Author Services:

Developmental Editing

Here's how I work and what I like to work on...

I can give you a timeline estimate, but it’ll be that - an estimate. I give your story the time it needs, I won’t rush through comments just to get to the end. Especially if you are doing book doctoring, know that this is NOT a quick process. Bringing a book from draft to published is not for the faint of heart.

The style of my comments varies. If you can take it, I’ll let your MS have it.

If you need kid-gloves; I can do hand-holding and cheer-leading too.
(psst... I LOVE cheer-leading new authors!)

Either way, you will get comments that may come across as tough—ones that will make you think, and maybe pout a bit. You will get manifestos- but I tell everyone new to me, those are GOOD, it means you've got me hooked and I am invested. You WANT those, even if they are somewhat unsettling. If I'm hurry-typing enough to fuss up my spelling, it’s because I am invested and trying to get back to the action.

Developmental editing is a big commitment - for you in dollars, for me in time. So I totally understand the need for a trial run (for both of us—you need to connect with my commenting style and I with your story, sometimes it just doesn't work out and that’s understandable).

For Frequently Asked Questions scroll down.

** I DO NOT work with books that contain ANY amount of writing created with Generative AI. **

How to Get in Touch:

Send the following to EricaSDamon@gmail.com with "Developmental Edit" in the subject line.

1. Your MS (or a link to it in GoogleDocs)
2. A blurb or short (under 200 words) book description
3. Genre/subgenre
4. Word count
5. Any deadlines if you have them
6. Any trigger warnings for your story

Payment Schedule and Options:

Trial edits paid at start (if you go on to another service edit price will be subtracted from initial payment).

A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to book your editing slot.

Basic Edit & Manuscript Critique: 40% will be due when the MS is delivered to me and the remaining 50% will be due upon completion. You will received your MS back once the final installment is paid.

Book Doctor Edit: 40% due when MS is delivered. 25% due upon completion of first round edits and the final 25% due upon delivery for second round edits.

Follow Up Email Support: pre-purchased hourly.

**payment plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Genres I connect with:

Equestrian Fiction
Thriller/Suspense
Horror
Romance
Romantic/Urban/Low Fantasy
Soft Sci-Fi
YA
Adventure

Genres I do not connect with:

Erotica
Shifters/Aliens/any cross-species romance
Dark Romance
Portal Fantasy
Epic Fantasy
Splatterpunk / Extreme Horror

***If your book doesn’t fit on either of these lists, feel free to query me and we can talk about it!**

Special Expertise - horses in fiction:

Do send me your books with horses in them! I am a trainer and have been an equestrian since before I could walk. I will help make those scenes as realistic as possible so readers are not thrown from your story like from the back of a young horse. I also have experience helping integrate horses, or horse-like animals into your fantasy world in a realistic, yet true-to-story way.

I am also happy to work on sections of your work that contain horses. Minimum 2.5k words to each scene/chapter. All levels of editing available.

Basic Developmental Edit:

USD$0.006 per word (ex 80,000 words: $480)

One pass: I will read and leave in-line comments on your work in a googleDoc, each chapter will also get a write up with my thoughts and ideas instead of just one overall write up at the end so it is more clear where you can implement my suggestions. I am known to light up your MS like a Christmas tree, from heart emojis on passages I love to full on manifestos where something needs work (often with suggestions as to how to do this). I’m not known for biting my tongue, but I can (and will) also be your biggest cheerleader once you hook me. Basic editing includes 2 hours of email support after the edit is complete. Further time can be added at $25/hour. Included time MUST be used within 2 months.

Who it's for: Writers who want feedback and to move forward with it on their own. Maybe they have a good idea that something is off and just aren't sure what. Looking for a ‘quick’ map-out of their story.

Book Doctor Developmental Edit:

USD$0.012 per word (ex 80,000 words: $960)

Some writers are ready to/need to get down and dirty with their MS and I’m here for that. You get the basic first pass with in-line comments but you also get me around for your fixes. Mark up your changes, reply and ask questions about my comments and I’ll jump back in for a second pass to help you move in the right direction. I will help you totally revamp scenes, create new ones, chop the bad ones—whatever is needed. Generally, I plan for about 4 weeks between rounds for you to work on your edits, but this can be discussed during scheduling. Includes 2 hours of email support after the edit is complete. Further time can be added at $25/hour. Included time MUST be used within 2 months.

Who it's for: Writers willing to put in the work. You are here because you believe in your story and are willing to do whatever it takes to make it better. It will no longer be a one on one battle with your MS, we can tag-team it into submission.

Manuscript Critique:

USD $0.003 per word (ex 80,000 words: $240)

This is a read-through of your MS at a slightly more surface level than developmental editing. I will still be looking at plot arc, pacing, character development, and for plot holes. But I won't be leaving in-line comments. You will get notes at the end of each chapter, then a summary of the entire work at the end. Follow up email support may be added to a Manuscript Critique at $25/hour. If an author wishes to come back for another level of developmental editing they can receive a 20% discount on future edits.

Who it's for: Writers looking for an overview of their MS, who want to-the-point feedback on big picture areas of their story. This can be great for new writers who feel they may be overwhelmed with extensive in-line commenting.

Follow Up Email Support:

USD$25/hr (1 hr minimum charge, must be pre-purchased)

This service is only for clients already working with me. I will answer questions regarding your MS via email and help you work through any issues that arise during editing. Time will be billed while reading your email and while working out my reply. I will add what time you have remaining at the end of each email. I find this more helpful than a call because you have everything in writing and can work through notes and reply on your schedule. I aim to return all emails within 48 hours.

*please note: if significant time has passed since I edited your MS, it may take me a bit longer to work out the best answers for you as I may have to re-read sections of your story to give you an accurate opinion.

Trial Basic Edit:

USD$20

A basic developmental edit on your first chapter (or up to 2500 words)

Books I have worked on:

"I’ve worked with Erica on a few different projects of my own. My experience was so amazing that when a fellow indie author asked me for a recommendation for a developmental editor, she was the first to come to mind. Erica is thorough, kind, professional, and so, so knowledgeable. She really knows how to get to the root of the story and characters and make stories shine. She’s amazing! I recommend her to anyone who is serious about their writing."
- MK Hall author (Summer Simmer) and line editor

"Apart from the usual comments I would expect, Erica was able to tell me exactly which scenes needed expanding and which were missing. Her evaluation of my manuscript was the work of an intelligent reader. I highly recommend her. You won't be disappointed."
- Cassia Hall author of Summer Lights & Fall Lanterns

"I think of your replies as if... I'm putting together a quilt and you are able to hold it to the light and show me the holes. I'm learning very much from your commentaries. Excellent stuff. Can't believe this is the end. You have been great working with me, taking my newbie questions, and thoughtfully answering them."
- David Basinski author of The Vet's Apprentice

"I have worked with Erica on several of my flash stories and I find her brilliant in giving straightforward feedback, spotting the problems with characters and even cheering to make the flash into the novella. However, the thing you would love the best to receive is Erica’s legendary manifestos (It means your story is awesome and if you listen to Erica it will be even better). The first time I received one of Erica’s manifestos drew me back (even made me a bit angry) but when emotions died out, I could see her point that, to be honest, reached the crux of the problem of my story."
- Naito Diamond author featured in Spring Blossoms and Summer Simmer

"Amazing feedback to help improve my novel and a short story recently. This sort of feedback has improved my stories so much! And reviews coming in on the novel already are fantastic and show that this was a huge help!"
- Sara Lea author of The Game Night

Developmental Editing FAQs

Looking for Line Edits or Proofreading?

Developmental edits are just one step in publishing, if you are looking for an editor to help you polish your prose check out MK Hall of Get TUF Editing Services.

I have worked with her on a few stories and highly recommend her services!

Amazon Category Finder

Placing your book in the right categories makes all the difference in ranking and being seen by readers and choosing the right keywords dramatically helps people find your book in searches. Don't leave it to chance! I can help you select the best category options for your book (3 for ebook and 3 for paperback) so that your story doesn't get lost in the giant categories. There are many more options that you think, you just have to know where to look.

Understanding keywords is a trick all its own, its not just a list of 7 words to pop into those boxes on the publishing page. The right words and phrases can help you be included in extra categories (improving your chances of ranking high) and make sure that your book comes up in search results.

Category and Keyword Finding - $40

You get:
- 4 categories for ebook
- 4 categories for paperback
- keywords/phrases to fill the KDP boxes per Kindlepreneur's latest recommendations

All are specifically niched to help your book rank well and be easily found by readers. Each type of book (ebook/paperback) is allowed 3 categories and 7 keyword/phrases on KDP. I stay up to date on Kindlepreneur's latest information to give your book the best chance with its keyword selections.

No matter what online courses or marketers say, there is no one simple method to guarantee sales or a bestseller status that is ethically achieved. Misleading readers is a sure way to lose their trust. I will only provide categories and keywords that fit your book.

What I Need From You:

• the genre you call your book

• your book blurb

• a list of tropes in the book

• a book synopsis if you have one

• your target audience (age, gender, etc)

• anything else special or unique about your book

** all categories, genres etc. are different sizes. Some niches have more options than others so I cannot guarantee any specific rank, but I will give you options that will give your book the best opportunity.

I accept PayPal and Venmo

Payment is due up front, no refunds.
Lists are typically delivered within 48 hours when booked Monday-Friday.

Send requests or questions to EricaSDamon@gmail.com with
"Amazon Categories" in the subject line.

Please include the 'What I Need From You' list information in your email.

Do you have multiple books and want to learn how to do this yourself?

I am all about empowering authors to make their publishing dreams come true, and I too work with a very tight budget. I use Publisher Rocket to find the best categories and keywords, and it is a great tool available to the public.

It's a one-time purchase (yay!) and is always being updated to follow Amazon changes. Kindleprenuer puts out tons of great information on self publishing to help you learn the program too.

Publisher Rocket has made a huge change in my book ranking and sales, so if you are serious about getting your book in front of the right readers and plan to have a long author career this is a no brainier.

You can find more information and order it here.

**This is an affiliate link, you don't pay anything extra but I do get a little kickback from the company. I would never promote anything I don't use and love, this is one of the best investments I have made in my business.