It has been so long since I opened to new editing clients, but if you’ve been looking for a developmental editor or a writing coach/teacher, I am available!
What is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing is big picture editing. It’s when an editor looks at the book’s/character’s journey at a macro and micro level and helps the writer to untangle things and clarify what’s working. I tend to think of this as book doctoring. Something is wrong, so I dissect your book’s various bits and tell you how to fix what’s wrong or off within the structure. This isn’t about fixing typos or line level issues. This is looking at the work holistically and making it better based on the author’s vision, first time reader impressions, and genre conventions.
What are my Qualifications?
I earned an MFA in Creative and Professional Writing in 2016 and ever since, I have been teaching creative writing to college students, editing their work, and working with editing clients on the side. I’ve also written over ten novels that have won various indie book awards over the years. I edit my own books, so I assume I’m doing something right in that regard. I’m not great at spotting typos, so I do not offer copy editing or proof-reading.
I am well versed in many genres, including fantasy, historical romance, gaslamp fantasy/steampunk, contemporary romance, queer romance, paranormal romance/fantasy, science fiction, Gothic fiction, etc. I prefer to read adult, but I have also read a lot of Young and New Adult and can edit them as well.
***I will not edit works written by AI or with any assistance from AI. If I realize your work was written with AI, you forfeit your deposit, and I will not complete the service. I will also never run your work through AI because I would rather chop my arm off than use it.***
Developmental Editing Service
- $0.02 per word (ex. $2000 for 100,000 words)
- 50% deposit, 50% after completion of editing via Paypal or Zelle
- You get in-line feedback, end of chapter feedback, and an editorial letter where I look at things like:
- character development
- setting and descriptions
- world-building
- internal consistency
- structure
- tone, mood, themes
- obvious typos/repeated grammar issues
- anything else the author wants me to specifically pay attention to
- Timeline:
- 1-2 weeks after agreed upon starting date for books under 100,000 words
- 3+ weeks after agreed upon starting date for books over 100,000 words or multiple books
- Feedback from me will always be coaching feedback, meaning I will never be overly negative, rude, or discouraging. At the same time, effusive praise is not my style. Expect feedback that is direct, concise, and neutral in terms of tone.
- Feedback will be tailored to the author’s vision of the project melded with the experience of a first-time reader
Additional Services Offered
- Coaching or classes on specific areas of craft– $50/hr via Zoom or GoogleMeets
- I can work one-on-one with you in real time to teach you a new skill, discuss your work or what you’re stuck on without editing it, or live edit your work like we would in workshop
- Potential topics: character development/creating compelling characters, the MC’s journey, 3/4 act structure, world-building, genre-specific lessons, other ideas can be discussed
- Group classes via Zoom/GoogleMeets will be $50 + $10 for each additional person
- Professional beta reading– $2/1000 words (ex. $200 for 100k words)
- Beta readers can be flaky and disappear or give meh feedback, so hiring someone like me means you are guaranteed to get good quality feedback returned to you in a timely manner
- Like developmental editing, I’ll read your manuscript and give you feedback, such as
- In-line comments
- Obvious typos/grammar issues pointed out
- Big picture feedback but far less granular than developmental editing
How to Reserve Your Spot
To reserve a slot for any of the above services, reach out to authorkarajorgensen @gmail.com (remove the space as I’m trying to avoid spam bots). I will respond back to you promptly, and once we set up a due date (based on availability and your needs), you’ll send a 50% deposit for the service via Paypal or Zelle. After I finish the service, I will reach out to you, and after you send the remaining balance, I will send my feedback.
For classes or coaching, the money will be due within 24 hours before the service is to be provided, or I will cancel it and remove it from my schedule.
I also reserve the right to reject any project for any reason, and if I find your project is AI or purposely hateful, I reserve the right to keep your deposit and not provide feedback after the cancellation.
