Sunlit Story Editing

Refine your vision

Are you stuck with your book? Don’t know where to take the plot or how to improve the characters? Is the manuscript just not resonating with readers? If so, you might benefit from a developmental editor.

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

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

  • Work 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 the idea completely

Testimonials

“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.

"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 focuses are young adult and middle grade, adventure, coming of age, romance, fantasy, dystopian, realistic fiction, and LGBTQ+. If you have a different genre, please go ahead and reach out.

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

Step 1

Reach out to me on the contact form and fill out a survey to help determine if we are a good fit. 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 annotated manuscript, scene-by-scene breakdown, and the 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.