Editing Services
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Short story critique
Ideal for stories complete at 1,000 to 10,000 words. You will receive an annotated copy of your story and an edit letter describing its strengths and considerations for revision. Stories up to 1500 words are a flat rate of $30; words above 1500 are $0.012/word.
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Manuscript evaluation
Ideal for completed drafts of novels or novellas. You will receive a long-form (5+ page) edit letter describing your story’s strengths and considerations for revision. Estimate $0.015/word and up. Manuscript evaluations do not come with a Book Map, but you can choose to add one for $200.
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Developmental edit
Ideal for completed early drafts of novels or novellas. You will receive an annotated copy of your manuscript along with an 8+ page edit letter (depending on your story’s length/complexity) describing its strengths, considerations for revision, and some starting points for tackling those revisions. You will also receive a Book Map that tracks various story threads and plot elements throughout your story, and acts a great starting point for revisions. Estimate $0.020/word and up.
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Book map
A book map is a structured document that summarizes your work and tracks elements like plot threads, character arcs, pacing, or cause-and-effect chains so you can easily see your story from a bird’s-eye view. Because your story is unique, the elements included in your book map will be, too. Developmental edits include a Book Map. Manuscript evaluations do not, but you can choose to add one for $200.
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Story Coaching
Ideal for stories you’re stuck on or having trouble seeing through to the end. Need a companion on the way? I’ve got you! Video sessions to talk through your stuck points are $50 for 60 minutes. I’m available to read and critique work ahead of these sessions for $0.015/word. We’ll book an initial 30 minute chat (free!) to discuss the areas you’d like help with and create a plan of action. Discounts available when you book 4+ sessions.
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Creative Consultation
You could consider this option Story Coaching Lite - a single session to help you through a stuck point in a story, project, or writing process-related struggle. A single 60 minute session is $50, with the option to review related work ahead of the session at $0.015/word.
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Outline Critique
Wondering if you’re on the right track before drafting 100k words you’ll have to completely revise? Consider an outline critique! You provide a copy of your outline (as bullet points, paragraphs, chapter summaries - however you typically outline) and receive a short letter addressing big-picture issues like pacing, story beats, character arcs, and areas that may need to be developed or scaled back. $0.015/word ($50 minimum).
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Opening Chapter Critique
The opening of your story is the most essential part for hooking readers, impressing agents, and communicating your story’s concept. Opening chapter critiques include an annotated copy of your story’s opening pages and a short letter addressing essential elements such as clarity of concept, characterization, hook, dramatic question, and promises made to the reader. $0.015/word ($50 minimum).
What people are saying about my work:
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Greta gave me some of the best feedback I’ve ever received. She was so meticulous and thoughtful and “got” my story in the way you want your ideal reader to get it, not just as an editor. All of her comments, even the ones that required larger structural changes, came at the service of the story itself, preserving its themes and messages and characterizations. For this reason, I really trusted and took to heart her diligent in-line comments and helpful summaries of her thoughts. I couldn’t recommend her enough as not only an editor but a champion of your story.
Alexandra Wendt (manuscript evaluation)
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I am so grateful for Greta’s feedback. It was genuinely exciting the documents she sent. The short story critique helped me strengthen my story and build on my vision for it, and also set it up for expansion into a full novel. Her comments were super clear, helpful, and supportive. Overall, this made me more keen to work on the story and to write more in general. I hope to work with Greta again!
Maria C. (short story critique)
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Greta’s critique of my novel was invaluable. Her notes were organized and clear. Her highlights of passages that she engaged with, and the way she described why she loved something, was encouraging and helpful. Her criticisms were specific, using examples and often followed with clarifying questions. It was easy to understand where my book presented difficulties and how I might begin to address the problems. I felt confident trusting my novel to Greta’s hands. She shows care, discipline, and passion, in the work she does.
Jasper Appler (manuscript evaluation)
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Greta's feedback went right to the heart of my concerns. Without any hints from me, she identified the problems I was having with my work-in-progress and responded with prompts and questions that got me thinking and working outside my box. Her style of guiding, rather than telling, was exactly what I needed--no ego, just a desire to see me write the best piece I could.
Jennifer James (short story critique)
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Greta's advice was instrumental in helping me publish my short story Fear in the North. Her insights and skill helped me get to the meat of my story and cut away extraneous information. She was able to point out lack of character building and some plot issues I hadn't realized were hiding within my work. After going back into my story I was able to fix these problems and it ended up being an award winner in the Writer's Digest Annual Story Competition. I am very grateful to Greta for her help and would highly recommend her to any writer who needed clarity on their writing.
Sarah May (short story critique)
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Greta described my characters as multifaceted and layered. She pointed to exact moments where she sympathized with a character, and on the next page, pointed to where that same character gave her the chills. This reaction-based commentary gave me motivation and pride to complete [my story]. The mix of critique and genuine reaction is a highly motivational method of receiving constructive criticism.
Christine Roland (short story critique)