Affordable book editing services
Professional editing is ready when you are.
Query Letter
Single-Pass Query Critique
A critique of your query letter includes a structural edit, a proofread to clean up any grammatical, stylistic, or spelling errors, and in-document comments. ($30) Book Now​
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Multi-Pass Query Critique
In addition to a critique of your query letter, which includes a structural edit, a proofread to clean up any grammatical, stylistic, or spelling errors, and in-document comments, you may revise and resubmit two additional times after the initial critique for a total of three passes. ($75) Book Now
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Synopsis
Single-Pass Synopsis Critique
A critique of your synopsis (up to 3 pages) includes structural analysis, proofreading to clean up any grammatical, stylistic, or spelling errors, and in-document comments. ($30) Book Now
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Multi-Pass Synopsis Critique
In addition to a critique of your synopsis, which includes a structural edit, a proofread to clean up any grammatical, stylistic, or spelling errors, and in-document comments, you may revise and resubmit two additional times after the initial critique for a total of three passes. ($85) Book Now
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Submission Packages
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Submission Package (Query and Synopsis Critique)
A single-pass critique of the query letter and synopsis includes for each: a structural analysis, a proofread to clean up any grammatical, stylistic, or spelling errors, and in-document comments. ($50) Book Now
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Submission Package PLUS (Query and Synopsis Critique) Best Deal!
In addition to a critique of your query letter and synopsis, which includes structural analysis, proofreading to clean up any grammatical, stylistic, or spelling errors, and in-document comments for each, you may revise and resubmit two additional times after the initial critique for a total of three passes. ($150) Book Now
Picture Book Manuscript Critique
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A critique of your picture book text includes a structural edit, proofreading to clean up any grammatical, stylistic, or spelling errors, and an overall review letter highlighting the text’s strengths and areas of improvement. ($75) * For texts over 1000 words, an additional charge may apply. * Book Now
Novel Critiques
First 5 Pages
An overview critique of the first five pages of your manuscript with in-document revisions. ($30) Book Now
First Chapter
An overview critique of the first chapter of your manuscript (up to 15 pages double spaced) with in-document revisions. ($75) Book Now
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Beta Reader Manuscript Critique
A Beta Reader critique is for those looking for a simple full manuscript review. It includes a review letter highlighting the text’s strengths and areas of improvement regarding plot, character, and world-building. ($0.01 per word) Book Now
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Content/Developmental Manuscript Critique Most Popular!
A detailed manuscript critique includes structural edit suggestions, in-document comments and line edits, and an overall review letter highlighting the text’s strengths and areas of improvement regarding plot, character, and world-building. ($0.02 per word) Book Now
See what people are saying
Melissa is seriously dedicated to... a Calling which she pursues with patience, dedication and empathy. Her comments and gentle nudges were extremely helpful in upping my query letter and synopsis until both shone. I strongly recommend her services to aspiring writers like me.
Gladys B.
Austria
I loved having Melissa as a Beta Reader. She is positive but also gives constructive feedback. She has been a joy to work with!
Jolie T.
Idaho
I am very thankful for the experience I had with Melissa. Her suggestions were useful and insightful. She gave me constructive feedback to help improve my story. She asked questions to make me think deeper about the characters in my story and helped me find solutions to bring them to life. She made the process easy and she is so kind. I happily recommend her to writers!
Yasmin M.
Texas
Melissa is seriously an amazing editor/critique-er! She made everything so easy to understand so my picture book can shine!
Suzanne J.
Canada
Project Content: At this time, I am only working with fictional stories, with the exception of non-fiction picture book texts. My expertise is in children's fiction, but I am open to all age groups. Should your manuscript fall under erotica or feature rape, child abuse, or heavy violence, it may be better suited with a different editor. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask! You can fill out the form below or email me at authormdhope (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Word Count: The Beta Reader Manuscript Critique and the Content/Developmental Manuscript Critique are both priced by word count. Once I receive the word count from you, I can give you an exact price for the invoice. Please do not estimate. If the actual word count is lower than the number given at booking, you will still be expected to pay the amount agreed upon at booking. However, if the word count is higher than the number given at booking, then you will be expected to pay the difference in the final invoice. Thank you for understanding. Content/Developmental Manuscript Critique bookings may ask for a Sample Critique of up to three pages to ensure you are comfortable with my editing style before proceeding.
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Payment Policy: All flat fee critiques must be paid in full to secure a booking. Manuscript critiques priced by word count will be determined once we have agreed on the word count (see above) and will be invoiced 50% at booking and 50% at manuscript delivery. Payments will go through PayPal or Venmo. The invoice will be sent through email.
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Cancellation Policy: All flat fee critiques are fully refundable until the day I begin working on them. If I have already started editing, they are not refundable. Full manuscript critiques must give two weeks' notice for a full refund. If the cancellation notice is less than two weeks, there is a 30% charge. If I have already started editing, they are not refundable. Content/Developmental Manuscript Critique bookings may ask for a Sample Critique of up to three pages to ensure you are comfortable with my editing style before proceeding.
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Formatting: Please send a Word document as I will make edits using Track Changes. (Times New Roman, 12 point font, 2.0 line spacing)
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What experience do you have? I have a bachelor's in English with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Editing. I am a traditionally-published author and have previously been agented by a well-known New York agency. For the last ten years I have been writing creative projects and my debut middle grade, Sea of Kings, was published in April 2021 with Jolly Fish Press.
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