“Krysta helped review my book (poems and short stories). Her support was crucial because the text needed editing and some translation as well. She was very committed and her advice was provided in such a tactful tone. She ensured the intactness of my style, made the stories clearer and the flow smoother. What I appreciated the most was the fact that Krysta put her ego aside to let the fictional characters’ prevail; she really offered her skills to suit the manuscript not the other way around.”
– Author of A Leaf Among Veins, Emy’s Loneliness and the Tulips in Her Pockets, and No Landing Salto
Developmental Edit | Manuscript Evaluation | Copyedit | Manuscript Coaching | Short Story Package
I want to ensure that my skills/expertise are a good fit for your writing and—most importantly—your goals. I offer free sample edits to give you clarity on my editing style, explain process expectations, and make sure that I can truly help you in your writing journey. During the sample edit process you will need to provide your manuscript, along with a completed questionnaire about your editing requirements/goals. I will complete an appropriate edit of the first five pages and provide you with the results of the edit, as well as a quote outlining my proposed edit level, cost, and timeline.
Most of my services can be applied to fiction and nonfiction works of any genre or length; however, my personal strengths and interests are most aligned with horror, crime fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction, and transgressive fiction (and all of the best places in-between).
Not sure what you need? No worries! I’m happy to discuss the options in more detail and can provide you with my recommendations based on the initial sample edit.
Devoted Muse
Developmental Edit
Think of this as a big-picture edit. This level of editing will focus on story structure (narrative arc), characterization, scene dynamics (including dialogue), pacing, point of view, settings, and overall voice resonation/consistency. The resulting analysis will identify the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript and provide you with related revision suggestions. The goal of this process is for you to leave with a clear sense of how to move forward with your manuscript in a way that aligns with YOUR ultimate goals.
This level of editing is great for writers who have a completed—or almost completed—draft; whether it’s an early draft or one you’ve been agonizing over (lovingly of course . . .) for quite some time.
You will leave this process with:
- A copy of your manuscript annotated with comments/suggestions
- A book map (a visual representation of your book contents—think BIG, juicy spreadsheet of your book’s story elements)
- An editorial letter (10-15 pages) that includes a synopsis, character descriptions, and in-depth explanations of my editorial suggestions.
This edit will also include a 1-hour consulting session to review my suggestions and discuss any questions you have.
Cost: $.025 (USD) per word and up
Prudent Muse
Manuscript Evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is a broader look at the elements of your story. Similar to a developmental edit, this evaluation will focus on story structure (narrative arc), characterization, scene dynamics (including dialogue), pacing, point of view, settings, and overall voice resonation/consistency. The resulting analysis will be less in-depth than a developmental edit, but will still identify the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript and provide you with related revision suggestions.
This evaluation is great for writers who have a completed—or almost completed—draft and are ready for editorial guidance, but aren’t quite ready to emotionally or financially tackle a full developmental edit. This level of editing can also be useful for experienced writers who are fairly confident in most structural aspects but need advice on small adjustments that can elevate the current manuscript.
You will leave this process with:
- A copy of your manuscript annotated with comments/suggestions
- A short editorial letter (3-5 pages) that includes a synopsis, brief character descriptions, an overview of strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions on where you can best focus revision efforts.
This edit will also include a 30-minute consulting session to review my suggestions and discuss any questions you have.
Cost: $.008 (USD) per word and up
Meticulous Muse
Copyedit
A copyedit of your manuscript will focus on grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and word usage. The goal of this level of editing is to correct or adjust any remaining issues—from a mechanics perspective—that could get in the way of a reader fully understanding, appreciating, or feeling your story. A copyedit will combine your stylistic choices with the rules of your chosen style guide to create a polished version of your manuscript.
This level of editing is great for writers who have a structurally sound draft (usually that has been through a developmental edit and/or appropriate beta reads) that is ready for a final polish before submission to agents/publishers or self-publication.
You will leave this process with:
- A copy of your manuscript annotated with suggestions/corrections for bringing your manuscript into compliance with your desired style guide (with considerations for your stylistic preferences)
- A style sheet identifying spelling, punctuation, and style decisions applied to your manuscript, which will help to ensure consistency and can also be a valuable tool during the formatting/proofreading process
Cost: $.010 (USD) per word and up
Open Atelier
Manuscript Coaching/Inspiration Sessions
Open Atelier is designed to be an ongoing relationship that motivates and inspires you through your writing process—whatever that might mean! This initial package will include a full developmental edit of your manuscript, as well as four 1-hour sessions (zoom, phone, or in-person if you are local) to work through an individualized plan designed to overcome your current or anticipated hurdles.
If you are interested in this level of support, please reach out to me to discuss. This process can be an incremental developmental edit (chapter by chapter) with sessions to discuss progress along the way, or a full developmental edit completed upfront with sessions devoted to working through elements of the edit.
Cost: $.050 (USD) per word and up; additional mentoring sessions can be added at $59 (USD) per hour.
Brief Perfection
Short Story Package
Have a short story you’re preparing for submission or planning to use as a reader magnet?
While I love a great novel, short stories have always been my favorite form. I am completely enamored with how much thought and emotion can be communicated in such a succinct way.
This package includes up to three editing passes tailored to the needs of your story. During each pass, I will complete a thorough read and provide you with an annotated manuscript containing the requested level of edits and/or notes. After each pass, you will have the opportunity to complete desired revisions and discuss any questions with me (via email) prior to the next pass. This service can include any combination of developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and/or proofreading.
Cost: $100 (USD) for up to 3500 words; $150 (USD) for 3501–7500 words
Editorial Services, Content Development & Inspiration 