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Editorial Services
Every manuscript needs something different—and so does every writer.
Whether you’re wrestling with a first draft, deep in revisions, preparing to query literary agents, or getting your novel ready to self-publish, I offer customized editing services designed to meet you and your manuscript where you are.
From developmental editing and manuscript critiques to line editing, copyediting, and query package support, my approach is collaborative, encouraging, and honest. I’ll help you identify what’s already working, understand what isn’t quite landing yet, and give you clear, actionable guidance for moving your story forward—without losing the voice that made it yours in the first place.
I specialize in commercial fiction, with services available for both aspiring traditionally published and independent authors. Whether you need an editor for a completed novel or a book coach beside you as you write and revise, we’ll design the support that makes sense for your project, your publishing goals, and your budget. Because there’s no single right way to write a book—or bring one into the world.
Questions? Want to chat about the right editorial support for your project? Get in touch via email: callie@breitenbushliterary.com. I cannot wait to hear about what you are writing!
Booking for 2027
Editing Services
Developmental Editing
Line Editing
Copy Editing
Big-picture editing for the bones—and heart—of your story. Developmental edits takes a step back from the sentence level to look at how your manuscript works as a whole. We’ll dig into plot and structure, character arcs and motivation, pacing, worldbuilding, romantic development, stakes, and the threads tying it all together.
I’ll highlight what’s already working, identify where the story may be losing momentum or clarity, and offer thoughtful, actionable feedback to help you strengthen your manuscript without rewriting it into someone else’s book.
Sentence-level editing that helps your voice shine. Line edits zooms in from the big picture to focus on how your story reads on the page. I’ll work through your manuscript line by line, looking at prose, clarity, flow, rhythm, dialogue, word choice, repetition, and emotional impact.
The goal isn’t to make your writing sound like anyone else’s work. It’s to identify places where the prose may be getting in the way of the story and help you sharpen what makes your voice distinctly yours.
Copy editing focuses on the technical details of your manuscript once the story and prose are firmly in place. I’ll review your work for grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, consistency, continuity, and usage—catching the small errors and inconsistencies that can pull a reader out of an otherwise great book.
But clean doesn’t have to mean sterile. My goal is to polish your manuscript while preserving the choices that make your writing sound like you.
Starts at $0.005/word
Starts at $0.010/word
Starts at $0.008/word
Introductory Package
In celebration of Breitenbush Literary's launch, I'm excited to offer a bundled editing package that includes (2) two rounds of developmental editing, (1) one round of line editing, (1) one round of copyediting, and (1) one round of proofreading OR (1) one query package review. Valid through January 2027.
Bundled Pricing: $0.018/word
Save on 2027 Bookings
Ready to polish and publish in the New Year? I'm excited to honor my 2026 pricing (listed on this page) for any projects booked for January or February. My per-word editing prices will increase in early January 2027.
Query Package Review
Your query package has a big job: introduce your story, showcase your writing, and give a literary agent a reason to keep reading—all in just a few pages. We’ll review, edit, and polish your query letter, synopsis, author bio, and opening pages (up to 50, double-spaced). The option for one or two rounds of editing is available.
Having been through the query trenches myself, I know how difficult it can be to distill an entire novel into a compelling pitch. My feedback will help you identify what makes your story stand out, strengthen the connection between your pitch and pages, and ensure your package represents your manuscript at its best.
Note: This is a much more in-depth, tailored service that I offer as part of my In The Margins inbox.
Flat rate of $150, add a second round of review for $50
Booking for 2027
Critique Read (AKA, Manuscript Triage)
Not quite ready for a full developmental or line edit, but want a professional perspective on your manuscript? I’ll read your manuscript once from beginning to end, leaving in-manuscript comments with craft observations, reader reactions, questions, and opportunities I notice along the way.
Think of it as an editorial gut check: a lower-commitment way to get fresh eyes on your story and a clearer sense of what might benefit from deeper attention. Pricing listed includes manuscripts up to 100,000 words. If your word count is higher, I can happy to provide a custom estimate. If you decide to book a developmental or line editing service with me afterward, your $350 payment can be applied as a credit toward that service.
Flat rate of $350