Editorial Process

Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. — Neil Gaiman

Wanna know a secret? You’re a rock star! How do I know? Because you’ve written an entire book! And, because you want to publish the best book you possibly can. That’s why you’re here, on a quest to hire an editor who can help you.

Handing over your book baby to a complete stranger—one whose own mission is to notice every flaw and mistake—is terrifying. But I’m committed to making the process as painless and rewarding as possible. So, yeah, you’re about to embark on a journey into a dark forest—but that’s why I want to be your sidekick. After all, I’ve got the map!

Magic Words Editorial Services: Freelance book editor for fantasy, horror, scifi, speculative fiction writers | The Editorial Process | The Missive

THE MISSIVE

Decision Point: Will our magic writer (you!) decide to request a free trial edit?

Your journey begins when you submit your application. I'll reply within 24 hours, and we'll begin a dialogue about your manuscript, my schedule, the editing costs, and all other details that go into planning this quest.

THE TEST

Decision Point: Will our trusty sidekick (me!) decide the manuscript is a journey for the ages?

Once you, the magic writer and hero of our tale, request a free trial edit, you'll send me your whole manuscript—all of its bits and parts—in a Word document (sorry! no Google docs, Scrivener templates, .txt files, or other ancient scribe technology allowed). I'll read up to five chapters of your tale to get a feel for your writing and the story and do a full line edit on one.

Magic Words Editorial Services: Freelance book editor for fantasy, horror, scifi, speculative fiction writers | The Editorial Process | The Challenge

THE CHALLENGE

Decision Point: Will our magic writer accept the challenge and embark on this editing journey?

If the manuscript is ready for editing and I connect with your work, I'll send you the completed trial edit and what editing level I think would make it shine. I'll also include a no-obligation quote, so you'll know the cost up front.

THE CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Decision Point: How will our magic writer celebrate this exciting step forward on the journey?

Yay! You love what you see in the trial edit and quote, and you've decided to undertake the quest before you. You send me a You're Hired message and we do a little pre-journey celebrating. (I'll have a Starbucks caramel macchiato. What's your poison?)

THE BOND

Decision Point: Will our magic writer and trusty sidekick take the scenic route this time or the quickest way to the dragon's lair?

I'll email a Letter of Agreement with a schedule for our journey and all the stops we'll make along the way (i.e., a detailed scope of work). You'll reply with your input or changes, and we'll finalize the LOA. You'll sign it, send the 50% deposit, and the journey begins!

THE QUEST

Decision Point: Will our magic writer write another tale while our trusty sidekick edits?

I'll put on my editing armor (more like some chillout tunes and fuzzy socks) and get to work slaying those grammar goblins. I'll communicate with you through the whole journey (weekly check-ins) concerning the schedule, my work, or any questions about the manuscript.

Magic Words Editorial Services: Freelance book editor for fantasy, horror, scifi, speculative fiction writers | The Editorial Process | The Dragon Defeated

THE DRAGON DEFEATED

Decision Point: Will our magic writer go on another journey with our trusty sidekick? (Stay tuned for the sequel!)

Success! The editing dragon has been slayed and the journey is complete. I'll send your manuscript and the edits we agreed on within the scope of work, and you'll pay the balance of your quote. Your manuscript is now magically transformed!

Ready to begin your editing journey?

APPLY FOR A FREE TRIAL EDIT

As a first-time author, I finally took the big plunge and sent my book out for editing. I can't say enough good things about Shawna and her Story Diagnostic. Not only did she help me identify the problem areas in my manuscript, but she also offered up innovative ideas for fixing them. Throughout the whole process, she was enthusiastic and responsive. I truly got the feeling that editing is a passion of hers and not just a job. I would recommend Shawna without a doubt and look forward to working with her in the future.
Sarah Stratton
Magic Words has been invaluable to my editing process and writing journey. As a first-time author, I had a lot of anxiety and imposter syndrome, but I felt supported through this whole process and left feeling empowered despite having a lot of work left to do. All I can say is thank you, and I’ll be back.
Rebecca Solem
I was at a point in my process where I needed to know if the story I had in my head was the one that I was putting into words. Shawna’s Story Diagnostic was thorough and encouraging. It gave me the energy to carry on to the next phase of my novel. She is warm and encouraging, yet practiced and professional. I trust her feedback, her advice, and her commitment to the content she is reviewing and the relationship she in turn builds with her clients! 10/10 Would recommend!
Jess Steenlage
Shawna's editing is adept, respectful, and intelligent. She is also a creative thinker just brimming with outside-the-box ideas and inspiration. I have no doubt Shawna will be an enormous asset for any writer or publisher who teams up with Magic Words Editorial Services. I think she’s a little bit magic herself.
Susannah Noel, Editorial Arts Academy

Magic Words Editorial Services: Freelance book editor for fantasy, horror, scifi, speculative fiction writers | Frequently Asked Questions

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padawan, if you read these FAQs.