My Editing Style & Genres
My goal is to help your manuscript become the strongest version of itself while preserving what makes it uniquely yours. Your voice matters, and I won’t rewrite your story into mine.
I edit in Microsoft Word using Track Changes and provide detailed feedback through document comments. Rather than simply pointing out what isn’t working, I often ask targeted questions to help you strengthen the writing while keeping it authentic to your style and intent.
Along with your edited manuscript, you’ll receive notes pages that may include examples of ways to reframe sentences or paragraphs without taking over your work. You’ll also receive feedback on story structure, pacing, character arcs, and genre expectations.
If this feels like the right fit, send me an email, and we can discuss your book. I’d love to hear about your project and help your story shine.
Candy@BooksnCandy.com
Editing Services
Story Strategy Session: $95 | 45 minutes
A relaxed, judgment-free video or phone call designed to help you sort through your book idea and leave with clarity. We can talk through the plot, characters, or a messy in-progress draft, and you will receive professional insight into what’s working, what needs strengthening, and your next steps. You do not need to submit any written material for this call. Just bring your idea and let’s talk it out.
Great for:
• “Is this a good idea?” conversations
• Plot problems and stuck points
• Clarifying your genre, audience, or story direction
• Brain-dumping what you have and shaping it into a plan
Optional (not required):
If you’d like, you may submit up to 1,000 words (notes, synopsis, opening pages, or an outline) in advance, but this call works well without any submission.
Outcome: You’ll leave with clarity, direction, and your best next steps.
Premise & Plot Strategy Session: $150 | 45 minutes + up to 1,000 words reviewed
This is a deeper, more structured session for writers seeking thoughtful, professional feedback and a clear strategy for developing an idea into a workable novel or strengthening an already in-progress draft.
Includes:
- Review of up to 1,000 words (outline, synopsis, opening pages, key scenes, or notes)
- A 45-minute phone or video call
- Big-picture feedback on premise strength and plot direction
- Guidance on pacing, structure, and genre expectations
- Clear, actionable next steps for revision or drafting
Outcome: Clearer plot momentum and a roadmap before you write or rewrite.
The First 3 Chapters Shine and Polish: Up to 9000 words | $750 flat rate
1) The First Sentence: The decision
Because your first sentence is what gets you noticed.
- We focus on impact, tone, clarity, and voice.
- We ensure it sets the promise of the story and invites curiosity.
- We shape it so it reads like a confident opening and not just a “start.”
Outcome: Your opening line earns attention.
2) The First Page: Building trust
This is where an agent, editor, or reader decides if they trust the writer.
- We strengthen readability and flow.
- We sharpen voice and character presence.
- We ensure the scene is grounded, purposeful, and compelling.
Outcome: Your first page keeps them reading.
3) The First 10 Pages: The Request
Because the first 10 pages are what get you requested.
This is the “momentum” check.
- We evaluate pacing and engagement.
- We ensure the hook is engaging
- We check clarity of stakes and story direction.
- We diagnose common early draft issues: slow starts, info-dumps, thin tension, unclear POV, passive voice, and tense fluctuations.
Outcome: Your first 10 pages build confidence and momentum.
4) The First Three Chapters: The Commitment
Because the first three chapters are what get a request for a full manuscript
This is where a reader decides if your story has legs.
- We strengthen structure, pacing, and payoff.
- We tighten scenes for purpose and escalation.
- We develop voice consistency and narrative control.
Outcome: Your first three chapters feel professional and irresistible.
Developmental Edit: $0.03 per word
A deep, comprehensive review of your manuscript, completed in one full read through. This edit focuses on the big-picture elements that shape a strong, market-ready story, strengthening what works, identifying what isn’t landing (yet), and helping you build a more straightforward path forward.
We’ll focus on:
- Character development and story arcs
- Plot structure and pacing
- Scene effectiveness and overall flow
- Consistency, clarity, and narrative direction
- Genre expectations and reader engagement
- Marketability and overall manuscript readiness
Every editing service includes a complimentary 30-minute video or phone call once your edit is complete. We’ll review feedback, discuss next steps, and ensure you feel confident moving forward.
Line Edit: $0.04 per word
A single full pass edit focusing on the writing itself, strengthening clarity, polish, and readability while preserving your unique voice. This edit enhances the way your manuscript sounds and flows, helping your prose feel sharper, smoother, and more professional.
This edit focuses on:
- Word choice and sentence rhythm
- Flow, transitions, and readability
- Passive voice revision
- Continuity and internal consistency
- Sentence structure and clarity
- Grammar, punctuation, and usage
- Anachronisms and timeline inconsistencies
- Light story and structural suggestions
Every editing service includes a complimentary 30-minute phone call once your edit is complete, so we can review feedback, discuss next steps, and make sure you feel confident moving forward.
Comprehensive Edit: $0.105 per word
A complete, start-to-finish editing package designed to take your manuscript from draft to polished, publication-ready work. This service includes multiple rounds of feedback at both the big-picture and sentence level, followed by a final proofread to ensure your manuscript is clean, consistent, and ready for submission or publication.
This package includes:
- One Developmental Edit
Structure, pacing, character arc, story arc, plot clarity, and market readiness
- Two Line Edits
Style, clarity, flow, continuity, consistency, and voice strengthening
- One Proofread/Final Polish
Grammar, typos, and formatting inconsistencies
How it works:
- This package requires three rounds of author revisions between each stage, so your manuscript improves in layers.
- Every round includes a 30-minute video or phone call after each edit is delivered, so we can review your feedback, answer questions, and clarify your next steps.
Important Note:
Because this service includes multiple rounds of editing, turnaround time will vary depending on revision speed and scheduling.