect if you’re early in your writing/ revising process or have already completed a round of edits and want to see if you’ve addressed earlier challenges.

Developmental editing is the big kahuna of editing, which includes two intense read-throughs, a ton of in-line comments, an 8+ page editorial letter, and a follow-up call or email. This process takes 40-60 hours and is ideal if you’ve already revised your book via self-editing or based on feedback from beta readers or a manuscript review. 

If you aren’t sure which one would be the best for you, please reach out. I can take a look at a sample of your manuscript and we can chat from there about what the best course of action would be for you.

Developmental editing is the first round of editing and thus the heavy lifter. I read your book twice, with the first time being very slow. While reading, I’m keeping detailed notes about things like pacing, characters, and setting while making on-the-page (in-line) comments, offering suggestions, and more. 

Finally, I spend a few hours compiling my thoughts, notes, feedback, examples, resources, and suggested next steps into an editorial letter. Plus, you get the choice of a follow-up call or email. 

When it’s all said and done, an 80,000-word manuscript clocks in at 40-60+ hours of editorial work!

Depending on my schedule and how much time it will take to complete your edit, I might be able to fit you in. There will be a rush fee added to my normal price. Reach out via the sample edit form or drop me an email.

I work with authors of cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, fantasy, and YA. I do not edit science fiction, chick lit, poetry, literary fiction, speculative fiction, or children’s books. I occasionally take nonfiction clients based on referrals from my buddy Neno of the Writer’s Rebellion. If I’m not the right fit, I can refer you to another awesomesauce editor. 

If an editor outright promises that your book will be on a bestseller list or land you an agent/ publisher that is a red flag. Editing is only one puzzle piece in the world of writing and publishing. I can promise to provide you with expert feedback and guidance based on my training and writing and publishing background. My goal is to help you confidently improve your prose and grow as a writer. 

Coaching

For a single session, the full price is due immediately. For longer plans, I offer a recurring monthly payment plan. 

Manuscript Reviews and Developmental Editing

A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remainder is due upon completion of your edits. I will not send the edits until the project fee is paid in full. 

Payment Provider

I use Stripe, which can accept international payments if you live outside of the United States. 

Refunds

I do not offer refunds so make sure you are ready for and want a service before booking. I understand life happens so if you need to reschedule your workshop or editing service I will do my best to accommodate it if my schedule permits, but cannot guarantee this will be able to happen.

Book Bound Journey does not offer payment plans for editing or workshops. However, I use Stripe to process payments and they often have payment plan options on the checkout page from providers like Affirm or Afterpay. If you choose one of those options the payment plan is through that company and not Book Bound Journey.

Because of the nature of my work, I do not offer refunds. If for some reason you are unhappy we can certainly chat and try and make things right. I haven’t had any refund requests to date. So let’s keep my track record going and you delighted with your editing and coaching.