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How Working Together Looks

1. Reach Out

The first step is simply filling out the contact form for the service you’re interested in.

You’re welcome to share where you are in your writing process, what you’re working on, and what kind of support might be helpful right now. You don’t need to be an expert, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

Feeling uncertain at this stage is completely normal. Most writers do.

2. We Check Fit

I personally read every inquiry that comes in.

If it feels like I’m a good fit for your project, I’ll walk you through what the next steps would look like. If I don’t think I’m the right person for the support you need, I’ll be honest about that and, when possible, point you toward someone who may be a better match.

This step matters to me. The goal is for the work to feel supportive, respectful, and genuinely useful for both of us.

3. Booking & Scheduling

If we decide to move forward, I’ll send you a short agreement outlining the scope of the work and what you can expect to receive.

You’ll also receive an invoice to secure your place in my schedule.

For manuscript development projects, a non-refundable deposit confirms the booking. Story Diagnostics are paid in full upfront, and Story Coaching is billed monthly.

Once everything is confirmed, your project is officially scheduled.

4. The Work

From there, I begin the work within the timeframe we’ve agreed on.

For Manuscript Development and Story Diagnostics, this involves careful reading, analysis, and written feedback. For Story Coaching, it means structured written check-ins based on the rhythm we’ve chosen together.

Each project is approached thoughtfully, giving the story the attention it needs without rushing the process.

5. Delivery

When the work is complete, you’ll receive the agreed deliverables in a clear and organized format.

For developmental services, this typically includes written feedback and notes. Some services also include a short follow-up window where you can ask clarification questions. If that applies, it will always be clearly outlined when you book.

6. Support & Next Steps

Depending on the service, you may have the option to ask follow-up questions or talk through parts of the feedback.

I may also suggest what kind of support might be helpful next. That could mean taking time to revise, continuing with Story Coaching, or simply moving forward on your own.

There’s never pressure to book anything further. The goal is always to leave you with more clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of direction.

A few things that may be helpful to know

  • • I take on a limited number of clients at a time so the work can stay thoughtful, present, and sustainable.

    • If you’re unsure which service might be the best fit, you’re always welcome to say so when you reach out.

About sample edits & getting started

For developmental editing projects, I offer a small sample edit of up to 3,000 words.

Finding the right editor can be a vulnerable process. It’s also a financial investment, and I know how difficult it can be to decide whether someone’s approach will actually work for you and your story.

A short sample allows both of us to see whether the fit feels right before committing to a larger project.

Because developmental editing focuses on the bigger picture of story, structure, and character, the sample won’t represent the full depth of the work. Instead, it offers a glimpse into how I read a manuscript and the kinds of questions and observations I tend to make.

If the approach feels supportive and useful, we can talk about next steps. And if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s completely okay too.

I review every inquiry carefully. If I don’t believe I can genuinely help your manuscript, I’ll say so. I won’t recommend a service that isn’t right for your project.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you work with me, the goal isn’t to reshape your story into something else. It’s to help you see your own story more clearly.

The feedback I offer is always grounded in care for the work and respect for the writer behind it.

Thoughtful
I take time to understand what your story is trying to do before suggesting changes. Feedback is shaped by the intention of the story itself, not just general craft advice.

Honest
If something isn’t working yet, I’ll say so clearly and respectfully. Honest feedback can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it’s also what allows a story to grow.

Specific
Rather than vague comments, I focus on concrete observations about structure, character development, pacing, and emotional clarity so you know what to look at during revision.

Respectful of your voice
The story always belongs to you. My role is to help strengthen what’s already there, not to reshape it in my own style.

Focused on clarity and direction
By the end of the process, my hope is that you have a clearer sense of what’s working in the manuscript, what may need attention, and where your next steps might be.

A simple, thoughtful process designed to keep the work clear, supportive, and focused on your story.

If you're curious about working together, you can explore the services I offer or reach out to start the conversation.