Hello! I'm glad you found me. I have worked on dozens of manuscripts and countless queries, submission packets, and partial manuscripts. As a freelance editor, I am to help writers to write the book they want to be writing. I am not looking to impose my opinions on your work, but to help you to find your voice and path. I work with writers in all genres, but I specialize in speculative fiction. Currently, I only do developmental edits. I do not do line edits or copy-edits. I offer several options for editorial services. If you're looking for something that isn't listed, please don't hesitate to contact me! I'm happy to discuss what might work best for you. My notes will cover things such as plot, pacing, character development, relationship development, setting, and worldbuilding. I will also address specific questions or concerns that you have as a writer. My rates and response times are based on word count and on the type of editing you're looking for. I am always happy to answer any questions and you can reach me through the contact form.
Services offered
Story Consultations
Story Consultation - $70 for MS under 60K; $90 for MS 60k-80k; $120 for MS 80k-95k; and $150 for MS over 95k
A Story Consultation takes your detailed synopsis and critiques it for storytelling. This is an excellent way to figure out those plot bunnies and holes, cut unnecessary scenes, and restructure the plot or reframe the story. The more detailed your synopsis the better. I suggest a word count of 5% of your manuscript's total word could. Include paragraph breaks for each new scene. If you have multiple POVS, note those per scene
Full Manuscript Edits
Beta Read/Big Picture Critique - $0.005 per word
For a first step in editing your manuscript, try a Big Picture critique. This assessment looks at the broad strokes of your manuscript and provides insights into the overall structure and story. You'll receive an editorial letter with overarching suggestions on areas of improvement, along with feedback on what works well. Best for authors who just need some basic feedback or who are preparing to query.
Developmental Critique - $0.01 per word
A Developmental Critique digs deeper, getting into the roots of your story, fleshing out characters, plot, pacing, world building, and continuity. You'll receive an editorial letter with overarching suggestions on areas of improvements as well as notes throughout the documents itself (using track changes) suggesting improvements and fixes. Best for broken books and authors who are querying and not getting results.
Submission Critiques
Twitter Pitch Critique - $15 per pitch, up to three edits
While a Twitter pitch can win you the notice of agents, they can be a pain to get right. With a brief synopsis of your manuscript, I can construct as many pitches as you want to enter a Twitter pitch contest such as #pitmad, #DVpit, #SFFPit, #PBPitch, etc.
Query Critiques - $25 for the first round, $10 per round after that
I will critique your query with track changes and comments. I will look at the hook, content, and plot. You'll also receive a summary email regarding your characters, stakes, action, plot, and genre and where it can be improved. Fast turnaround--24 hours in most cases!
Query + Synopsis - $50 for the first round, $15 per round after that
I will critique your query and synopsis with track changes and comments.
Submission Package - $75 for the first round, $20 per round after that
This package takes a hard look at the materials you will be sending to agents to really make them shine. If you haven't been getting request from agents, this is where you start! I will critique your query, synopsis, and first 10 pages (double spaced, Times New Roman, size 12) of your manuscript. Fast turnaround--7 days in most cases!
The First Chapter - $50 for first round, $15 per round after that
I will critique your first chapter with track changes and comments. Fast turnaround--7 days in most cases!
The First Three Chapters - $100 for the first round, $25 per round after that
I will critique your first three chapters with track changes and comments. Two-week turnaround in most cases.
Cover Copy - $50 for as many rounds as necessary
Perfect for indie authors. I will help you make sure your cover copy is enticing and will have readers snatching up your book.
Interested in booking? Want a quote on a full manuscript edit? Other questions? Email me below and let's get started.
Story Consultation - $70 for MS under 60K; $90 for MS 60k-80k; $120 for MS 80k-95k; and $150 for MS over 95k
A Story Consultation takes your detailed synopsis and critiques it for storytelling. This is an excellent way to figure out those plot bunnies and holes, cut unnecessary scenes, and restructure the plot or reframe the story. The more detailed your synopsis the better. I suggest a word count of 5% of your manuscript's total word could. Include paragraph breaks for each new scene. If you have multiple POVS, note those per scene
Full Manuscript Edits
Beta Read/Big Picture Critique - $0.005 per word
For a first step in editing your manuscript, try a Big Picture critique. This assessment looks at the broad strokes of your manuscript and provides insights into the overall structure and story. You'll receive an editorial letter with overarching suggestions on areas of improvement, along with feedback on what works well. Best for authors who just need some basic feedback or who are preparing to query.
Developmental Critique - $0.01 per word
A Developmental Critique digs deeper, getting into the roots of your story, fleshing out characters, plot, pacing, world building, and continuity. You'll receive an editorial letter with overarching suggestions on areas of improvements as well as notes throughout the documents itself (using track changes) suggesting improvements and fixes. Best for broken books and authors who are querying and not getting results.
Submission Critiques
Twitter Pitch Critique - $15 per pitch, up to three edits
While a Twitter pitch can win you the notice of agents, they can be a pain to get right. With a brief synopsis of your manuscript, I can construct as many pitches as you want to enter a Twitter pitch contest such as #pitmad, #DVpit, #SFFPit, #PBPitch, etc.
Query Critiques - $25 for the first round, $10 per round after that
I will critique your query with track changes and comments. I will look at the hook, content, and plot. You'll also receive a summary email regarding your characters, stakes, action, plot, and genre and where it can be improved. Fast turnaround--24 hours in most cases!
Query + Synopsis - $50 for the first round, $15 per round after that
I will critique your query and synopsis with track changes and comments.
Submission Package - $75 for the first round, $20 per round after that
This package takes a hard look at the materials you will be sending to agents to really make them shine. If you haven't been getting request from agents, this is where you start! I will critique your query, synopsis, and first 10 pages (double spaced, Times New Roman, size 12) of your manuscript. Fast turnaround--7 days in most cases!
The First Chapter - $50 for first round, $15 per round after that
I will critique your first chapter with track changes and comments. Fast turnaround--7 days in most cases!
The First Three Chapters - $100 for the first round, $25 per round after that
I will critique your first three chapters with track changes and comments. Two-week turnaround in most cases.
Cover Copy - $50 for as many rounds as necessary
Perfect for indie authors. I will help you make sure your cover copy is enticing and will have readers snatching up your book.
Interested in booking? Want a quote on a full manuscript edit? Other questions? Email me below and let's get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of writing do I work with?
I specialize in Speculative Fiction in all age groups. I work with MG, YA, and Adult. No matter the plot, if there's at least a hint of magic in your manuscript, I'm your girl.
What kind of editing is this?
Mostly I work with developmental editing. I am not looking for grammatical or spelling errors, but rather what does (or doesn't) work within your story. I also help authors who are deep in the query trenches and those about to enter the world of querying.
How do payments work?
At this time, I only accept payment through Paypal. The first half of the fee is due at booking as a deposit and the second half upon completion. You will receive an invoice listing the agreed services purchased, estimated date of completion, and the agreed upon rates. I am willing to discuss payment plans on an individual basis.
Does it need to be finished?
This really depends on what service you have selected. If you have selected to flesh out a story idea, no it doesn't. If you're booking a Story Consultation, the manuscript needs to be at least drafted. If you're looking for anything else, then yes. You should have gone through revisions and beta readers before hiring a professional editor.
Do you need to have writing credits?
Nope! We all start somewhere!
What are my credentials?
I have a Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing and I have taught at the undergraduate levels at the University of West Florida. I have also worked with book scouts and indie publishers in both acquisitions and editorial. I have been working with writers one on one for two years now.
Does this guarantee that you'll get published?
No, and I would be weary of any editor that promised that.
I specialize in Speculative Fiction in all age groups. I work with MG, YA, and Adult. No matter the plot, if there's at least a hint of magic in your manuscript, I'm your girl.
What kind of editing is this?
Mostly I work with developmental editing. I am not looking for grammatical or spelling errors, but rather what does (or doesn't) work within your story. I also help authors who are deep in the query trenches and those about to enter the world of querying.
How do payments work?
At this time, I only accept payment through Paypal. The first half of the fee is due at booking as a deposit and the second half upon completion. You will receive an invoice listing the agreed services purchased, estimated date of completion, and the agreed upon rates. I am willing to discuss payment plans on an individual basis.
Does it need to be finished?
This really depends on what service you have selected. If you have selected to flesh out a story idea, no it doesn't. If you're booking a Story Consultation, the manuscript needs to be at least drafted. If you're looking for anything else, then yes. You should have gone through revisions and beta readers before hiring a professional editor.
Do you need to have writing credits?
Nope! We all start somewhere!
What are my credentials?
I have a Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing and I have taught at the undergraduate levels at the University of West Florida. I have also worked with book scouts and indie publishers in both acquisitions and editorial. I have been working with writers one on one for two years now.
Does this guarantee that you'll get published?
No, and I would be weary of any editor that promised that.
Testimonials
"Taylor Munsell provided a timely and useful response to my request for assistance with my query letter. I accepted all her suggestions and plan to send out the revised query. I am happy to recommend her services." -Robert Plowman
"Taylor's beta read was a major help. It was very thorough yet within good time. She was very professional in giving clear, honest, and well-justified comments on how to improve various aspects of my work. She even gave examples of how to fix specific problems. Her analysis proved her great attention to detail and her desire to make my work the best it can be. I am truly grateful for her invaluable service." - Anonymous (Author chose to remain anonymous as they pursue publication)
"Taylor helped me figure out the problems with my query. Her feedback improved it much more than anything I've received." -Lillian Macarthur
"Taylor's comments were spot on. She was encouraging but also pointed out what needed work. She helped make my query letter look more professional and I will now be able to query agents with more confidence." -Yoann Re
"Taylor's beta read was a major help. It was very thorough yet within good time. She was very professional in giving clear, honest, and well-justified comments on how to improve various aspects of my work. She even gave examples of how to fix specific problems. Her analysis proved her great attention to detail and her desire to make my work the best it can be. I am truly grateful for her invaluable service." - Anonymous (Author chose to remain anonymous as they pursue publication)
"Taylor helped me figure out the problems with my query. Her feedback improved it much more than anything I've received." -Lillian Macarthur
"Taylor's comments were spot on. She was encouraging but also pointed out what needed work. She helped make my query letter look more professional and I will now be able to query agents with more confidence." -Yoann Re
