manuscript editing services
by patricia loofbourrow

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If you're an author who needs manuscript editing services such as manuscript assessment or developmental editing, I can help.

When would i need this?

Sometimes, it's difficult to see the big picture on your own book. In those cases, an outside eye could be helpful.

Many authors use amateur beta readers or critique groups to help, and most of the time, they do.

But there is a danger.

Amateur (or even some paid) beta readers and critique groups may not have the ability to see where the problems of your book are, or if they do, can't help with fixing them ... because they aren't experienced authors!

Also, some beta readers and crit groups may not be able to be objective enough to give you the help you need (for example, if something in the book offends them). And their advice may just be plain wrong. I've seen many authors - new authors in particular - get discouraged and confused by overly harsh (or well-meaning but incorrect) critiquing.


What are the types of manuscript editing services?

There are several types of book editors:



I provide developmental editing for self-published authors.

While I can help with any project, I specialize in science fiction, mystery, thriller, and suspense books.

manuscript evaluation/assessment

A manuscript evaluation (also called a manuscript assessment, structural editing, substantive editing, editorial assessment, or manuscript critique) is the first step in the developmental editing process.

I take a big-picture look at the plot, the pacing, the character arcs, the dialogue, transitions, the basic structure of the book. Then I give you a detailed report about what's going right, what's going wrong, and your options as to fixing it.

You retain complete control of your book, which is deleted from my computer when the work is complete.

when you need this

  • your book is written, but something just doesn't feel right about it.
  • you've had amateur critiques and/or beta readers look at your work, and while they don't find a lot wrong with the book, they aren't that excited about it either.
  • your book is already published, but it's getting mostly "it was okay" reviews.
  • you need help, but aren't ready to or can't afford to hire a developmental editor.
  • you are able to fix problems yourself, but need guidance as to what the problems are.

Pricing: 1 cent USD per word.

50% off for first time customers!

Contact me with your wordcount and genre for a quote.

There's no obligation.



developmental editing

Instead of handing you a report, a developmental editor works with you to make your book its best.

What you'll receive is:

  • a manuscript evaluation/assessment (see above) - the big picture
  • a detailed, line by line, scene by scene, chapter by chapter look at your manuscript, with an eye on where it might be improved.
  • Ongoing assistance (email, phone, or Zoom) with plot holes, scene transitions, and continuity.
  • You retain complete control of your book, which is deleted from my computer when the work is complete.

when you need this

You may want to consider a developmental editor if:

  • you have a finished draft but need someone to do the revision process with you.
  • you're experienced with revision but planning a huge, complex series.

We can work at the manuscript level, the outline level, or with both, depending on your needs. I hired a developmental author to work with the outline and first few manuscripts in my own series, and it was worth every penny.

Pricing depends on many factors, including the level of support you need.

I offer significant discounts for first time customers.

Contact me with your wordcount and genre for a quote.

There's no obligation.



who am I?

I'm the NYT and USAT best-selling author of the Red Dog Conspiracy future steampunk crime fiction series. I'm also the owner of FelonyFiction.com and Red Dog Press, LLC.

I've been a freelance online editor since 2000. I wrote my first novel in 2005 and started my self-publishing career in 2015. Stories are my passion, and I love to help other authors bring their stories to the world.




Need help? Just curious?

Contact me with your wordcount and genre for a quote.

There's no obligation.











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Felony Fiction is sponsored by NY Times and USA Today best-selling author Patricia Loofbourrow

Visit her website