Editorial & Author Services

One of my major professional passions is helping elevate an author’s work. During my time at Autumn House Press and as a freelance editor, I’ve worked with numerous writers to help bring their work to a publishable level and make it as strong and compelling as possible.

I primarily work with literary fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and short-form literary work. I’m not available to work on academic books or most genre fiction, although I’m happy to consider select horror projects.

About Me

I’ve been working as an editor at Autumn House Press since 2013 and have served as production editor on more than 50 books. Several of my authors have gone on to win major literary prizes. I’m also a writer myself, so I understand that the writing and publishing process can often feel lonely and confusing.

I’m not here to tell you whether your manuscript is “good,” whether it will find a publisher, or where it will ultimately be published. I’m here to give you an experienced editorial perspective and help you identify the changes that could make the manuscript stronger as you prepare to submit it to agents and publishers.

My freelance editorial work is entirely independent of my work at Autumn House Press and does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of consideration by Autumn House or any other publisher.

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing looks at the manuscript as a whole and focuses on the elements that shape a reader’s experience of the book. Depending on the needs of your manuscript, this may include:

  • Structure and organization
  • Pacing and momentum
  • Point of view and narrative perspective
  • Character development and relationships
  • Narrative arc and overall shape
  • Selection and ordering of poems, stories, or essays
  • The balance and coherence of a collection
  • Areas that may need expansion, cutting, or restructuring
  • Consistency and clarity
  • The manuscript’s overall effect and readiness for submission

Depending on the project, my feedback may include a detailed editorial letter, comments directly on the manuscript, and/or a conversation about the work and possible revisions. The specific scope of the project will be outlined in your proposal.

How It Works

First, send me:

  • A brief description of your project and where you are in the writing process. For example, are you working with a first draft that needs significant structural attention, or have you revised several times and want help with the organization and overall shape of the manuscript?
  • 10–50 sample pages (10–15 pages for poetry; 20–50 pages for prose).

I’ll review the material and, if I feel we would work well together, I’ll provide a flat project fee and a detailed plan of action based on the manuscript’s length, needs, and the level of editorial attention involved.

As a general guide:

  • Poetry manuscripts: $400–700
  • Prose manuscripts: $600–1,200+

The final fee will depend on the length and complexity of the manuscript and the scope of the editorial work involved.

Author Marketing & Publicity Guidance

Already have your manuscript accepted by a small independent press and want additional guidance on marketing and publicity? I can help you develop a practical, tailored plan to supplement the work your publisher is already doing.

I’m not a publicist, and I won’t contact reviewers, bookstores, venues, or organizations on your behalf. What I can offer is an experienced editorial and publishing perspective to help you identify opportunities and make the most of the resources available to you.

Author Marketing & Publicity Package — $250

Your customized guide may include:

  • Recommended publications and outlets for review copies
  • Suggestions for bookstores, libraries, and organizations to contact
  • Relevant book prizes and submission deadlines
  • Potential readings, panels, festivals, and other events
  • Suggestions for building a local and regional audience
  • Ideas for leveraging your existing professional and personal networks
  • A suggested timeline for pre-publication and post-publication outreach
  • Opportunities specific to your book’s subject, audience, location, and readership

The goal is to give you a practical roadmap you can use throughout the publication process, rather than a generic list of publicity ideas.

Optional Consultation — $150

Add a 60-minute consultation to your marketing and publicity guide to discuss the recommendations, prioritize opportunities, and answer questions about putting the plan into action.

Package + consultation: $400

All freelance services are independent of my work at Autumn House Press.