Editing Services

PLEASE NOTE: Due to time constraints and an overwhelming interest in my services, I am unable to take on additional clients at this time. Check back in January when I open to queries again!

If you’re looking for an editor to hone your grasp on craft and help whip your manuscript, sample pages, or sample chapters into shape without compromising the heart of your voice, I might be exactly who you’re looking for.

Genres I enjoy:

Young Adult

• Dark/edgy
• Contemporary
• Paranormal
• Dystopian
• Contemporary Fantasy
• “Accessible” Science Fiction (biopunk, cyberpunk, etc.)
• Magical Realism
• Romance

Romance

• Paranormal
• Contemporary
• Thrillers

Please note: At this time, I am not interested in working with literary fiction, erotic romance, steampunk, historical romance, epic fantasy, urban fantasy, adult space operas, “hard” science fiction, time travel, or inspirational romance.

An edit for every need:

Brainstorm

• one hour phone consultation to solidify plot and characterizations
• critique of synopsis and character studies afterward
• $40

Basic

• minimal notes in manuscript
• detailed editorial letter discussing the strengths and weaknesses of your writing, a list of areas that need work, and an assessment of the manuscript’s pacing, tone, and salability.
• PERFECT FOR: authors with a firm handle on their craft who have same-skill-level critique partners/beta readers, sample chapters that score well in contests but have yet to final or win, manuscripts on the brink that need one final finesse to land that agent (a revise and resubmit request, for example)
• $.003 per word

Intermediate

• moderate notes in manuscript
• detailed editorial letter discussing the strengths and weaknesses of your writing, examples of and suggestions that might fix areas needing work, and an assessment of the manuscript’s pacing, tone, language, and salability.
• a critique of your query letter
• PERFECT FOR: authors in search of feedback from an industry professional, manuscripts that exceed acceptable word counts in need of cutting, sample pages that were rejected for not drawing the agent/editor in, manuscripts with sagging middles and/or plot holes and/or characterization issues
• $.006 per word

Advanced

• two-pass edit
• combines an initial Intermediate edit with a final Basic edit to make sure the revision is where it needs to be
• a critique of your query letter
• PERFECT FOR: authors in need of a little more TLC than the Basic and Intermediate services offer
• $.009 per word

Premium

• three-pass edit (broad/systemic, stylistic, and line edit – just like you’d receive working with a publishing house)
• detailed editorial letter to accompany each pass
• SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder (if you don’t already own it)
• phone consultation, if desired
• a critique of your query letter
• PERFECT FOR: self-published manuscripts, authors in need of mentoring, writers lacking the knowledge of plotting and/or characterization necessary to land an agent or publishing contract, manuscripts that have not been vetted by critique partners and beta readers, anyone eager to put their strongest work in front of agents/editors
• $.012 per word

Please note: Due to the amount of time even the smallest editing jobs require, I have a minimum fee of $30 for any job I take on, including short stories. For ethical reasons, if you intend to submit your manuscript to Entangled Publishing for consideration, I’m not the editor for you!

Professional experience:

• Managing Editor at Entangled Publishing, LLC
• former Acquisitions Editor for a fantasy/futuristic/paranormal romance publisher
• four years professional experience as a freelance fiction editor
• five years experience as an editor and proofreader in the technology and law sectors
• BA in Liberal Studies, emphasis on Creative Writing and Psychology
• yearlong mentorship with USA Today and NYT Bestseller Lori Wilde

I treat every edit like a mentorship, putting as much effort into helping my authors improve their writing as I do polishing their manuscripts. Every author I work with should walk away from our partnership with a better understanding of craft, as well as how to apply that knowledge to future manuscripts.

To see my editing work in print, check out THE MARKED SON, WARD AGAINST DEATH, NORTH OF NEED, SHADOWLANDER, MOONLIGHT BLEU, MAGICK CHARM, ENTANGLED, SOUL REBORN, and PIPER’S FURY.

What people are saying about me:

Heather Howland sculpted my debut novel into a polished work of art. Her professional, yet honest, work ethics made the brutal chore of revisions exciting, fun, and truly worthwhile. She gave me the tools I needed to hold my head high and proudly present my story to the world. I’m blessed that Ms. Howland took a chance on my story, and had the patience to teach me better techniques, how to spot my own errors, and how to love my own book. Thank you, Heather, for everything.

— Rachel Firasek, author of

PASSION OF THE SOUL: PIPER’S FURY (2011)

If you want someone to dig deep into your manuscript and help you pull out a diamond, Heather’s your girl.  Her notes on structure, passive voice, and character arc were invaluable and professional.  She picked up on things I missed–even after several passes–and helped with saggy pacing!  If you want an editor with knowledge, experience, and a true understanding of how an author’s brain works, look no further.

— Jus Accardo, author of TOUCH (2011)

Heather Howland is a gifted editor. I was lucky enough to work with her as a debut author. Through her unfailing support and creative instincts, I was able to see past the words on the page to the heart of the story and become a better writer. Heather’s attention to detail and ability to suggest ways to make a story stronger are why Moonlight Bleu has been such a success. I strongly recommend Heather Howland as a private editor. You won’t find a nicer, more skilled advocate to stand in your corner!

— Renee Rearden, author of MOONLIGHT BLEU (2010)

Not only is Heather an incredible source of motivation and support, she has a keen eye for problems with plotting, pacing, characterization, and structure—right down to sentence level. Thanks to Heather’s wealth of editorial knowledge, insightful and honest feedback, and professional yet fun style, I’ve grown leaps and bounds as a writer.

— Katy Upperman, up-and-coming YA author

Query me for additional information.