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EDITORIAL SERVICES

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HOW I CAN HELP

If you write fiction for children, teens or young adults, and you'd like fresh eyes on your work from an award-winning author, look no further! I'm very excited to offer a variety of editing and mentoring options for aspiring writers, to suit all budgets.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT STORY?

As well as being a writer myself, I'm an avid reader of all types of fiction, and I have wide and varied taste! I'm one of those writers who actually prefers editing to drafting – I just love analysing stories and thinking about what makes them work. So, if you'd like support to interrogate your plot, tighten your structure, develop your character arcs, think about your language choices, and get to the emotional heart of your story - I could be the editor or mentor for you!

MY EDITING + MENTORING STYLE​

I pride myself on being kind, clear, and constructive in my feedback. I've been a regular critique partner and editor for many author friends over the years, and I recently became a mentor on the Write Mentor Summer Progamme, which was an incredibly rewarding experience! While I specialise in writing teen and YA novels – especially thrillers and speculative fiction –  as an editor, I'm happy to work across all age ranges and genres. I read very closely, with a sharp eye for detail, seeking out the strengths and positives in your work. I'll always let you know what's working well in your manuscript - as well as how to make it even better! And while I'll certainly highlight areas for further development, I won't insist that you fix things my way. Your story is yours, and I respect that. Instead, I'll tend to pose questions and make suggestions designed to help you find your own solutions. Think of me as a guide or sounding board for all your ideas. Together, we'll work as a team, to make your story sing!

WHAT NEXT?

If you think I might be a good fit for you, browse the options below and feel free to reach out! I'll check my availability and get back as soon as I can. I'll only take on your MS if I can promise to turn it around within 28 days of payment (though often I'll be much quicker than that!) Please note: you'll need to send your MS as a Word document and use Microsoft Office to read my feedback.

TESTIMONIALS

To hear what other writers have said about their experience of working with me, please check out the testimonials at the bottom of this page. Any other questions, just ask! I can't wait to read your pages!

FULL MANUSCRIPT READ

+ DEVELOPMENTAL EDITS

I'll read the full draft of your manuscript for children or young people. You'll then receive an editorial letter from me, with detailed feedback on areas such as hook, concept, themes, plot, setting, structure, character and voice. Once you've digested this, we'll follow up with a 30 min Zoom chat to clarify any points or questions you may have!

 

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​6.00 GBP per 1000 words

Paypal accepted

ENQUIRE HERE

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QUERY

PACKAGE

I'll read your cover letter, synopsis and the opening pages of your manuscript (first three chapters or 10,000 words, whichever is longest). You'll then receive feedback in the form of close comments and line edits to help you polish your query package and get it submission ready for agents and editors!

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75.00 GBP

Paypal accepted

ENQUIRE HERE​​

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MONTHLY

MENTORING

I'll read a pre-agreed number of words from your Work in Progress every month, and feedback in whichever way you prefer. This could be general written feedback, comments and line edits in track changes or verbal feedback over Zoom. You choose the focus of the monthly feedback so the process is beneficial to you. Sign up for a month, cancel any time (with a week's notice)

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8.00 GBP per 1000 words

Direct Debit only

ENQUIRE HERE

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"I can't recommend Jan's editorial services highly enough. She has a forensic eye for spotting opportunities to strengthen a novel, teasing out ideas for plot, character arc, themes, raising the stakes and so much more. She provided me with fantastic detailed notes that were also very respectful of the work that I'd already done and I'm really excited to implement them. She really got 'under the hood' of the story and my next draft will be so much better for it. If you're looking for manuscript feedback, struggling to see where you can improve it, not sure what it needs, send it to Jan!"

Fran Benson, Writer

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