Fiction Developmental Editor & Copy Editor
Fiction Developmental Editor & Copy Editor
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.
Get clear, supportive, big-picture look at your manuscript — so you can stop guessing and start revising with purpose.
The Story Map Intensive is a combination of a manuscript evaluation and a structural analysis. This 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, a story map 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!”
Author & Book Coach, Writers Rebellion
Your Story Map isn’t surface-level feedback. It’s a deep structural read designed to show you how your story is functioning as a whole.
Think of it as a mashup of a professional beta reading, structural edit, and manuscript review from the lense of a developmental editor.
Here’s a taste of what I’m analyzing:
“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.”
Memoirist
“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.”
Nonfiction Author
Because each Story Map includes a full manuscript read, structural mapping, chapter-level feedback, visual data analysis, your personalized North Star, Five Pit Stops breakdown, masterclass access, and a live Strategy Session, this is offered at a flat rate based on manuscript length:
I’ll do a free sample edit of 1,000 words of your manuscript. Give me something from the messy middle, not really polished work from your first chapter.
This lets you see how I deliver feedback. Remember, we will go more in-depth during the editing process, and I won’t be able to address all the topics we’ll cover in a full edit from such a small sample.
After you get the sample edit back and go, “Heck ya this was helpful, Rachel,” I’ll create a contract and we can start the Story Map Intensive.
You’ll send me your full manuscript, and I’ll read it and do some editorial detective work to do a full story analysis. I’ll review story structure, pacing, patterns, scene/chapter balance, POV, character distribution, key plot points, and more.
You’ll also have a single sentence that will drive everything in your story, and a skeleton breakdown of your book that helps you move forward with clarity, not confusion.
After that, I’ll package everything up into a Word doc for you, which will also include some stellar graphics to make things easier to picture (we love to show, not tell, right).
Once you’ve had time to review your Story Map report, we’ll meet live to walk through it together.
We’ll walk through your North Star, your five structural pit stops, and the big-picture patterns shaping your manuscript. Together, we’ll clarify what to prioritize, what to strengthen, and what’s already working beautifully.
You’ll leave with direction, confidence, and a clear next move. If you need more support, we can talk about story coaching.
A manuscript review (sometimes called a manuscript evaluation) provides high-level feedback on what’s working and what could be strengthened. It typically includes an short editorial letter and light commentary.
A developmental edit is a deep, hands-on revision process. It often includes detailed in-line comments, extensive feedback, and ongoing support while you actively revise.
The Story Map Intensive sits intentionally between the two.
You receive more than a general overview — including a defined North Star for your story, a five-point structural breakdown, and chapter-by-chapter feedback — but without the on the page feedback or in-depth editorial work of a full developmental edit.
Think of this as strategic clarity before deep revision. You’ll know exactly what needs attention and why — so when you revise, you’re moving with direction, not guesswork.
It’s strategic, not overwhelming. Insightful, not nitpicky. And designed to help you know what to revise in a more budget-friendly manner.
It depends on the length of your book. Typically, it takes 3-4 weeks. However, I only complete two per month, so make sure to reserve a spot.
Yes. This method is designed for writers who have a full manuscript and are ready to enter revisions. It’s okay if it’s messy! You don’t need to have everything figured out.
If you are still in the writing phase and need help, I offer courses, workshops, and very limited coaching sessions.
If you need coaching support or motivation, my podcast co-host, Neno Littlewood, offers book coaching services and has a writing community at The Writer’s Rebellion. In fact, she is my personal writing coach and keeps me motivated and writing!
Totally normal, and you’re not alone. This isn’t about tearing your book apart or stripping your voice out of it. It’s about building it up with kindness, story craft, and your secret sauce. You’ll feel supported every step of the way, and your voice will always remain on the page (my ghostwriter days make sure of that).
It depends on where you are in your writing journey.
A manuscript evaluation is a one-time, high-level analysis of your story’s big-picture elements—like plot, character arcs, and structure. You’ll one read through, a structural breakdown of your book, chapter by chapter feedback, a short summary letter of what’s working and what could be stronger (with awesome visuals to make it click), and a 60-minute call with me. It’s a great option if you’re early in revisions or just want a professional check-in before diving deeper.
A developmental edit is a full journey. You’ll get a full story map, on the page comments/ feedback, sidebar comments, full editorial letter with examples and resources, plus three months of optional weekly support via calls/ emails.
Not sure which is right for you? Start with a free discovery call, and we’ll figure it out together.
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.
My favorite books to edit are fantasy, cozy mysteries, and romance (all spice levels). But I also enjoy working with authors of science fiction, YA, thriller, and horror. If you are doing a short story (or an anthology), we can talk about special packages for shorter works. I also edit nonfiction. In fact, that is where I got my start.
I do not edit children’s books, poetry, or literary fiction. 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.
Payments are due in full before we start working together.
Payment Plans
I use Stripe, which offers payment plan options, but these are through Stripe, not Book Bound Journey.
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 strategy session call, I will do my best to accommodate it if my schedule permits, but I cannot guarantee this will be able to happen.