What kind of edit do you need?
A guide for wandering storytellers.
🧭 Not Sure What Kind of Edit You Need? Start Here.
Trying to figure out the next step for your manuscript can feel like standing at a crossroads, staring at a dozen signposts while your book whispers, “Help…?”
(And sometimes an editor or writer will helpfully ask what kind of edit you’re looking for, which is well-intentioned… but you don’t know yet.)
Don’t worry. You’re not lost. You’re just looking for a clear next step.
Whether you’ve written three drafts and now you want your prose to truly sing, or you’re still unsure if your book works, this page will help you figure out what kind of editing support will move your story forward.
✨ Ready? Let’s take an adventure together.
🌱 “I’ve finished a draft, but I don’t know if it works.”
You’re probably ready for a Manuscript Assessment.
This is a full read-through designed to give you high-level feedback on your story as a whole. I’ll look at character arcs, plot flow, pacing, and world building. You’ll get feedback on all the moving parts that shape the reader’s experience.
You’ll receive a thoughtful, multi-page report packed with insight and practical next steps.
You’ll come away with:
A clear sense of what’s working.
A list of what needs refining, and how to do it.
Gentle suggestions, not rigid rules.
An insider look at what it was like for me to experience your book as a reader, as well as an editor.
Weekly check-ins while I read (clients say these are a huge confidence boost!)
Perfect if you feel like:
✔ “I don’t know if it’s good, but I need to know what to fix.”
✔ “I want professional insight before revising or querying.”
✔ “I’m not ready to commit to a full edit just yet.”
✔ “I can’t bear to look at this anymore — I need help!”
Am I ready for this?
Some authors come for a manuscript assessment after beta feedback. Others come straight from a rough draft. Either path is valid. If you’ve finished your book and want to understand how it lands, we can work with that.
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🔮“I’ve revised, and now I’m ready to dive deep and make this the best book I possibly can.”
It’s likely time for a Developmental Edit.
This is a deep, structural edit where we explore story logic, character arcs, tension, pacing, and world building. We’ll take a close at the bones of your novel, and make sure they’re strong.
You’ll receive a detailed editorial letter and tracked comments throughout the manuscript.
You’ll come away with:
A comprehensive letter (10+ pages isn’t unusual!)
Teaching examples to help you level up your craft.
Comments throughout your manuscript guiding you on how and where to improve. As well as suggestions and examples, I’ll ask thought provoking questions designed to help you consider what will work best for you novel.
ND-affirming guidance on how to approach revisions.
Support that meets you where you are. We don’t do cookie cutter advice here.
Perfect if you’re thinking:
✔ “I’ve revised so many times, but I’m still not sure it lands.”
✔ “I need someone to show me what’s missing and how to fix it.”
✔ “I’m serious about this story and ready to invest in its potential.”
Am I ready for this?
Authors usually seek a developmental edit when they’ve taken the book as far as they can on their own.
That might include self-revisions, feedback from critique partners, or just a gut feeling that it’s time to get outside eyes on it. There’s no one right path. Needing professional support early is valid, especially for ND authors overwhelmed by inconsistent beta feedback.
To get the most from a developmental edit, you’ll need a completed manuscript with a clear beginning, middle, and end, even if some of that might change during revision. The structure should mostly be in place, even if it's a little wonky.
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✨ “My book is solid — now I want the words to sing.”
You’re ready for a Line Edit.
This is a sentence-level polish that focuses on voice, clarity, rhythm, and emotional impact, without erasing your unique style.
You’ll come away with:
A line-by-line markup with suggested improvements
Clear, kind comments explaining each change
An editorial letter that highlights strengths and suggests refinements
A stronger sense of how your words land, and how to make them shine
Perfect if you’re thinking:
✔ “My draft is strong, but the sentences feel clunky.”
✔ “I want to smooth and sharpen my prose without losing my voice.”
✔ “I’m getting ready to publish or submit and want it to shine.”
Am I ready for this?
Line editing works best when your manuscript is structurally solid. You should have already addressed big-picture feedback, whether from a manuscript assessment, dev edit, or trusted critique partner. If your plot and character arcs are strong, and you’re ready for your prose to shine, this is your next step.
🕯️ “I don’t have a full draft yet. I need more support.”
Let’s talk about Story Cauldron Coaching or Alchemy.
These are flexible, long-term containers that combine coaching, editorial feedback, and mindset support, all tailored to how you work best.
Perfect if you:
✔ Are mid-draft or shaping your book
✔ Want regular guidance and feedback
✔ Prefer ongoing support over isolated edits
✔ Thrive with encouragement and gentle accountability
Some writers even begin with a partial manuscript and coaching call, then build from there, whether into ongoing coaching or a mix of editing and support. We’ll shape the container to fit where you are.
Still not sure?
That’s completely okay. You’re not meant to figure this out alone.
Send me a message with where you’re at, what you’re working on, or what’s making you hesitate. I’ll help you find the support that fits your book.