Editing services
In addition to being an author, I’m a freelance editor with years of industry experience! I have a passion for working closely with fiction writers and I specialize in developmental editing and evaluating query letters and submissions.
I'm friendly, thoughtful, and candid with my recommendations. When I work with authors, I set up a collaborative, open working relationship because I believe that the stronger the author/editor relationship, the better the finished product.
Below, you can find a description of my services. Each of these options is customizable to your needs! Just let me know what you’re looking for, and we can decide together whether I’ll be a good fit to edit your manuscript.
“Elisa approaches editorial evaluations with keen insight, precise attention, and energizing enthusiasm. Her advice is thoughtful, clear-eyed, and actionable. She also reads incredibly widely, positioning her well to understand what your book is and how it fits into the publishing landscape.”
Editorial assessments
Editorial assessments are a review of what’s working and what’s not working in a completed manuscript. They provide big picture feedback on structure, plot, characterization, pace, narrative arcs, clarity, themes, and more. Therefore, they’re highly beneficial for an author who needs help seeing the story as a whole - and especially for those who want to make their book one for which agents and publishers will see a market and path to publication.
For an editorial assessment, I’ll read your manuscript and write a detailed edit letter (typically 5-8 pages single spaced) that provides an overall evaluation of the bigger picture and suggestions for revision.
query packages
My query package offers an in-depth review of each of the documents you’ll need to query literary agents: the query letter, the 10 page sample, and the 1 page synopsis. In addition to my personal experience querying, I spent significant time evaluating agent pitches when I worked at Algonquin Books— and so I have a good understanding of what agents tend to prioritize in their pitches and what editors are enticed by. I can help you tailor your query letter to be engaging, marketable, and exciting to prospective agents and editors. I also conduct an intensive line edit to ensure that your documents are clean and polished before submission.
My query package includes a second read. I’ll check and approve any changes you make for your final draft!
“Elisa provided an editorial perspective that was both encouraging and challenging. Her notes on pacing, plot, and character development gave me the exact tools I needed to enter my final revision with clarity and confidence. I can’t recommend her highly enough. ”