Fiction substantive editing improves the content of a story.
I help authors improve their storytelling so that the reader is engaged from beginning to end. I advise the author on everything from plot to character development and opening hooks to ending cliffhangers and on avoiding errors that fiction writers commonly make.
Together we ensure that active sentences hold the reader's attention, clichés are weeded out, internal dialogue is handled properly, and POV is used effectively. I work closely with the client to suggest improvements to the reader's experience.
Through this service, I help authors develop their craft on a chapter-by-chapter basis. All of the above specifics of substantive editing are applied, and I am available to teach elements of fiction writing as needed.
Critiques of whole or partial manuscripts are available and would include an overall assessment of the story, including character development, plot, story arc, POV, use of dialogue and action, and opening hooks and cliffhangers.
Elements of Fiction
Christian fiction has elements of fiction that must be addressed in order to produce an excellent manuscript. Of course shorter works of fiction do not contain all of these elements.
Some of the fiction elements for novel-length manuscripts: