Sunlit Story Editing

Bring your book to life

I’m a developmental editor with a passion for storytelling, writing, and building community.

I’m excited to support you in realizing the book you were meant to write—let’s take your story from a draft to something that bursts with life!

“Amanda is very thoughtful and thorough, and knows a lot about story structure. She has a good work ethic and follow-through, and is committed to helping the writer realize their own vision--not someone else's."

-Christopher S.

Refining your vision

Stuck with your book and don’t know where to take the plot? The manuscript isn’t resonating with readers?

You could benefit from a developmental editor—and you’re in the right place.

My job as an editor is to refine your vision. I want the book to be as good as it can be, without compromising what you love about it.

Whether your goal is traditional or self-publishing, my developmental edit will help lift your book to the next level.

Photo of a tree with bright yellow leaves over gravestones

As your editor, I will:

  • Analyze the structure and character arcs

  • Provide detailed notes on each scene, chapter, and plot line

  • Write notes about reader reaction directly into the manuscript

  • Offer suggestions on how to better facilitate the reader’s experience

  • Seek to enhance the plot and characters that you came up with

I will NOT:

  • Tear apart your manuscript

  • Change your voice or style

  • Give suggestions without a purpose behind them

  • Tell you to discard your idea completely

“Amanda's developmental edits inspired an entire new way of thinking about my manuscript. As someone who completely pantsed my story (outline-free), I needed a thorough scene-by-scene breakdown and analysis of not just the main plot, but the individual character arcs and side-stories as well. Amanda did just that, reviewing tensions and build-ups and emotions more thoroughly than I thought possible. The scene-by-scene analysis, frankly, blew my mind. I'd never examined a story structure in such a detailed way. When I received her professional analysis, I felt like she knew my story and characters as well as I did, and was the perfect person to provide recommendations for strengthening my writing.”

-Alex H.

the process

My genre specializations are young adult and middle grade, adventure, coming of age, romance, fantasy, dystopian, realistic fiction, and LGBTQ+. If you have a different genre, please reach out anyway!

I can edit first chapters, short stories, novellas, and novels.

Step 1

Choose your service (Developmental Edit or Manuscript Assessment). Reach out to me on the contact form, submit a writing sample, and receive a sample edit. A 15-minute phone call is optional to go over your goals for the book.

Step 2

I will read your book and keep meticulous notes. Within three months, I will send you the materials. For developmental editing, this includes an annotated manuscript, a scene-by-scene breakdown, and a 30+ page editorial letter that details all of my developmental notes.

Step 3

After you’ve received your annotated manuscript, scene breakdown, and editorial letter, I will answer any questions you have and discuss my notes with you. This can be done via email or on a call together.