Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the most common questions writers ask when working with me.

Services & Support

  • I specialize in developmental editing, helping writers strengthen story structure, character arcs, worldbuilding, and emotional resonance. While developmental editing is my primary service, I also offer line editing, copyediting, and proofreading for returning clients or as add‑on support when needed. This lets you choose the level of guidance that best fits your manuscript’s stage and goals.

  • If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal. Many authors aren’t certain which stage they’re in. I’m happy to look at your goals and where you are in the process to help you choose the service that will be most helpful and cost‑effective for your manuscript.

  • Yes. I offer partial developmental edits for writers who want feedback on their opening chapters before committing to a full manuscript edit. You can send just a few chapters if you’d like early guidance on structure, pacing, character motivation, worldbuilding clarity, or reader immersion.

    If you decide to continue working together afterward, you can move into a Developmental Assessment, Developmental Coaching, or a Full Developmental Edit, depending on the level of support you want.

  • Yes, but only in the stages designed for mechanical polish. Grammar and typos are corrected during line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. My primary service is developmental editing, which focuses on story‑level elements like structure, character arcs, worldbuilding, and emotional resonance, so mechanical corrections are not the priority at that stage.

  • I don’t offer rush services. I want to give every manuscript the thoughtful, focused attention it deserves, and that requires a steady, sustainable pace.

Working With Me

  • I offer thoughtful, story‑centered editing for fantasy manuscripts across middle grade, young adult, adult fantasy, and romantacy. My approach is gentle and encouraging, focused on helping you strengthen your story at every stage of the writing process. Below, you’ll find the services I offer and how I can support your work.

  • Absolutely. I love working with writers at every stage, including those who are revising their very first manuscript. My feedback is always encouraging, clear, and designed to help you grow your craft.

  • Yes. I’m happy to work on sequels or series installments, and I’ll ask for a brief summary of previous books so I can maintain continuity.

  • My approach is warm, clear, and collaborative. I focus on strengthening your story while honoring your voice and creative vision. Whether I’m working on MG fantasy or adult romantacy, my goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered as you revise.

  • If you’d like to talk through your notes, I offer optional follow‑up calls for developmental edits. These conversations can be especially helpful for brainstorming revisions or clarifying next steps.

  • Yes, within reason. I’m comfortable working with darker themes common in adult fantasy and romantacy. If your manuscript includes particularly intense content, feel free to mention it in your inquiry so I can confirm it’s a good fit.

  • No editor can guarantee publication, but I can help you strengthen your manuscript, clarify your storytelling, and present your work with confidence.

Booking & Logistics

  • You can reach out through my contact form. Once we confirm the service, timeline, and rate, I’ll send a simple agreement and invoice to secure your spot on my calendar.

  • Turnaround times vary depending on the service and my current schedule, but most projects are completed within a few weeks. When you inquire, I’ll share my next available start date and a realistic timeline for your specific manuscript.

  • I work in Microsoft Word (.docx) using Track Changes and margin comments. This format allows for clear, transparent feedback that’s easy to revise from.

  • I deliver developmental feedback in different ways depending on the service. A Full Developmental Edit includes an editorial letter and in‑document comments throughout your manuscript. A Developmental Assessment provides a focused editorial letter only, and Developmental Coaching offers chapter‑level feedback and a running revision roadmap.

    Mechanical corrections (grammar, typos, and sentence‑level polish) are handled during line editing, copyediting, and proofreading, which are available for returning clients or as add‑on support when you’re ready for that stage.

  • Instead of using client work, I provide original sample paragraphs on my website that demonstrate my developmental, line, and proofreading approaches. This allows you to see my style clearly while protecting client confidentiality.

Pricing & Policies

  • I use simple, transparent pricing so you always know what to expect. My primary services focus on developmental editing, and current rates are:

    Developmental Assessment: $100 flat rate (first chapter up to 5,000 words + synopsis)
    Developmental Coaching: $0.02/word
    Full Developmental Edit: $0.03/word

    I also offer line editing, copyediting, and proofreading for returning clients or as add‑on support when you’re ready for sentence‑level polish:

    Line & Copyediting: $0.015/word Proofreading: $0.01/word

    Your final quote is based on your manuscript’s total word count and the level of support you choose. Once I review your pages, I’ll provide a clear estimate so you know the full cost before we begin. There are no hidden fees, just thoughtful, story‑centered guidance tailored to your project.

    If you’re unsure which service fits your manuscript best, I’m happy to help you choose the right level of support.

  • Most projects require a deposit to reserve your spot, with the remaining balance due upon delivery. I outline everything clearly before we begin so you always know what to expect.

    I accept several payment methods, but I prefer Zelle because it’s fast, secure, and fee‑free for both of us. If you need to use another method, just let me know and I’m happy to accommodate.

  • Because editing is a time‑based service, I don’t offer refunds once work has begun. If you need to reschedule, I’m happy to discuss options depending on availability.

  • While I don’t offer submission support, I’m always happy to point you toward helpful resources and organizations that can guide your next steps.

Contact me

I’d love to hear from you.

If you’re writing a fantasy manuscript and have questions about developmental editing, line editing, or proofreading, feel free to reach out. I’ll get back to you within a few days with availability and next steps.

leavelleditorial@gmail.com