Get Your Book Ready for the World with Developmental Editing
If you’re a fiction writer looking to elevate your writing and storytelling, you’ve come to the right place. I write my own books too, so I understand the importance of having the right editor. A good editor is not only highly skilled but also someone who won’t stifle your voice. Rather, they’ll understand the story you’re trying to tell and help bring out the best writer in you. This is the kind of editor I aim to be. My edits can sometimes be quite extensive, but I’ll always offer them as suggestions for improvement and a way to potentially see your work in a new light. After I’ve given you the information to consider, you ultimately get to decide what’s best for your work.
If you’re interested in developmental editing, here are some examples of what I keep in mind while working through your manuscript:
- Character Development: Is the character flat or are they someone the reader can relate to? Is the protagonist well-developed? Do we understand what the protagonist wants and is that clear early enough? What role do minor characters play and is it appropriate for the story?
- Overall Plot Structure: Does the sequence of events make sense? Is there a climax? Is there a resolution? Does the resolution work for the story and leave the reader satisfied? Does the author adhere to standard genre conventions?
- Setting: Is there a clear sense of time and place? How appropriate is the setting for the particular story/novel?
- Voice: Do we get a sense of the author’s voice in the work? Is the overall voice (tone, style, syntax) working?
- Point of View: How effective is the point of view? Does it create any difficulties for the author or story? Might the story be stronger if it were told using a different point of view?
- Dialogue: What does the dialogue add to the story? Is the dialogue interesting or engaging? Does it drive the story forward or make the story drag?
- Scene Construction: Where do scenes begin and end? What drives them? How do action, dialogue details, etc. build a scene?
*These are only examples. Every manuscript is different.
How Editing Works:
My developmental editing rate is $0.02 per word and I have a $100 minimum.
Editing takes a lot of brain power and energy, therefore, I’m selective about the manuscripts I take on. Email me to inquire. I only work on romance, contemporary YA, contemporary short stories, select literary fiction, and select nonfiction. All inquiries can be emailed to racquel[@]racquelhenry[dot]com. Manuscripts MUST be formatted to industry standard: Times New Roman, 12-pt. font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins.
Bring Your Writing Dreams to Life with Personalized 1:1 Coaching
I offer supportive guidance to help you find clarity (in your projects and writing life), boost confidence, and finish your writing projects. As a writer myself, I understand that writing can feel overwhelming and lonely sometimes. Whether you’re unsure where to start, struggling to stay motivated, or just looking for some encouragement, you’re not alone. I’ve helped many writers overcome creative blocks and reconnect with their passion through gentle coaching and teaching.
I can help you:
- Uncover the heart of your writing to help you find your own distinct voice.
- Get crystal clear on your writing goals and break your project into manageable steps that put you on the right path.
- Push past self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear, procrastination, and more.
- Stay encouraged. I’m the supportive writer friend cheering you on and helping you stay inspired.
- Build a strong foundation for your stories by helping you work on narrative techniques.
- Create memorable, developed characters that captivate readers.
- Work on dialogue so written conversations feel authentic and drive the story forward.
- Polish your prose. I can help you enhance your writing style with clarity and vivid language.
How Coaching Works:
My hourly rate is $110/hr. (Your first session is 50% off.) I also create packages for writers who are looking for a long-term commitment or want to add editing services alongside coaching.
- Book a Zoom session by emailing me. We’ll chat to see if we’re a good fit, and explore your goals.
- If we are a good fit, we’ll work out what’s best for you. I can work with you hourly or we can discuss a coaching package. I try to keep my options flexible and tailored to your needs.
- You grow as a writer and you’ll move forward with support from me every step of the way.
My background:
I started proofreading and editing in 2004 in my tiny college dorm room. After years of helping my fellow peers with papers, I moved to editing fiction during my MFA program. I learned quickly that I loved helping writers develop and polish their manuscripts. After graduation, I launched my editing company officially, while starting to teach and coach writers. Just like writing, helping other writers became my passion. Here’s my formal bio:
Racquel Henry is a Trinidadian writer, editor, and writing coach with an MFA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She spent six years as an English Professor and currently owns the writing studio, Writer’s Atelier, in Maitland, FL. In 2010, Racquel co-founded Black Fox Literary Magazine where she is the Creative Director and Editor in Chief. Since 2013, Racquel has presented and moderated panels at writing conferences, residencies, and private writing groups across the US. She is the author of Holiday on Park, Letter to Santa, Christmas in Cardwick, Meet Me in December, Christmas Magic at Holly Oaks, The Write Gym Workbook, and The Writer’s Atelier Little Book of Writing Affirmations. Racquel also co-edited the YA anthologies, Just Above Water and All the Ways a Heart Burns. Her script, Christmas Magic at Holly Oaks, was optioned with Rom Com Pictures in 2021. Racquel’s fiction, poetry, and nonfiction have appeared in Lotus-Eater Magazine, Reaching Beyond the Saguaros: A Collaborative Prosimetric Travelogue (Serving House Books, 2017), We Can’t Help it if We’re From Florida (Burrow Press, 2017), Moko Caribbean Arts & Letters, among others. When she’s not writing, editing, or coaching writers, you can find her watching Hallmark Christmas movies.