Literally Yours Editing

How I Can Help

Writing a novel is hard. Revising it without clear feedback can be even harder.

My work focuses on story-level craft, helping you understand what your manuscript is doing now and what will most help it move forward. Whether you’re outlining a new idea or revising an existing draft, I meet you where you are and help you take the next meaningful step.

You’ll leave with clearer direction, a stronger understanding of your story, and a revision plan that actually makes sense for you.

Services & Pricing

I offer several levels of developmental support, depending on where you are in the writing process. All services focus on storytelling, structure, and reader experience—not sentence-level polish.

All services include a one-hour follow-up call to answer questions, talk through revisions, and clarify next steps.

Tier 1 — Plotting & Story Design

Early-stage, high-impact guidance

Best for: ideas, outlines, early drafts, or writers who feel stuck

Format: collaborative, discussion-based (Zoom)

Story Design & Plotting Support

This service is designed to help you shape a story that works before you commit months to drafting or revising. Sessions are flexible and tailored to your needs, and may include:

Clarifying premise, stakes, and theme
Developing plot structure and major turning points
Character arcs, motivations, and internal change
Genre expectations and reader promise
Troubleshooting story problems before they become draft problems

You’ll leave with clearer direction, practical tools, and a concrete path forward.

Typical range: $250–$900, depending on scope

Fixed-price options available (see below)

Tier 2 — Manuscript Assessment / Editorial Letter

Big-picture clarity before deep revision

Best for: complete drafts that need direction and diagnosis

Reading speed: approximately 45 pages per hour

Manuscript Assessment

I read your manuscript in full and provide a detailed editorial letter focused on how the book is functioning as a whole. This option addresses story-level issues rather than line-by-line edits.

The assessment examines:

Plot and pacing
Character development and emotional arcs
Structural strengths and weaknesses
Worldbuilding and internal logic (where applicable)
Genre alignment and reader expectations

You’ll receive:

A comprehensive written editorial letter
Clear, prioritized revision guidance
Actionable suggestions and guiding questions
A 1-hour follow-up call to discuss feedback and strategy

Typical range: $700–$1,200

This is often the most cost-effective way to get professional developmental feedback before undertaking a major revision.

Tier 3 — In-line Developmental Editing

Hands-on, in-manuscript guidance

Best for: authors preparing for major revision, submission, or self-publishing

Editing speed: approximately 4 pages per hour

In-line Developmental Edit

This is the most intensive level of editorial support. I provide detailed, in-manuscript comments addressing story logic, structure, pacing, character development, and clarity, alongside big-picture guidance woven throughout the text.

This service includes:

In-manuscript developmental comments
Story-level guidance embedded at key moments
A detailed editorial letter summarizing patterns and priorities
A 1-hour follow-up call to discuss revisions and next steps

Typical range: $2,500–$5,000+, depending on length and complexity

Fixed-Price & Lower-Commitment Options

For writers working within tighter budgets or looking for focused support, I also offer the following fixed-price services:

Assisted Plotting Session

$125–$150 · 60-75 minutes (Zoom)

A focused, one-on-one session to outline, troubleshoot, or rework story structure in real time.

Diagnostic Mini-Assessment (First Pages)

$350–$450 · Up to 5,000 words

Targeted feedback on opening chapter, including margin notes and a short editorial letter with next steps.

Ongoing Draft Support (Monthly)

$250–$500/month

Ideal for writers who want guidance while drafting. Includes a set number of pages per month, feedback, and space for questions when you hit a snag.

Flexible & Hybrid Packages

If none of these options feel like a perfect fit, I’m happy to discuss hybrid or customized approaches, especially if you’re working within specific budget or scheduling constraints.

It never hurts to ask. My goal is always to help you find the most effective use of your resources while providing meaningful, craft-focused support.

What My Editing Is (and Isn’t)

My work focuses on:

Big-picture story and structural feedback
Character, pacing, and reader experience
Helping you revise with intention and confidence

My work does not include:

Copyediting or proofreading
Line-by-line grammar correction
Rewriting your manuscript for you

My goal is to give you insight and tools—not override your voice or take control of your story.

All manuscripts and project materials are treated as confidential.

About Me

Hi, I’m Anna, a freelance developmental editor specializing in genre fiction, with experience working on full-length novels across science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, YA, and speculative fiction.

My editing style is collaborative, thoughtful, and craft-driven. I focus on feedback that’s clear without being harsh and honest without being discouraging—asking the questions that help you understand why something isn’t working, not just what to change.

I hold an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University and have experience as a slush reader and convention panelist. I especially enjoy working with writers who are curious about their craft and interested in growing from book to book.

Testimonials

“Working with Anna was an incredible experience. She handled my work with immense respect and helped shape the rough draft into a polished product. She excels at beginnings, fixing plot holes by finding in-world solutions within existing framework, and knows all the right questions to ask to make sure the story's concept is airtight. She is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and has the emotional maturity to know when to push and when to use kid gloves.

With Anna, you are getting an MFA-level critique and mentor. I could not recommend her more highly.”

– Jacob Baugher

“Anna is amazing. For the first book in my series, she helped turn a mess of a draft that couldn’t decide if it was fantasy or romance into a focused, much more tightly-plotted romance. She also gave me astute suggestions for digging deeper into the hearts and emotions of my characters, and some fantastic ideas about how to develop the magic system. Our video chat was a fun, laid-back experience, and because we were face-to-face, we were able to brainstorm important elements for revision and additional scenes that punched up the conflict at the climax of the book.

We are now working on the second book in my series, and I just received her revision letter. She pointed out every weak spot that needs more structure and all of the places where I dropped threads or made mistakes. You want her working on your project. She will make your book better!”

– Cara McKinnon

“I approached Anna because I was feeling stuck and unsure of where to go with my story. Anna helped me by talking through my idea, pointing out plot holes and where my worldbuilding was incomplete, as well as coaching me to feel more confident in my writing and my story. The result was my story and character felt more real and complete. One thing I liked was Anna’s method of building up author confidence. Her feedback is supportive and critical to the improvement of my overall writing. I found the experience wonderful and will continue working with her. I would recommend Anna and Literally Yours Editing to people who need help tightening up their manuscript, fleshing out their characters, and improving their worldbuilding.”

– Symantha Reagor

Frequently Asked Questions

What stage does my manuscript need to be in?

For Editorial Assessments and Full Developmental Editing, your manuscript should be complete or mostly complete.

Clean copy is always appreciated, but it is not required. A work in progress is just that, and typos or imperfect grammar are a normal part of the drafting process. I will not judge you for how you draft your novel.

If I notice consistent issues that may affect clarity or revision later, I’ll flag them in my feedback and, where helpful, include resources explaining how to address them—but the focus will remain on story, structure, and craft.

Do you work with unfinished drafts?

Yes.

Wherever you’ve gotten stuck, I can be a fresh pair of eyes to help you find a way through. My role is to help you articulate where you’re trying to go and identify what the story needs in order to get there.

When you reach out, let me know:

where you are in the drafting process
what feels stuck or unclear
what materials you have (draft pages, outline, synopsis, notes, or even rough ideas)

From there, I can help determine whether plotting and pre-writing guidance is the best next step, or whether reviewing the current manuscript and any supporting materials would be more useful.

Do you offer sample edits?

I’m happy to review a short excerpt and discuss fit before booking, especially for full developmental edits.

What genres do you work in?

I specialize in science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, YA, and speculative fiction. If you’re unsure whether your project is a good fit, feel free to ask.

I do not work on projects that include graphic gore or sexual violence.

How do I book?

Contact me through the form below with a brief description of your project, word count, genre, and timeline. I’ll review your project details and let you know whether I’m a good fit, along with availability and next steps.

What is your schedule and availability?

I book projects 2–6 weeks in advance.

How do you handle payment?

Payment is expected 50% up front and the rest upon completion of the contract. I take PayPal (@annalavoieediting), Venmo (@Anna-LaVoie-1) and check (info in contract).

Due to the nature of editorial work, completed hours are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or reschedule before work begins, please contact me as soon as possible.

Do you work with manuscripts that used AI?

I ask that clients be transparent about any AI tools used during drafting or planning.

My focus is on helping you develop your story and craft, so extensive AI-generated prose is generally not a good fit for my services. However, limited use—such as brainstorming, outlining, or overcoming early drafting blocks—doesn’t automatically disqualify a project.

If you’re unsure whether your project is a good fit, feel free to describe how you’ve used AI when you get in touch, and we can talk through next steps.

I do not use AI tools to evaluate manuscripts or generate editorial feedback. All reading, analysis, and commentary are done by me. I may use AI tools for marketing tasks or personal education, but editorial work is fully human and hands-on.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for clear, compassionate editorial support that respects both your story and your process, I’d love to hear about your project.

Reach out with a brief description of your manuscript, genre, word count, and timeline. I’ll let you know whether I’m a good fit and what next steps would look like—no pressure to book.

If you prefer, you can email me directly at anna@literallyyoursediting.com

I aim to make this site and my services as accessible as possible. If you encounter any barriers or need accommodations, please let me know.