A good story comes through experience. A great story happens in the editing.
You want to publish a page-turning book that keeps readers up all night and talking about it all day....but you're struggling to get past the endless questions:
...is my writing "good enough" to get published?
...how do I trust that my writing voice even makes sense?
...am I telling my story "the right way"?
The good news is: there is no "right way" to tell your story. There is, however, the best way to share your story the way you want to tell it. (And yes, there is a difference.) I help you take your story out of draft mode and into the real world without losing what makes it undeniably yours.
My methods are layered on three levels: structure, context, and perspective — the trifecta of quality, memorable, and impactful storytelling. I've been so grateful to work with authors in a variety of genres with my most popular including mystery/thriller, romance, and memoirs. But, no matter the category, your story deserves to be told.
Here’s how I can help make your unpublished manuscript ready to be a published must-have for your reader’s WBR (will be read) list.
Can you see the finish line before publishing?
Line Editing
A thorough line-by-line manuscript revision that covers spelling, grammatical, syntax, sentence structure, and continuity errors. I also make note of any remaining plot, character, or setting details so your readers can't help but want to give you the ravest of reviews.
What's Included:
Sentence-level editing: I go over every sentence looking for ways to improve clarity, flow, rhythm, style, and readability for your readers
Protect your vision: Strengthening the story while preserving your unique writing voice
Revising with intention: Correcting repetition, awkward phrasing, inconsistencies, and distracting flow
A reader's perspective: In-line editorial commentary + any additional insights
Final steps: I'll share the most pressing observations and give you insight before you get ready to (finally!) publish.
Available at 0.03/per word
Struggling to fix that first (or second) draft?
Developmental Review
A complete big picture story review where I read your entire manuscript focused on story structure, strength of characters, world building, and other elements that make your story memorable. With in-text feedback, an in-depth Reader Report, and 1:1 discussions, we'll go over what your manuscript needs now so you can make it into the story you want to tell.
What's Included:
Full-manuscript review and a detailed Reader Report: Sharing what's working, what's not, and how you can get things back on track
Personalized sessions: Up to three (3) one-hour brainstorming discussions of the manuscript and current writing challenges
For fiction: Feedback on plot, characters, structure, pacing, voice, and world building
For non-fiction: Feedback on story structure, voice, pacing, or other story-level concerns
Next steps: Revision recommendations with clarity on what to focus on moving forward
Available at 0.25/per word
Need help getting that story out of your head?
Story Coaching
Personalized 1:1 sessions that help you get the story out of your head and onto the page. Instead of doing it on your own, you and I build out the story, characters, and world around them together over six weeks. The more clarity you have in the story you want to tell, the more confident you'll be in publishing a "can’t stop reading until I finish" kind of story.
What's Included:
Story review: We go over your idea, materials, and outline to this point, then we talk about where you're stuck, what's working, and how we'll approach it.
Weekly 1:1 brainstorming sessions: 60-minute live sessions each week to map out the journey your main character(s) will take
Structured feedback every week: A video or written response (choose your style) on what we discussed and what you can do in your next step.
Accountability support between sessions: When inspiration sparks or you hit a snag, you're not waiting for our next call to get quick feedback on any quick or small changes you've made to your story
A clear, personalized roadmap: The tools I recommend to strengthen your story structure, so you leave with a map of your story on the page and confident in what to write next.
Custom package + timeline discussed on call
Kind Words From Past Clients
"I am grateful to have had Kristina as the editor for my debut novel. She gave helpful suggestions and also helped build my confidence in my end product. She went above and beyond to speak with me extensively about various aspects of the book."
Jessica Schafer, The Quiet Over Ashcombe
"She worked on my book through health issues, two hurricanes, all while maintaining a healthy balance and providing quality edits to improve my book. That pretty much says it all!"
L.C. Fathom, The Utopia Paradox
"Kristina read and provided critique in my manuscript. She did a fantastic job sticking with her deadline and providing clear, informative critiques. She highlighted what worked well in the piece and gave suggestions on how to improve the areas that weren't as strong. I would recommend her as a critic for any piece."
Gloria Miles, How Deep The Ocean
"Thanks so much! You did an incredible job and I will definitely be back to have you read more of my work!"
Harper Michaels, Loving You: Growing Pains
"Kristina was absolutely fantastic to work with and answered all my questions and comments, even with some added questions about the final write- up. She was insightful, thoughtful, and gave tremendous value. I don't believe anyone can beat her for the work she did. I'd definitely recommend and will reach out for my next passion novel."
Dean Solden, The American Resolution
"She pays attention to detail and helps me make the most significant impact on the reader. I hope there are many more opportunities for us to work together."
Corey Pettway, The Adventures of Heggy Peggy
Editing is only part of the story.
STANDARDS
I work with authors who are ready for honest, careful, and deeply personal feedback that enhances their story. I do not use AI, so I trust the manuscript we're going to make unputdownable also comes from your wonderfully creative brain.
MISSION
I believe when we share knowledge, we shape the world we want to live in. That means living in a world where humans are creating art, writing books, building communities, and impacting lives through stories that inspire others to share theirs too.
VALUES
I value creativity, courage, and curiosity in my work and respect it in my clients. I believe in liberation, education, and collaboration for all. I know we can create a better world empathized through stories and rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got any more? Book a call and I'm happy to answer them, too.
To ensure we'e both on the same page and timeline, I can copyedit and proofread your manuscript if we agree on a flexible timeline. I always recommend at least one week between revision sessions. This way, you have time to make any additional edits and then I have enough time to bring my additional recommendations. We'll discuss this on a call to know exactly the timing you and I need to get things done.
Yes, I do offer sample edits for prospective line editing clients. My process is to typically meet via video or phone call to connect on the basics: your story, your struggles, and your goals. From there, I'm happy to assess and provide a sample edit (roughly 2k-3k words, depending on the length of your manuscript) before we move forward with any payment or editing services. If you have any more questions, book a chat with me and we'll make sure to take the best step for you.
I'm always open to a book chat to identify what's best for both of our schedules. That being said, I am selective with the number of authors I work with per month. I always want to ensure my full attention and your best work comes out of it. For more context, my availability can also depend on the size of the manuscript, depth of revisions, and any additional support that may be needed.
I am currently taking on new clients, so book a call and let's chat about all things books and get the scheduling part off your mind too.
Of course! Indicate you're interested in learning more in the "Anything else?" section on the call booking form. We'll discuss specifics so you can know before you make a decision on any of the packages.
I've worked with clients who worked in half or quarter milestones, depending on what was needed, so don't hesitate to let me know. :)
My Developmental Review is all about the big picture. I'll help you spot the structure and story elements that still need clarity and more of your voice soap your readers stay hooked. You'll leave with a clear plan for your next revisions. In contrast, developmental editing is typically a longer engagement with much deeper hands-on steps going across multiple rounds of revision.
I'm not currently offering it as a standard package yet, but I'm working on building new resources authors like you. I may also add it if more authors share they need that level of support with me. (And if you do, let's discuss what we can do.)
Full transparency: I read and have studied all kinds of genres. I love working with authors with creative ideas to share their stories, be it fiction or non-fiction.
The fiction genres I've worked with clients on most have been mystery/thriller, romance, and literary fiction. I'm always open to helping bring new stories in different genres to life.
The non-fiction genres I've worked with clients on most have been memoirs, self-developmental, and health & psychology. If you have something that falls into its own category, don't hesitate to share.
Additionally, I've worked with independent authors and traditionally published authors. I'm also open to working with publishing houses to support more authors.
While some editing processes can feel too transactional or make a reader's perspective feel distant, I hold transparency, integrity, and conversation in high regard in my process.
I understand this isn't my story to tell nor am I the last person who will read it. These projects are often deep, elaborate, and/or quite personal. I want you to know that you can trust me with your words and to edit your story in way that keeps your voice front, center, and back of the story.
When we connect, I'll do my best to work with you on the communication style you need to feel comfortable and safe to share your own ideas and thoughts on the work we're doing together. That means I'l learn about you and your story as well as answer your questions about me and my process. After that, we'll both have up to a week to decide if we're a good fit.
Collaboration over confusion is the goal!
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