Editing

Bringing clarity, strength, and encouragement.

If we haven't met already, I'm Lori Ann, an editor with a passion for settings as unique as the world is big and characters readers can connect with.

I have served as Editor-in-Chief of a small publishing press, have earned an editing certification through ACES (American Copy Editors Society), am a member of The Christian PEN, completed editorial internships, and served as a submissions processor with publishers. Beyond that, I am also an author myself with nine years of writing stories under my belt (including experience in the editing, submission, and publishing process), as well as an avid reader of multiple genres.

What does this mean for you?

This means that you will be working with an editor who understands how important a story is to the author. Each book is not just a collection of locations and characters; it's someone's dreams written out on a screen or paper. It's all the late nights, brainstorming, and hundreds of notes placed into tens of thousands of words. That takes a lot of dedication and determination. And it can be a daunting process.

It's important to me that clarity and strength are brought to every story I work with through honest but encouraging feedback.

Developmental Editing: This is a deeper, more detailed look at characters, plot, setting, and pacing. Developmental editing is a fantastic way to ensure readers will gain a deeper connection to your characters and their world before they pick up your book!

I will send your project back with suggested edits broken down by each category in an editing letter, along with notes within your project's document. Your edits also include one call and four follow-up emails for any questions you may have!

I also have a more focused option where, instead of looking at all developmental categories, I'll take a manuscript that's been edited a few times already and focus on a specific category that's of concern. If you'd like this option, then let me know if you would like edits on characters, setting, or plot, and I will send an edit letter with feedback on only that.

Editing Services

First Chapters Edits: Sometimes, all you need is the first few chapters edited. The first 5 chapters are your readers' (or an agent's or editor's) introduction to your story. This service is great for checking that your manuscript's beginning development will hook readers!

I will send your project back with suggested edits broken down by each category in an editing letter, along with notes within your project's document.

Proofreading: You've gone through developmental and line edits, and now you're tired of searching through thousands of words for remaining typos. This is where I come in.

Proofreading is the time for your manuscript to be placed in front of new eyes who will catch typos, grammar, and formatting mistakes that others might not have noticed. It's one last chance to change things before your book is published.

It's recommended to have two proofreaders go over your manuscript before it's published, and I'd love to use my proofreading experience to get your book one step closer to release day!

About the Editor

DevelopmentalEditing

Perfect for novellas, story collections, and novels!

Developmental Edits: Your manuscript will be sent back with suggested edits broken down by each category in a detailed editing letter, along with notes within the manuscript itself. Your edits also include one call and four follow-up emails for any questions you may have!

Pricing: $0.009 per word (contact for exact quote and availability)*

Short Stories

Have a smaller story you'd like to share with the world?

Developmental Edits: After receiving your short story, I will go over each developmental category and send it back with edits in an editing letter for you to review. You are free to send follow-up emails with questions afterward.

Pricing (for any short story edit): $150 for stories no longer than 5,000 words; $200 for stories between 5,000 and 10,000 words.

Please contact for availability.

Proofreading

Searching your manuscript after reading it for the hundredth time isn't always the most proficient way to check for last errors. Having a fresh pair of eyes on your story can be a huge help!

When proofreading, I'll go through your manuscript to check for typos, grammar, and formatting mistakes. I'll send your manuscript back with each error marked easily for you to find.

Rates: $0.01 per word (Contact for exact quote and availability)

*For full-length projects (novellas, story collections, and novels), I only require half of the total cost before edits start and the rest once edits are completed.

First five chapters

The first chapters of your novel are like the first episode of a show. If the first episode isn't engaging or well-developed, you're less likely to watch the rest of the show. If the first few chapters of your book don't have compelling characters, vivid settings, and smooth text, then readers will be less likely to read the rest.

If you aren't sure if your first chapters have strong development (or just want to check a specific character, plot, or setting detail), then this service is for you!

Along with any notes I leave in your first chapters, you will receive a separate editing letter with more detailed edits.

Pricing: $250 (Flat fee)

Free Sample Edit

Not sure if I'm the right editor for your project? I offer free sample edits and discovery calls for those who would like to see my work or talk before booking an edit!

I offer ten-page editing samples for full-length projects. For first five chapters and short stories, I offer four-page editing samples.

For developmental sample edits, you will receive an edit letter breaking the edits down into each developmental category. For proofreading, your edited sample pages will be sent back with any edits for typos and punctuation.

As stated above, this sample edit is free. If you decide to move forward with booking a full edit, then we can discuss availability. If you decide that I am not the editor for your project, then no problem. You get to keep your edits with no strings attached!

For edit sample requests, please fill out the contact form.

*For full-length projects (novellas, story collections, and novels), I only require half of the total cost before edits start and the rest once edits are completed.

Customer Reviews

Discover what others have said about my services!

Lori's review of my short story was encouraging, insightful, and helpful. She pointed out the biggest weak points I had missed and gave me suggestions for strengthening the plot. She picked up on little confusing or inconsistent details as well, which I'm grateful for as details can make or break a story. She also did a great job telling me what she liked about the story and encouraging me to lean into those strong points. I look forward to seeing where I can take my story.

~ Eris Cardin

(Developmental Edits)

Lori did a great job at picking up the inconsistencies and logical flaws that I'd missed, as well as ways I could expand the historical details of my story. It was very helpful to have an editor to help me see where I need to be more hospitable to my reader, as well as an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the piece and what I could improve!

~ Lulu M

(Developmental Edits)

I really enjoyed working with Lori to get the final proofreading done on my children's chapter book. She was very thorough and her suggestions really helped to strengthen my writing. Also, when I mentioned that I capitalized a character's occupation title on purpose, she gladly accommodated the stylistic choice. The project was finished in a timely manner and I'd definitely work with Lori again.

~ Lillian Keith

Author of Jem and the Search for Home

Working with Lori Ann was like working with someone trained in professional coaching. She was always cheerful, always professional, and had a way of asking questions that brought out what I, as the author, already knew deep down. Those connections merely needed to be brought to the surface and chewed on. Lori Ann was gentle in her critique, which was appreciated as a first-time novelist. I recommend her to you!

~ Maggie Laverman

Historical Fiction Author

Accepted Genres and Document Requirements

Currently Editing:

Speculative fiction (Science fiction, non-magical and magical fantasy like The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings, dystopian, etc.)

Contemporary

Historical Fiction

Mystery

Thriller

MG, YA, and Adult

Will Not Edit:

Nonfiction, AI-generated text, erotica (smut or open door), poetry, witchcraft, horror, excessive gore or violence.

If you would like to book an edit, but are not sure if your story has elements or genres not accepted, please fill out the form on my contact page. I will respond at the earliest opportunity to discuss if I will be able to take on editing your project. I do not shy away from hard topics, but I will turn away a project if I am not comfortable with or do not agree with the content.

Just like I will not edit text written by AI, I also will not use AI to edit any manuscripts.

Formatting Requirements:

Before sending your project to me, please be sure to check that your manuscript is formatted according to the guidelines below.

Font: Times New Roman

Font Size: 12p

Document Shared Setting: Set to edit

Document/File Name: Your project's title (or working title) and your name

To Book an Editing Slot

If you want to check the exact quote for an edit, get a free edit sample, schedule a free discovery call, book an edit for a project, or have any other questions about my services, feel free to fill out the form on my contact page. I will get back to you at the earliest availability!

Contact Form This Way!

Not yet ready for editing?

If your manuscript isn't ready for my editing services yet, you'd like to stay in the loop on when editing slots open, or you'd just like tips, then sign up for my editing newsletter below!