Is Anna J the editor for you?

Are you in need of fresh eyes on your story? Need to know if your characters are all they can be? That your story flows? That you’ve nailed the all important GMC? Whether traditionally publishing or publishing on your own, making sure all your story elements are in alignment is paramount to your success.

Hang on, though. Let’s be clear: there’s a difference between a COPY/LINE editor and a CONTENT editor. I’m the latter. A CONTENT (or developmental) EDITOR looks for details, loose threads, and consistency within your story (what works, what doesn’t and if something doesn’t, why it doesn’t). I’m all about the Motivation, POV, Character, Plot, Setting, Description…you get the idea. Everything that comes before a copy editor.

I have two main rules when it comes to editing:

1. This is YOUR story, not mine.
2. If you don’t want HONEST feedback, I’m not the editor for you. 🙂

Preferred Genres

• Contemporary Romance (all heat levels)
• Historical Romance**
• Paranormal Romance
• Romantic Suspense
• Mystery/Suspense
• Thrillers
• Urban Fantasy

 

PLEASE NOTE:

*For historical romance, I am not a fact checker.

**If your book is part of a series, plan on providing me with either the previous books or enough information so I know how they affect your current project.

***Please do not send me (or any other editor) your first draft. I want to see and work off your best work!

Be advised:

Before we commit to editing your ENTIRE book, if you so choose we will do a FREE test run (5 pages) focusing on, among other things, goal, motivation, and conflict (if those elements aren’t on those pages for at least one of your characters, you have work to do). If at that time you decide I’m a good editing fit, we’ll go from there (see below for details).

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

First 50 Pages Evaluation $200

Send me the first 50 pages of your manuscript and I’ll provide a 1-3 page evaluation on the following areas (including but not limited to): Hooks, GMC, plot, pacing, characterization, and dialogue. This is NOT an edit.

*turnaround time 1-2 weeks

 

Full Manuscript Evaluation: $450

This is NOT an edit, but a full read of your completed manuscript resulting in a 2-3 page evaluation. Elements I read for: GMC, plot, pacing, characterization, dialogue, and more. This is intended to help you dig in and focus on the things that can improve your story based on my opinion. Any changes subsequently made are at the discretion of the author.

*turnaround time 3-4 weeks

 

Full Manuscript Content Editing:

First Round

• $17 per 1000 words (up to 100k words)
• If you’ve had me do an evaluation on your book already, a 25% discount will be applied to a full edit of a revised version.

Second Round (after revisions and edits; optional)

• 15% discount

_{Turnaround time will vary depending on project/schedules. Contact me with your scheduling questions or concerns. Turnaround time averages 6-8 weeks. Bookings must be made at least 2 months in advance. Faster turnaround times or last minute bookings are negotiable for an additional charge.} 

_{Payment for full manuscripts will be invoiced to author based on word count information provided. 50% payment required for scheduling. Balance due when edit is complete and ready for return.}

Additional Services:

 

GMC Check/Evaluation: $150

Want to make sure you have strong goals, motivations, and conflicts for your hero and heroine? Happy to do an evaluation for you. Contact me for a worksheet to fill out for the evaluation along with the first 10 pages of your manuscript.

• Included upon a request, 30 minute Zoom call/discussion.

Turnaround time typically 1-2 weeks depending on other projects in queue. Could be less.

 

One-on-one Goal, Motivation and Conflict Development: $250

Have a new idea, but need to lock down your characters’ GMC? I can help! Together we’ll work through the process via email exchanges and get you on your way to a well-rounded and solid story.

• 1 week email exchange (however many emails it takes!)
• 30 minute Zoom call/discussion

Book Coaching

This is a new service that is in development. Ideal for writers looking for a guiding hand as they work on their novel. Includes 4-5 Zoom sessions, each focusing on a different element of writing including but not limited to:

• GMC (Goal, Motivation, & Conflict)
• Plot
• Characterization
• Dialogue
• Pacing

The author chooses how much or how little help they would like along the way. This will NOT include an edit of the material, but an evaluation of chunks of the story as we go along.

Pricing TBD

GHOST WRITING

I’m happy to announce I’ve dived into the world of ghost writing!

Have a project* you can’t seem to get off the ground? Need a first draft? A fast draft? Want something more polished? I’d be happy to work with you on your project!

Rates run from $.08 a word to $.12 a word depending on genre, length, and turnaround time.

For more information, please email me at authorajstewart@gmail.com

*Please note, I am happy to tackle any genre, but am not the right choice for inspirational/religious, erotic fiction, science-fiction or fantasy. My expertise is in romance and suspense/thrillers.

 

Pricing and Payments

Payments for FULL manuscripts and novellas are invoiced in two parts: 50% up front, the balance due once you’re notified the edit is complete and ready to be returned. You have the option of paying for the full read up front, but it’s not required. Full payment must be received before edited work is returned.

Payments for GMC check, development/evaluation due at time of booking. You will be invoiced by PayPal once we lock in your date.

All invoices are conducted through PayPal. You do not a PayPal account to complete the transaction; simply contact Anna to arrange other payment methods (check, Venmo).

Partial refunds offered on a case by case basis and only under special circumstances.

 

Current members of Northern California Romance Writers receive a 10% discount

 

Following Up

I’m always available for follow-up questions you might have about my editing suggestions.

 

Submission and Editing Format

I will send you a detailed document outlining my suggestions and thoughts on a chapter by chapter basis. Where necessary, I will also include comments within the document itself using Microsoft Word Track Changes and Comments. Submissions should be made as a Word .doc or .docx, double spaced TNR or NC 12 pt. font (standard submission format). Every effort will be made to return your edits in a timely manner. Please make sure you send me your best work, not a first draft.

Questions or comments? Email Anna for more information or to inquire about scheduling your edit!

_{**Disclaimer: This service provides suggested recommendations to improve an author’s story. Any changes made to the story subsequent to these suggestions are the sole responsibility of the author. All material edited will remain completely confidential.}

 

 

Editing Testimonials:

“Anna’s understanding of story structure and her creativity helped save a story I was stuck on. Anna’s insight helped me produce a well-rounded, satisfying read.”

~USA Today Bestselling Author Melinda Curtis

 

“Anna’s keen grasp of the demands of story gave me insight into what was strong in my work and what still needed work. Her gentle touch and humor provided great guidance right when and where I needed it.”

~National Bestselling Author Eileen Rendahl

 

“Anna was a joy to work with. I admit that I was nervous about sending my work to a USA Today best-selling author, but she made the entire process so much more enjoyable than I would have believed. Her feedback was spot-on, catching items both large and small that strengthened my story immeasurably. She got back to me well before the stated time and managed to point out my errors while keeping the focus on the areas that worked. That’s a fine line to walk, but Anna did it beautifully. I highly recommend her services.”

~Author Kris Fletcher

 

”Anna read my muddled manuscript and helped me find the real story inside. Her insights gave my characters and plot new depth. From the big picture to the smallest details, Anna helped my writing shine.”

~Author Claire McEwen

“I have worked with editors from publishing houses, but never with a freelance editor until my first self-published romance. I found Anna to be equally as talented and professional as the “big house” editors, and she definitely made my novella better with her thoughtful feedback.”

~Author Jo McNally

 

“Before Anna’s magic touch, my plot lacked direction. I was at a loss and close to abandoning the project. Anna breathed new life into my book. Her comments were pertinent, insightful and encouraging, and her advice resonated with me in a way that made me see what my story was really about.”

~Author Carmen Fox

“Anna J. Stewart has a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t work in a manuscript. Her attention to detail pointed out many opportunities where I could enhance my book and take it from acceptable to exceptional.”