Services

Support in Every Writing Stage.

Alpha Critique - First Feedback on Early Drafts


Who is it for:

- You have finished your first draft, maybe edited it a little but don't know how to proceed from here to revise and improve your story.


What you get:

- Chapter-wise feedback in the comments on the things I notice while I read through your manuscript. 
- A short feedback letter, usually 3 to 5 pages, giving an overview of what works well and what needs improvement, pointing out 3 areas that will have the biggest impact on improving your story, and how to tackle them.

This can be things like story structure, character and romance arcs, the right point to start your story, choice of POV, head-hopping, lack of conflict, info-dumping, missing genre conventions...


I'll not only help you identify sections that need work, but also point out where I think the gems lie in wait to be polished.


Beta Reading - Reader's Feedback with Background Knowledge


Who is it for:

- You have a polished draft, the story is ready for readers and you want to get some real-life feedback on how your book is perceived by your target audience.


What you get:

- I'll leave comments throughout the full manuscript while I read it, so you'll be able to follow my experience, giving you the opportunity to see if your writing is effective.

- I'll point out inconsistencies or confusing parts and ask questions that help you identify areas that might need revision. I'll also highlight repetitive phrases and mark my favorite lines.

- You'll receive a short feedback letter, usually about 2 - 3 pages, summarizing my experience and adding anything that hasn't been addressed in the comments.

- I'll answer a set of questions or fill out your questionnaire.


This service is foremost reader feedback and will point out highlights and issues in your manuscript right where they happen, but does not offer further guidance on how to fix possible problems.


Manuscript Critique - A Roadmap for Your Revision


Who is it for:

- Your manuscript has been critiqued by alpha/beta readers, and you're ready for the next step.

- You know there are major structural problems that need to be fixed before going into detail.

- You need a more budget friendly alternative to a full developmental edit.


What you get:

- A detailed editorial report, usually 10 to 15 pages, pointing out strengths and weaknesses of your story, and offering direction on how to improve it - dissecting plot, character arcs, romance arc, pacing, worldbuilding and more.


While this service provides comprehensive guidance, it does not include comments in your manuscript.


Developmental Editing - the Most Comprehensive Guidance


Who is it for:

- You have edited the hell out of your manuscript, and now you want detailed professional guidance with a thorough manuscript critique and comments in the margins to take your story to the next level. 


What you get:

- A detailed revision letter, usually 8 to 10 pages, pointing out strengths and weaknesses of your story and ways to improve it - dissecting plot, character arcs, romance arc, pacing, worldbuilding and more.

- Comments throughout your whole manuscript to give you detailed guidance right where things happen, suggesting specific solutions on how to improve your story.


This is the most comprehensive service, guiding you along in all detail per combination of a thorough revision letter and comments throughout your whole manuscript.


The Hybrid - It's all in the Comments.


Who is it for:

- You're writing a series (or several books per year) and can't afford the time (or the money) to get a full developmental edit on each volume, but still want professional feedback on the storytelling with in-manuscript comments.

- You want a budget friendly alternative to a full developmental edit but prefer comments throughout the manuscript over a lengthy editorial report, even if the feedback might not be as in-depth.

- You've got the overall story structure covered and wish to get more chapter-based feedback.


What you get:
- This is an unconventional but also the most flexible service and can be designed completely to your needs: expect a mixture of editor's and reader's feedback on things like characters, scene structure, romantic tension, inconsistencies, pacing, and unclear or confusing parts - including guidance and suggestions on how to solve problems.


- Detailed comments throughout your manuscript on strengths and weaknesses of your story.

- I'll point out redundancy, highlight repetitive phrases and also mark funny or beautiful lines for your marketing.
- This service doesn't include a revision letter, all my feedback will be in the comments.


This service works best for writers with a good general understanding of story structure and character arcs. It will offer editorial guidance, but it cannot be as thorough or well-structured as a manuscript critique or a developmental edit.


Overview and Pricing

Alpha Critique Beta Reading Manuscript Critique Developmental Edit The Hybrid
Comments in manuscript Chapter-wise Yes No Yes Yes
Revision letter/ Editorial Report 3 - 5 pages 2 - 3 pages 10 - 15 pages 8 - 15 pages -
Price (USD) * 2.2 $ per 1000 words 1.4 $ per 1000 words 6.5 $ per 1000 words 12 - 16 $ per 1000 words 6,5 $ per 1000 words
File Format Word or Google Docs Word or Google Docs Word or Google Docs Word files only Word files only

  * Get a discount for a second round (same or different service) on the same manuscript.

All services include a reasonable amount of "aftercare" to answer all the questions you have about my feedback/edits, and to make sure you know your next steps.

Free Sample Edits - and why those are important for us both.


Finding an editor who really gets you, and understands what you want to achieve even if it's not on the page yet is really important. Are we a good fit? Let's find out!
- Have a chat with me where we can talk about your book baby and your visions for it.
- I also offer a free Sample Edit of the first 6 pages, so you can get an idea if I'm the right editor for you.
- You can also book an Alpha or Beta Reading service first to see if we're a good match (those can include a sample edit), and get a discount when booking an editing service.


Get in Touch

FAQ


  • What kinds of manuscripts do you work on?

    FOR EDITING I specialize in Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Romance as subgenre of those, targeted at a (new) adult audience. 


    My favorite stories are taking place on strange worlds (or the way there), include non-human characters, and have a love story as main or subplot, though I'm still happy if not all of those criteria are met in your book. 


    I have a special place in my heart for stories featuring a character that is one or more of the following:

    - neurodivergent 

    - past their twenties

    - outlaws, underdogs and/or weirdos (in the best of meanings)


    I enjoy everything from romcom to dark and all spice levels except pure erotica. 


    I'm not afraid of Monster Romance.


    If your book features German people/language, I'll be especially helpful as that's my first language. 



    FOR BETA READING I'm open to further Romance subgenres (historical, contemporary, STEM and more), but also Literary, Women's fiction and YA books. 


    Because of my background I'm also interested in fiction books that feature theater, opera and ballet. All the fine arts, actually, but also I also love Science. 



    If your book matches neither this list nor the one of things I don't work on, feel free to just come and ask. :)

  • What kinds of manuscripts do you not work on?

    I will not work on manuscripts that deliberately and intentionally glorify content that is homophobic, transphobic, racist or otherwise harmful towards marginalised groups. 


    I do not accept AI generated manuscripts (more info below). 


    I'm a big supporter of inclusive and queer representing fiction, but Why-Choose or Sapphic Romance books aren't my favorites to read. 


    Books that just aren't my cup of tea: 

    - Stories featuring Vampires or Werewolves as love interests 

    - Mafia Romance

    - Sports Romance

  • Do you work on unfinished manuscripts?

    Yes, sometimes. The Alpha Critique is suited best for that, but if you're looking for different kind of feedback, we can always figure something out that matches your needs. 

    Just drop me a line. 

  • How does the free sample edit work?

    After we were having a chat, you send me your first two or three chapters (so I get an idea where things are going) and I'll edit the first 6 standard pages (formatted to 12 pt. Times New Roman, double spaced) for free. 

    Your sample will usually be ready within 48 hours, I'll let you know upfront in case I can't do it within that time frame. 


    Important note: 

    The purpose of my samples is to give you an idea of my style and tone and how I work, and to see if we're a good fit.

    But as developmental editing is about the story as a whole, you must understand that suggestions in the sample might not be accurate in the context of the complete story and that comments in the sample can differ from those I'd make after knowing the full manuscript. 

  • Which types of files do you accept?

    For Developmental Editing and The Hybrid I only accept Word files. 


    For Alpha Critique, Manuscript Critique and Beta Reading I work with Word files or Google Docs. 


    All manuscripts must be in a single file. 

    An exception might be made for manuscripts over 80k words, those can be split up into two files to prevent odd behavior and slow loading.

  • What do you think about AI?

    I do not use any AI for any of my work - all the thoughts will come from my own head and be typed with my own hands. 

    I will never upload any part of your manuscript into any AI engine. 


    I do not edit AI generated content. 

    You can use Grammarly or similar programs to help you with grammar, punctuation, and spelling, but I only take on stories that were fully created by a human. 

  • How long will it take until I get my manuscript back?

    This depends on the service, the wordcount and some other factors (like holidays), so the time frame for each project will be calculated individually when you approach me. 

    (Turnaround times will be stated in the contract, so you won't have to worry when you'll get your manuscript back!)


    But to give you some ballpark numbers (for ~80k words):


    Alpha Critique: 10 to 15 days


    Beta Reading: 10 to 15 days  


    Manuscript Critique: 4 to 5 weeks


    Developmental Editing: 7 to 9 weeks


    The Hybrid: 3.5 to 5 weeks



    Sample edits usually take about 48 hours.

  • What's your preferred method of communication?

    I mainly communicate in writing - per email or some kind of messenger, that way no information can get lost. 


    But: I'm happy to do an introductory zoom call, so you can see that I'm a real person. (I come with a funny German accent though, you have been warned.)

  • Can I book The Hybrid if I write standalones? Or only one book?

    Yes of course!

    This service is meant as an alternative to a full Developmental Edit if you prefer in-line comments over the editorial letter (=manuscript critique), and is open to anyone with a revised manuscript. 

  • What if I book a service that's not ideal for my manuscript?

    I'm happy to assist you with finding the right level of support.


    I also always have a look at different parts of a manuscript before someone can book an editing service, to prevent authors wasting money on something that doesn't match their and their manuscript's needs. 


    In the rare case that only after starting the detailed work I find that a manuscript isn't ready for an edit, I immediately stop the work and consult with the author on how we proceed. 

    Scenarios in this case could be (but aren't limited to) letting the author work through an issue in the manuscript and afterwards resuming my edit, or to fall back on a smaller service for the time being. 

    The one thing that's NOT going to happen is me sticking to the original plan if the result of that would be just a waste of time and money.

  • Do you need a content warning when I send you my manuscript?

    Although I'm in the fortunate position to not get triggered easily or have to avoid any particular topics or experiences, I appreciate the courtesy of a content warning, especially if animals are harmed in your story. (That doesn't mean I won't be able to edit your book, I just like to be prepared.)


  • I'm not in the US, can I pay you in my currency?

    I'm not in the US either! :) 

    The prices listed above are in USD so they are easier to compare. 

    I'm happy to invoice you in EUR or AUS, just let me know when you ask for a quote. 

Not ready yet to book a service?


Feel free to drop me a message with any further questions you might have.
Or have a look at the library in the meantime, where you can find pieces of knowledge

that you might find helpful you on your journey.