Taylor Munsell Editorial
I’m a writer who specializes in Adult and Young Adult fantasy, romance, science fiction, and paranormal novels. I’ve worked with several established authors, and dozens of writers who have gone on to receive offers from agents, traditional publishers, and self-publish. I’ve interned with agencies such as Writers House and Creative Media Agency, and I’ve read thousands of queries and hundreds of manuscripts.
With over six years in the publishing industry and nine years in the writing community, I excel in seeing the potential of a story. My greatest strengths lie in pacing, dialogue, character, and tension. I love picking out what’s truly working in the novel and using the author’s strength to develop the manuscript. I not only see the book for what it is but the potential.
No matter where you are in your publishing journey—searching for an agent, just starting to write, or on the road to publishing—I’m here to help make your story reach its highest potential.
My Services
Manuscript Critique
This editorial package is designed for authors seeking big-picture, honest, and encouraging feedback on their manuscript. Whether you’re revising a first draft or polishing before querying or self-publishing, you’ll receive a detailed critique that pinpoints what’s working—and what still needs refinement.
I’ll focus on the heart of your story looking at plot and pacing; character development; worldbuilding and setting; voice and tone; and conflict and stakes.
Developmental Edit
Developmental editing involves in-depth feedback on the storytelling elements, such as character arcs, action, dialogue, description, exposition, pacing, and emotional connection.
With a developmental edit, notes will be made on specific actions that should be executed to strengthen your manuscript. You will receive an annotated copy of your manuscript in tandem with a comprehensive edit letter.
Plot Analysis
Includes a detailed look at the plot (building blocks) of a manuscript to identify pacing, flow, character arc through plot, etc.
Required: An outline of some form, whatever that looks like for you. Be it a beat sheet, detailed beat sheet, long synopsis, or something in between. Also include basic character profiles.
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- Full read of your manuscript
- Short editorial letter
- 30-minute call (Zoom or audio) to discuss your story
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- Pre-read phone call to discuss expectations plus a 1,000 word sample.
- Full read of your manuscript
- Inline comments, questions, and reactions
- In-depth editorial letter
- 60-minute call (Zoom or audio) to discuss your story, the editorial letter, and brainstorm
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- Analysis document highlighting areas of weakness, places to re-work, and brainstorming suggestions
- 30-minute call (Zoom or audio) to discuss your story.
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Per Word: $0.015
i.e. 100,000 words = $1,500
Per Word: $0.03
i.e. 100,000 words = $3,000
Flat Rate: $400 USD
Manuscript Read
Think of this like a beta reader with guaranteed feedback. I’ll do a complete read of your manuscript and provide written feedback in the form of a short editorial letter focusing on the reader experience.
Note: this will not include suggestions on paths forward.
Submission Package
Includes two rounds of edits on your query letter, one round on your 1-2 page synopsis, and in line edits on your first ten pages.
All of my in line edits encompass plot, pacing, character, clarity, etc. as well as my overall thoughts while reading.
Line Editing
Line editing is a sentence-level edit focused on clarity, flow, and voice—designed to elevate your prose without changing your style. I look closely at rhythm, word choice, and structure, smoothing awkward phrasing, removing repetition, and tightening language so each sentence lands with intention. This stage is about polish with purpose: preserving what makes your voice uniquely yours while helping your writing read cleaner, sharper, and more engaging on the page.
Per Word: $0.003
i.e. 100,000 words = $300
Flat Rate: $100 USD
Per Word: $0.02
i.e. 100,000 words = $2,000
Manuscript Critique
This editorial package is designed for authors seeking big-picture, honest, and encouraging feedback on their manuscript. Whether you’re revising a first draft or polishing before querying or self-publishing, you’ll receive a detailed critique that pinpoints what’s working—and what still needs refinement.
I’ll focus on the heart of your story looking at plot and pacing; character development; worldbuilding and setting; voice and tone; and conflict and stakes.
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- Full read of your manuscript
- Short editorial letter
- 30-minute call (Zoom or audio) to discuss your story
Flat Rate: $1500 USD
*100k-word max. Additional words $0.02 each.
Developmental Edit
Developmental editing involves in-depth feedback on the storytelling elements, such as character arcs, action, dialogue, description, exposition, pacing, and emotional connection.
With a developmental edit, notes will be made on specific actions that should be executed to strengthen your manuscript. You will receive an annotated copy of your manuscript in tandem with a comprehensive edit letter.
-
- Pre-read phone call to discuss expectations plus a 1,000 word sample.
- Full read of your manuscript
- Inline comments, questions, and reactions
- In-depth editorial letter
- 60-minute call (Zoom or audio) to discuss your story, the editorial letter, and brainstorm
Flat Rate: $3000 USD
*100k-word max. Additional words $0.03 each.
Plot Analysis
Includes a detailed look at the plot (building blocks) of a manuscript to identify pacing, flow, character arc through plot, etc.
Required: An outline of some form, whatever that looks like for you. Be it a beat sheet, detailed beat sheet, long synopsis, or something in between. Also include basic character profiles.
-
- Analysis document highlighting areas of weakness, places to re-work, and brainstorming suggestions.
- 30-minute call (Zoom or audio) to discuss your story.
Flat Rate: $400 USD
Manuscript Read
Think of this like a beta reader with guaranteed feedback. I’ll do a complete read of your manuscript and provide written feedback in the form of a short editorial letter focusing on the reader experience.
Note: this will not include suggestions on paths forward.
Flat Rate: $700 USD
Submission Package
Includes two rounds of edits on your query letter, one round on your 1-2 page synopsis, and in line edits on your first ten pages.
All of my in line edits encompass plot, pacing, character, clarity, etc. as well as my overall thoughts while reading.
Flat Rate: $100 USD
Critique Partner Package
This is the service I perform for my critique partners! Includes plot development, early brainstorming, weekly facetime, zoom, or phone conferences, chapter by chapter critiques which will feature both extensive in-line comments and reader reports, and a query package upon finishing. We will nurture your idea from a seedling to a garden together!
Contact for Pricing
“The writer must have a good imagination to begin with, but the imagination has to be muscular, which means it must be exercised in a disciplined way, day in and day out, by writing, failing, succeeding and revising.”
– Stephen King
why you should trust me
“Not only does Taylor have keen insights on big picture things like plot, character, and the heart of the story, but she’s also able to see how all those things need to weave together to make a story great. She won’t overwhelm you either. Instead, she’ll break everything down so it’s easy to understand and put into action. I can’t stress enough how indispensable Taylor has been to my writing.”
“Taylor provides insightful and expert feedback that truly captures the essence of a story. She swiftly identifies both the strengths and weaknesses, offering practical solutions to improve what’s not working and enhance what is. Her skill in weaving together plot threads while maintaining perfect pacing is unmatched. Taylor’s critiques are always thoughtful, ensuring they honor the author’s authentic vision. If you’re looking for a valuable critique, I wholeheartedly recommend Taylor’s services.”
How do I know if we'll be a good fit?
I recognize that not every editor is for every person. I want to be helpful. My goal is not to find the story I want to read, but to help you with the story that you want to tell. My specialties are in plot, pacing, and big-picture edits.
What kind of writing do you work with?
I am most comfortable working with fantasy, particularly young adult and adult fantasy. I’m equally happy to work with people who are pursuing traditional publication and with people who are looking to self-publish. I’m definitely not the right person for nonfiction, picture books or children’s books.
Do you work with queries or submission packages?
Yes and no. I do have a submission package offering which includes the query and first ten pages, but I don’t edit queries on their own (usually). I will occassionally run specials for just query letters.
I do have a package for a plot analysis and I’m happy to put together a package for the first fifty pages if you’re looking for something other than a full manuscript edit.
What kind of editing is this?
This is not a line edit or a copy edit. I am not looking for typos, but I will note where something is unclear. I’m reading for things like character, voice, plot, pacing, worldbuilding, and clarity.
If there’s something specific you want to know, I’m happy to help with that too. I’m here to help you make your overall project stronger and exactly the story you want to tell.
Magic Awaits
Drop me a line and lets unlock your story’s potential.
