Developmental editing for fantasy and romance
You wrote the book you couldn't stop thinking about. Let's make sure your readers can't either.
Big-picture story editing for fantasy, romance, and romantasy—from an editor who writes these genres, too.
both sides of the page
I don't just edit these genres. I write them.
I'm a published fantasy and romance author, which means I read your manuscript the way your readers will, and mark it up the way a fellow author who's been in the trenches can. I know the beats a romance has to hit, the way a magic system earns a reader's trust, and exactly where a middle tends to sag. Your book is safe with someone who loves this genre as much as you do.
what developmental editing does for your book
Developmental editing is the big-picture pass. It is story-level work that comes before copyediting and proofreading. I'm not hunting for commas here. I'm looking at whether your story works:
Plot & structure — pacing that keeps pages turning, stakes that build, no plot holes or dead ends
Character — arcs that land, motivations that ring true, a cast readers ache for
Romance — chemistry that crackles, tension that earns its payoff, a slow burn that actually smolders
Worldbuilding & magic — rules that stay consistent, lore that enriches instead of info-dumps
Voice & tone — a steady hold on the mood your story is reaching for
You'll get honest, warm, specific feedback. Every note explains not just what isn't working yet, but why, and how you might fix it. I flag what's weak, and I name what's strong, because you need to know what to protect as much as what to change.
Developmental editing is story-level, so it won't cover line-by-line grammar and punctuation. That comes afterward, with copy and line editing (see below).
how we’ll work together
1. Reach out. Tell me about your book through the form: genre, word count, where you are in the process, and what you're hoping for.
2. A real conversation first. Before I touch a word, we meet over video to talk through your vision, your worries, and your goals. I want us on the same page before I open your manuscript.
3. The edit. I read your full manuscript closely, start to finish, leaving in-margin notes throughout plus an editorial letter that maps the big picture, including your story's strengths and the priorities for revision. Everything comes back in a Google Doc you can work from at your own pace.
4. I'm still here. Revision brings questions. I'm around to talk them through as you make your book its strongest self.
Turnaround is typically 30 days. Need it sooner? Expedited editing is available.
start with a sample edit
Handing your manuscript to someone new is a leap of faith, so let's take the pressure off. Send me your first chapter, and I'll edit a sample, free, so you can feel exactly what my feedback is like before you commit to anything. If it's a fit, wonderful. If not, you've lost nothing. When someone's touching the book you poured yourself into, fit matters more than anything.
simple, transparent pricing
I price by the word, so you always know what to expect—no mystery quotes, no surprises. At a penny a word, the math is easy: just move the decimal.
1¢ per word
A 40,000-word novella ≈ $400
An 80,000-word novel ≈ $800
A 120,000-word epic ≈ $1,200
Minimum project fee: $175
A 25% deposit holds your spot on my calendar. 50% is due when the manuscript is submitted for editing, and the remaining balance is due upon return of the manuscript’s notes.
Expedited turnaround available for an additional fee
I'll always give you an exact quote once I've seen your manuscript and final word count. Ready when you are. The form below is the first step.
what authors are saying
Author Jess Alexander
Hope All Things
"Working with Megan was so helpful to me! She was easy to communicate with and quick to respond. The video chat before she started editing work was really helpful to get us both on the same page. Her edits were detailed and in-depth. She really took her time on each chapter to tell me the strengths and weaknesses, as well as suggesting edits throughout my manuscript. I appreciated the way she delivered her constructive criticism as it really felt like we were working together to bring my book to the next level. I am so grateful for all her help! I loved her work so much that before I was even finished implementing her feedback, I had already booked her for my next project! "
Author ES Rosalynn
A Novel Chance
"Working with Megan was such a valuable part of our process. She brings a really thoughtful, logical approach to developmental editing that helped ensure our story flowed clearly and intentionally from one moment to the next. She caught several key issues in our manuscript that we hadn’t considered, and her feedback truly helped elevate the story as a whole. Beyond that, she was a joy to collaborate with—insightful, thorough, and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for her work and would absolutely partner with her again."
Author L Concepcion
The Silver Lining & Nothing Stays Buried
"When I first heard of Megan's services, she came highly recommended by a fellow author. I never had an editor before but I just so happened to be looking for one as I am now too busy to work on edits myself. I reached out to her, terrified to hand my work over to someone else. It's like when you leave your child at daycare for the first time and all you can think about is how the child is doing. From the very beginning, Megan put me at ease with her communication, patience, and professionalism. Throughout our time working together, she impressed me with how well she began to understand my voice. She provided developmental edits for the last installment of my series and asked me questions that helped me brainstorm and elevate my work. She allowed me to be a part of her process and respected my authenticity as an editor. Megan is thoughtful, meticulous, and provides well-thought-out critiques and suggestions that truly helps enhance the story elements and the characters. I will definitely continue to work with her as she has found a faithful client. As an author who writes LGBTQ paranormal and contemporary romance, it is a pleasure to work with someone who is inclusive and willing to go the extra mile, even if it is a genre she has not worked with before. Thank you, Megan."
Author Katherine Hinnant
The Dying Rose
"Megan’s editing services were such a huge help for me. She found plot holes that I didn’t notice, and gave me constructive criticism as well as praise in her comments. I cannot wait to work with her again on my next book! "
ready for copy editing, too?
Your story doesn't stop at the developmental edit. Once the big picture is right, every sentence deserves a polish. I work with a small team of trusted copy and line editors, so when your manuscript is ready, I'll match you with the right one for your book, your genre, and your timeline. It's a seamless path from messy first draft to submission-ready manuscript, with someone you already trust guiding the handoff.
Let's make your book the one readers can't put down
Tell me about your manuscript, and I'll be in touch. Whether you're a debut author terrified to hand over your first draft or a seasoned writer polishing book six, I'd be honored to help.