Breathe freely.
Write messy.
Leave the clean-up to me.
fulfilling
sustainable
writing practice
You know that feeling when you’ve read your manuscript so many times you can’t tell up from down anymore? And in your heart you know your story has potential but something’s just not clicking into place? And still, as you hunch over your computer in the wee hours of the night, all you can do is watch the Doom Cursor endlessly blink?
Take a breath.
Let’s try an alternative:
You feel energized to write and you honor your challenges. You’re listening to your whole body as you develop the work, and stepping back when it tells you it’s time to rest. You’re not concerned with Perfection as much as Self-Satisfaction. You're exercising discipline but not beating up on yourself.
You’re having fun.
Whether you’re on draft number one or twenty, you deserve a fulfilling, sustainable writing practice.
That’s where I come in.
As an editor and writing coach, my job is to take that pressure off. Together we can craft the story you want to write, without the hair-pulling, midnight self-edits.
scroll to testimonials
start your project
choose a service
Developmental Editing
This is where the macro work happens. Before we can start talking about sentence flow, punctuation, or formatting, we've gotta make sure you're happy with the capital-S Story. You don't want to go through an intensive copy edit only to realize you then need to add a new character and scrap three chapters! Let's save you some time, shall we?
In a developmental edit, we'll address the major elements of the storytelling: character, plot, pacing, point of view, writing style, etc. Among other things, I'll locate areas of potential confusion, so your reader isn't stumbling on key plot points.
We might unpack how you're using genre, theme, or metaphor to support the driving questions of the piece. We'll definitely make sure you have a clear sense of what those questions are.
As your editor, my job is to critique your work, not criticize it. Before I write down any notes about your piece, I'm gonna make sure I understand your creative intentions. My feedback should support the work you've already done, not unravel it.
This type of editing is great for authors who have finished at least one draft of their piece and want professional guidance as they deepen the work.
let's do it
Rates start at $0.05 per word
(About $2,500 for a 50,000-word manuscript,
or 4 payments of $625)
Investment:
- Author questionnaire to identify your process, writing style, and preferences
- 1:1 check-in calls throughout editing process
- One initial developmental editing pass, with in-document feedback
- 10+ page Editorial Report with feedback on story, characters, and other big-picture elements
- Second review of the draft after you've made edits based on my first-round feedback
- Unlimited support over email or Zoom throughout our process
INCLUDES:
*Note: Plays, short stories, and other short-form works are priced differently than full-length book edits; please inquire for a quote
Line & Copy Editing
This is where we dig into the details. Line editing and copy editing are technically two different processes, but for ease (and for your budget) I offer them in one package.
Line editing addresses the flow and feel of the language. Think of your prose like one big pipe, and your story, the water that flows through it. Clunky sentences, overwriting, underwriting, mixed metaphors, and awkward syntaxes can all create blockages in the pipe, hindering the flow of your book, or worse, confusing your reader. My job as a line editor is to make sure your story reads smoothly from page 1 to fin.
Copy editing addresses the grammar and structure of the sentences. This type of edit ensures the writing is clear and consistent, and follows the standard rules of English grammar and style—unless you've intentionally deviated from those norms.
This edit is ideal for writers who have already addressed big-picture edits, and will not be changing any more major elements of the story.
let's do it
INCLUDES:
- Author questionnaire unpacking your goals, writing style, and style preferences
- 1:1 check-in calls throughout editing process
- One initial line and copy editing pass, with sentence-level edits and feedback
- Recorded tracked-changes tutorial to help you navigate the edited manuscript
- A bespoke style guide to ensure consistency throughout the editing process
- Second review of the draft after you've made edits based on my first-round feedback
- Unlimited support over email or Zoom throughout our process
Investment:
Rates start at $0.04 per word
(About $2,000 for a 50,000-word manuscript or 4 payments of $500)
*Note: Short-form work is priced differently than full-length book edits; please inquire for a quote
1 : 1 Brainstorm Sessions
Brainstorm Sessions are for those moments in your writing process when you're feeling stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed. We'll get on a 60-minute video call, and then the floor is yours. This is a space for you to vent about your writing challenges, bounce ideas off me, move out of procrastination mode, or write yourself out of that sticky corner.
My job is to help you gain the clarity and perspective you need to get moving again. Together, we'll pinpoint where you seem to be stuck and create a plan to shift you out of that spot.
This is a beautiful space for authors who are either struggling to get started or currently drafting a work-in-progress. If you don't have a specific project in mind, we can use this time to reflect on your relationship to writing, generate ideas that actually excite you, or move through imposter syndrome.
Most importantly, this is judgment-free zone. Brainstorm Sessions are built for your messiest, weirdest, half-baked ideas. This is your chance to make a big mess and clean it up later in the editing process. We're here to explore the myriad ways you could tell your story, and to find the path through that feels right for you.
This is your playroom. Let's make a mess.
the package:
Investment: $150
- Author questionnaire unpacking your process, writing style, and creative challenges
- 60-minute judgment-free video call to help you unpack a creative problem or explore your relationship to writing
- Post-session review packet, outlining the challenges and strategies we discussed during our call and reiterating next steps
book a session
"Partnering with Sophie has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a writer.
Her supportive approach has allowed me to work as my authentic self, which has had a profound effect on my content during the proofing and copy editing process. She provides safety in vulnerability and has honed my skills with invaluable and constructive feedback, notably reminding me of what’s important to focus on to best foster my potential. Sophie has empowered me to believe in myself and create what matters, guiding me to next steps to achieve my life goals. So thankful for Sophie and our partnership!”
Beau buchanan, author and illustrator, Unicorn
"I was completely stuck and totally unsure of how to make progress on my piece until Sophie and I started working together.
She helped me see the beauty in my story again and guided me out of my creative rut with encouragement and expertise. This is my first book and is a memoir about a queer relationship. I was scared to have a stranger analyze it closely, but Sophie was kind and helpful in her edits. She is a lovely person and talented editor. I would absolutely work with her again."
C. Oliver, memoir author
"There is no doubt in my mind I will work with Sophie again in the future.
Having never worked with an editor before, I was very picky with the selection process for my first novel. Sophie was organized, professional, and patient during the initial conversations, and those traits only strengthened during the editing process. Her supportive approach and attention to detail, while also making sure the integrity of my voice was still present, was exceptional. I'm thrilled with how polished the book reads!"
Jes Smyth, author, time for once
"Sophie completely exceeded my expectations!
The best part for me was her ability not only to articulate what could be better, but to make suggestions about how and where to do that. I have learned so much from Sophie. I feel like I'm taking college courses."
Patti Niemi, author
“Sophie was meticulous yet gentle with my book proposal.
She edited my work with a fine-tooth comb without compromising my voice. She added a greater sense of clarity to my work, which is exactly what I was looking for. I trusted her every step of the way as she took the time to check in with me regularly. Going forward, I will work with Sophie whenever I need an editor. She is a pleasure to work with and prompt with delivery. I could see that Sophie wanted me to succeed. She did not treat my project like a one-off. She took the time to understand the needs and message of my business. For this reason, I will remain loyal to Sophie for future projects.”
Sophia Feliciano, author, The Toothless Connoisseur
“I want Sophie involved in everything I do!
I was desperate to get back to writing after losing my groove in the pandemic. Sophie not only helped me unravel pain points that kept me from finishing pieces I was stuck on, but worked with me to develop routines to make facing that blank page less daunting. She gave me invaluable tools that I needed to love writing again and feel empowered to keep going. She's also just the most wonderfully patient, kind, organized, and supportive person I've met."
paige wollensak, comedy writer
"Sophie has been perhaps the most trusted reader, editor, and critic of my work for years now.
She brings a caring, insightful approach to content critique that has left every project I’ve ever workshopped with her more nuanced and more assured. She’s got a great eye for copy editing too. If you’re keen to feel as if your editor or creative coach is personally invested in both your process and your product, I cannot recommend Sophie’s services highly enough.”
daniel mcelroy, MA Migration and Diaspora Studies
“I loved working with Sophie! Working with her made me enjoy writing.
It was an incredibly easy and fun process, and it was exciting to see how her suggestions and comments allowed everything that I wanted to say come through clearly without changing my writing style. Her comments and suggestions were so helpful and really strengthened my writing.
Clara smith, master's of urban planning candidate
"Sophie’s wit and talent is only outdone
by her patience. Working with her was a great experience, and she could not have been more helpful.”
Nick Blatt, video editor, CNN
Let's make a mess.
Whether I’m working with you as an editor or a coach, I can’t wait to learn about you and your project and all the things that make both of you unique. At the end of the day, we’re not really here to make your work like everybody else’s. I mean…yes, we can make sure everything is spelled correctly and styled consistently. But when we get past all that, I like to think we're here to play. This is a space for you to turn that whole brain-palace of thoughts and emotions and questions into a piece that you’re ready (and Excited!) to share with a community.
This is a playroom. Let’s make a mess.
