Editing Services

Check out my current offerings! There’s somethign for everyone, whether you’re planning, drafting, or revising your story.

  • Ideal for completed drafts of novels or novellas. You will receive an annotated copy of your manuscript along with a 12+ page editorial letter (depending on your story’s length/complexity) describing its strengths, considerations for revision, and some starting points for tackling those revisions. You will also receive a Book Map that tracks various story threads and plot elements throughout your story, and acts a great starting point for revisions. Estimate $0.020/word and up.

  • Ideal for completed drafts of novels or novellas. You will receive a long-form (5+ page) edit letter describing your story’s strengths and considerations for revision. Estimate $0.015/word and up. Manuscript evaluations do not include manuscript markup (in-draft comments) or a Book Map. You can choose to add a Book Map for $200.

  • Ideal for stories complete at 1,000 to 10,000 words. You will receive an annotated copy of your story and an edit letter describing its strengths and considerations for revision. Estimate $0.015/word and up ($50 minimum).

  • A book map is a structured document that summarizes your work and tracks elements like plot threads, character arcs, pacing, or cause-and-effect chains so you can easily see your story from a bird’s-eye view. Because your story is unique, the elements included in your book map will be, too. Developmental edits include a Book Map. Manuscript evaluations do not, but you can choose to add one for $200.

  • Wondering if you’re on the right track before drafting 100k words you’ll have to completely revise? Consider an outline critique! You provide a copy of your outline (as bullet points, paragraphs, chapter summaries - however you typically outline) and receive a short letter addressing big-picture issues like pacing, story beats, character arcs, and areas that may need to be developed or scaled back. $0.015/word ($50 minimum).

  • The opening of your story is the most essential part for hooking readers, impressing agents, and communicating your story’s concept. Opening chapter critiques include an annotated copy of your story’s opening pages and a short letter addressing essential elements such as clarity of concept, characterization, hook, dramatic question, and promises made to the reader. $0.015/word ($50 minimum).

  • Working on your first novel and aren’t quite sure how to go from idea to finished draft? Getting ready to revise a first draft but aren’t sure how to create an action plan to get it done? Experiencing a barrier to completing a project that you’d like to talk through with a professional, or just need some light-touch accountability as you draft? I’ve got you! You can book a single session or a series of sessions to work through your project or creative block. Email greta@gretavalentine.com and we can put together a custom package to fit your needs. In general, video calls are $50/hour and review of work ahead of sessions is $0.015/word and available based on availability. Discounts are available for booking 4+ sessions at one time.

Work With Me

This is what working with me looks like:

1. Get in touch

If one of my services looks right for you, get in touch using the contact form. I’ll follow up and request your manuscript as a Word document, and ask a few questions about your story. I’ll let you know what my next available dates are so you can determine if this works with your project’s timeline.

2. Sample edit

Once I receive your manuscript, I’ll aim to return your sample edit within 7 days. For novels, I will read your first 10 pages; for short stories, I’ll read 1-2 pages. I will provide sample in-line notes (manuscript markup) on several pages and a paragraph or two of feedback.

3. Quote

If I feel your project is a good fit for my skillset, I’ll return the sample edit to you along with a quote, with no obligation to proceed on your part. If I don’t connect with your work, I will still provide you with feedback, but will not proceed with a quote.

4. Review

You can review my feedback and decide if we’re the right fit to take your story to the next level. You’ll respond, letting me know whether or not you’d like to proceed.

5. Contract

If you decide to proceed, I will send you a Service Agreement outlining the services you’ve requested, scheduling information, and costs. We can correspond about any changes or questions you may have. You will return the signed contract to me, and I will provide you with a copy that I have signed as well.

6. Deposit

When I return your signed contract I will also include a PayPal invoice for the initial deposit. For developmental edits and manuscript evaluations, you will pay 50% of the project’s cost up front to reserve your booking. Short story critiques must be paid up front. Story coaching packages will be worked out individually since the format differs from person to person. Once your initial payment is received, your booking dates are secured and I will begin work on the start date we’ve specified in the Service Agreement.

7. Editing

I will get to work on your deliverables! The Services page outlines what each option (short story critique, manuscript evaluation, or developmental edit) includes; this will also be spelled out in the Service Agreement.

8. Delivery

I will notify you when I have completed work on your deliverables, and you will make your final payment (if applicable). Once full payment is received, I will send you the deliverables. You’ll have the option to ask for clarification as well as a few follow-up questions. Then you’ll be on your way!