EDITORIAL
SERVICES
Sucked into the vacuum of space?
I can help!
I love helping other writers bring out the best in their work! I offer editorial services from children's books through adult with a style that is assertive yet kind. I will drill down to the details when necessary and use a light touch when the work calls for your creative autonomy. I'm diversity and equity trained and will amplify your unique intention and style while guiding your work toward something even more surprising, fresh, and marketable. My specialties are absurdity, humor, and rescuing authors from the malaise of revision.
​​​​​PICTURE BOOK EVALUATION & DEVELOPMENT
​​​​
As a multi-published children's book author, I would love to help you polish your work-in-progress. Picture books are an exact form, where every word counts and all story elements are under the microscope. You can count on me to help you focus your work through brevity and impact.
​
A developmental edit includes:
​
-
Thoughtful review of your 750-word-or-less picture book manuscript
-
Big picture feedback
-
Margin comments on character, voice, plot, & pacing
-
Does not include recommendations or referrals to agents, editors, or publishers
​
​​
1/2 hr PHONE CONSULTATION
​
Optional add-on if you have a few things you'd like to discuss post-critique
​​​
NOVEL EVALUATION & DEVELOPMENT:
​​​​I love developing a variety of work, from cozy to spicy+, and I particularly excel in absurdity and humor. I'm skilled at balance. If you're struggling with pacing, voice, or tension, I can help you punch up the small moments to give the overall work that satisfying push-and-pull that keeps readers hooked. While I've mostly edited in Upmarket, Romance, Book Club and Fantasy, please reach out if your project is outside of those genres. I'd love to discuss your work and see if it could be a good fit for us both.
​
A developmental edit includes:
​
-
In-depth review of your novel (Middle Grade, YA, Adult)
-
Margin notes on all story elements
-
Editorial letter synthesizing line notes and offering actionable revision suggestions
-
Does not include recommendations or referrals to agents, editors, or publishers
​
​​
1/2 hr PHONE CONSULTATION:
​
Optional add-on if you have a few things you'd like to discuss post-critique
​​​
Why might you hire me?
"Michelle asks thoughtful questions that go right to the center of your story. Her insightful comments are a winning combination of imaginative and precise, both full of craft and full of heart.
When I read Michelle's books, I always marvel at how she knows the rules and then expands them so beautifully and with so much humor, opening my mind to what books for children can be.
I've been fortunate to have had Michelle's constructive critique on my stories, giving me license to go further with my work and to lean into what makes my writing special."
Lolly Ward