it’s time to tell your story.
My Approach to Editing
I work with fiction writers who have a novel draft and want to elevate their characters, story, and overall craft. It starts with a chat to go over the process and my focus while editing. Then you fill out some questions about your vision for the novel, and provide me a copy of your manuscript. I will then edit your work, return to you the feedback, and the two of us will get on a call to chat about how to best integrate it in.
When your edit is complete you will have a clear vision for how your story can grow, confidence it’s one worth telling, and someone out there genuinely chomping at the bit to read your completed book. Trust me when I say your characters will be living rent free in my head until I do.
How do your edits work?
Writers need support before their stories are in front of agents and readers. You don’t know what you don’t know, and with only one chance at a first impression, it’s important to do it well.
I love seeing writer’s stories come alive.
Through my years of running a local writer’s group, mentoring authors, and editing, I’ve seen how one conversation can change the path of an author’s career. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to help others achieve their publishing goals.
My approach to editing is to be your partner. I want to help make your vision for the story shine and I’ve developed a series of services that best support that. It’s about more than edits, it about collaboration so your manuscript evolves into something remarkable.
Why use an editor?
There are two types of writers in the world: those who write for fun and those who want to make a career out of it.
Professional editing is perfect for both.
Investing in your hobbies is something we see time and time again. Golfers pay for coaches and painters take classes. Writing is no different. How you excel in your craft is through tailored 1:1 feedback on your writing.
Professional editing is key for experienced authors too. You can focus your energy on quality writing, and leverage experts to make it shine for your readers.
In both cases, professional editing gives you consistency. Your success is no longer reliant on who you know and if they have time for you. You have dedicated expert on your side.
My Editing Services
My focus as a developmental editor is on the big picture of your story. Things like: how do plot and pace keep your readers hooked? How connected will they feel to your characters and the journey they are on? And does the tone and energy of your novel attract the readers you want? When you hire me, we will look at all of this and more.
Starting Your Draft
Just starting your draft? Perhaps mulling around an idea? We’ve got you covered.
High level Feedback
Have a working manuscript you’d love high level feedback on so you can run with revisions? Check out a Beta Read Plus or Developmental Assessment.
Immersive Support
If you want end to end support to elevate your story to the best it can be, our Developmental Edit and Collaborate Developmental Edit are just for you.
“Dani is a fairy godmother to story. Her ability to take a beautiful mess and, with surgical precision, tell you exactly what’s missing is a relief in the best way. Her grasp of character development, story structure, and heart help give writers the vision they need to take a good story and make it incredible.
I love my characters like real people, and I will absolutely entrust them to her capable hands again.”
Contemporary Fiction Author, Sarah Berke
“Dani has a way of seeing stories through a lens of purpose. She cares about characters, and in doing so, creates a sounding board for authors to do their best work.
Romance Author, Heather Garvin
FAQs
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I have a B.S. from Washington State University in Management Information Systems with an emphasis on Technical Writing and am certified through the EFA in Developmental Editing. I am also committed to continued education and have taken masterclasses in storytelling from the likes of Neil Gaiman, James Patterson, Dan Brown, David Sedaris, N.K. Jemison, Shonda Rhimes and the Duffers Brothers. So if you wondered, the answer is yes, I am the woman reading craft books for fun.
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I typically work with writers when they are in the drafting phase of their journey, before a manuscript has gone to a copy/line editor. Some are forming ideas to start, while others have a fully workable manuscript.
You can be indie or traditionally querying, published or unpublished. If you have a story to tell, you are in the right place.
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I provide developmental edits for most genres, the exception being intense epic’s or gory novels. The key for me is stories where the characters feel real and have depth. The below outlines the typical genres I edit:
contempoary fiction
historical fiction
upmarket/book club
women’s fiction/coming of age
romance/rom-com
light fantasy/romantasy
thriller/suspense
light horror/paranormal
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Payment is made before the service provided. After an initial discovery call, an invoice is sent.
The exception is developmental edits & collaborative developmental edits, which require half to be paid at the time of the manuscript submission and half before the second pass begins.
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Absolutely. Now is the time to learn foundational tools to help you succeed as a writer. This is your opportunity to show readers your writing style and storytelling abilities.
You want to put your best foot forward. Set up a discovery call and we can talk about best next steps. There are a variety of options that can meet your needs.
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Let’s have a discovery call to chat about it! Once I understand where you are at, we can figure out the best next steps for you and your story. Editing is all about collaboration, and that starts with a conversation.
Let’s Chat
Start the conversation to see how your story can move to the next level. Ask your questions! I am excited to help.
