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Why you need a freelance editor

You don't!

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Seriously. If you're setting out on your querying journey, you need nothing more than to learn your craft, write words, edit them into order, and learn enough that you do better next time. Don't let anybody say you have to hire an editor. 

 

Everyone benefits from a fresh pair of eyes on their story, but get it for free first

 

Have you tried finding beta readers or critique partners to help you make sure your storytelling works? Sometimes you can get too close to your work to see where you can improve. Friends, colleagues and random online acquaintances can help you do that. For FREE!  

 

Still here? Then maybe an editor can help

 

Okay, perhaps you've explored your options and still need a more in-depth breakdown of your book to help you make it the best it can be. You might be on the verge of querying. You could be looking to self-publish. Either way, an experienced editor can be invaluable. 

 

Does the beginning hook you in? Are you dragged screaming (in all the best ways) through the story? Do the characters leap off the page? Does the ending nail its landing? And what are the themes that will stick with the reader long after they've put the book down?

 

A good editor will help you develop your story until it fulfils its potential, hits every emotional beat, and leaves readers begging for more. 

Why hire me?

"Dan has an incredible eye for detail and an near-supernatural intuition regarding an author's intent. He will understand what you're trying to do and move heaven and earth to make it better."

MICHAEL J. MARTINEZAuthor of the Daedalus trilogy and the Majestic-12 series

He provided invaluable help with things like dialogue, setting, and other details that really served the authenticity of the story and helped it to come alive. He was professional, insightful, and super fast - generally just delightful to work with and I highly recommend him.

KRISTI HELVIGAuthor of the Burn Out series, The Wing Collector, and Wingless

"Dan is a master storyteller with a knack for pointing out exactly how to make your manuscript shine. His critique is always considerate, thoughtful, and totally on point every time."

ANDREA HANNAHAuthor of Of Scars and Stardust  and A Map for Wild Hearts

My manuscript assessment services

Critique of first 40 pages

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The beginning of your book is critical to its success. Let me have a look and I'll report back on how well it works. 

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  • 1-page report on highlights, issues & fixes.

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Mini Manuscript Review

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​This is a mini manuscript assessment of your book in review form! I talk about what I liked/what worked, and what I thought could be improved. 

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  • 2-page review covering the storytelling basics​, inc. what worked and what needs improving.​​​​​​​

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Full Manuscript Assessment

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You get a report with a detailed look at the essential storytelling components, such as structure, characters, plots, and themes, as well as emotional beats, the stickiness of your beginning, and how well you nailed that crucial ending. PLUS, you get a suggested revision plan, as well as inline comments and example edits in the manuscript (where needed).

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  • Up to 6-page report covering:

    • Structure​

    • Characters

    • Plot

    • Theme

    • Beats

    • Beginning

    • Ending

  • Revision plan​

  • Inline comments 

  • Example edits

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