Literary Editing
Refine Your voice
“Don’t try to write perfectly or even well. The goal of writing is to generate a big steaming pile of shit. Only in editing do we take that raw material and begin to sculpt something beautiful.”
– Cat Wityk
A Bit of Background…
A writer since age nine, I frequently edited my own stories as well as others’, freely and just for fun.
When I pursued my B.A in French Language & Literature from UNC Asheville from 2012 to 2016, I learned the foundations of literary analysis. I also gained a thorough understanding of English grammar and syntax through the contrasting lens of a foreign language.
From 2014 to 2018, I read and analyzed more scripts than I could possibly count while working in the film industry as a script consultant, script coverage writer, festival programmer, and professionally trained actor.
Ultimately, I found my way back to my roots as a creative writer. Taking the next step in my life-long study of creative process, I earned my Inward & Artward certification in creative facilitation in 2025.
Why Work With Me?
I hope to offer the kind of intuitive editing skills that have grown naturally from a decade of real-life experience with editing.
Because I have not been heavily shaped by the publishing industry or formal publishing education, my approach will not turn your voice into everyone else’s.
Rather, I strive to uphold what makes your voice authentic and original.
Here’s what else I bring to my editing work:
- A film-inspired editing style that is distinctly character-focused, psychological, visual, and cinematic.
- An understanding of English grammar and storytelling informed by my B.A. in French Language & Literature, along with experience writing in a second language.
- A perspective widened by other artistic pursuits, including music, acting, film, DnD, martial arts, drawing, and divination.
- As a writer myself, I’m right there with you in the trenches of vulnerable sharing and receiving critique!
- I am neurodivergent. My brain works like a labyrinth to track paths of logic, keep tabs on all details, highlight patterns, and hyper-focus in deep flow states.
- I am an HSP (highly sensitive person). The gifts of high sensitivity are abundant intuitive insight, high empathy, compassionate nonjudgmentalism, strong somatic skills, and a keen sense of aesthetics.
- Anti-capitalist values. I believe everyone has the right to pursue art and hone their craft, no matter their degree of privilege. If financial accessibility is a concern for you, let’s talk! I offer payment plans, lower rates for virtual coaching sessions, and equal-value work-trade arrangements.
Who Works With Me?
I specialize in works of fiction in the fantasy, fable, and sci-fi genres.
I love working with fellow neurodivergent minds who think in unconventional ways, indie authors who approach writing as an artful way of life, and creatives who could chat for hours about art and mystique.
Those who have worked with me before appreciate my neurodivergent processing style, authenticity, fearlessness for diving deep, and keen ability to bridge the intuitive with the technical.
What I Do Not Do:
At this time, I am unable to assist with the following:
– Marketing, branding, social media, PR, event production
– Publication services
– Help with submissions to agents or publishers
– Providing publishing industry connections
– General advice about navigating the publishing industry
Developmental EDITING Packages
Developmental editing is an in-depth analysis of the overall story strategy providing clarity on big picture concepts like theme, plot, character development, and world-building.
The Small Fury developmental edit specially includes statements of meaning, neutral questions, and insights on genre, audience, and stylistic elements.
With this powerful feedback in hand, you will gain clarity on your story’s core message and your literary voice, whether there is a written manuscript or not.
The Loaf
One round of edits to include:
– (1) editorial analysis breaking down big picture concepts and stylistics elements
– (1) annotated manuscript with general impressions, reactions, points of confusion, and notes on pacing and flow.
The Void
Everything included in The Loaf, plus:
– (1) one-hour in-person or virtual editorial meeting for in-depth discussions on the feedback.
The Big Chonk
Everything included in The Void, plus:
– (3) discounted Creative Coaching sessions for continued collaboration, accountability, help working through blocks, etc. Learn more about what we can do together on the Creative Coaching page.
Don’t see something that suits your needs? Let’s build a custom arrangement together!
TechniCal EDITING SERVICES
Line editing and proofreading take a more surface-level approach, handling only the words on the page rather than big picture concepts.
It is recommended to do a development edit first, followed by a line edit, and then a proofread, in that order.
You may be ready for one of these two technical edits if:
- Your manuscript has undergone developmental editing already with me or another editor.
- You have already done extensive workshopping on your own or with the help of fellow writers.
- You are getting ready to publish.
Line Edit
– A line-by-line take on the organizational structure and syntax of individual chapters, paragraphs, and sentences, with a keen eye on grammar and punctuation.
– Ensures a logical flow of ideas and language free of clichés.
Proofread
– A meticulous review of the language itself, cleaning up errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation before publication.