Speculative Soul Story Editing Services: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror

MY MISSION
I provide fiction editing services to authors at every stage of the revision process. Speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, magical realism, and slipstream) has unique power: It takes us away to other worlds, while also illuminating the shadows and wonders of our own and guiding us toward what could be. Because of this, I specialize in these transformative genres.

I believe every story matters. My mission is to help empower your own creative vision so that it can reach its fullest potential.

As an editor as well as an author, I understand the monetary struggles that come with doing what you love in a society that doesn't always support the arts, so I strive to keep prices as affordable as possible.

SERVICES

• Developmental Editing: Big-picture analysis regarding story structure and building a solid foundation. Rate: 0.0085¢ per word.
• Line/Substantive Editing: Line-by-line level creative editing regarding style, pacing, and cohesiveness. Rate: 0.01¢ per word.
• Copyediting: Line-by-line level technical editing regarding readability and accuracy. Rate: 0.0065¢ per word.
• Proofreading: Correcting spelling, grammar, and syntax errors. Rate: 0.0055¢ per word.
• Manuscript Critique: An in-depth beta read with a report on impressions and suggestions. Rate: 0.0035¢ per word.
• Sensitivity Reading: An analysis of how a story handles representations of marginalized communities. Rate: 0.0035¢ per word.
  • I can sensitivity read for certain LGBTQIA+ and mental health/neurodivergent marginalizations.

For more information on these services, see my website.

ABOUT ME
I've been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, beginning my journey with kindergarten writing contest wins that hooked me on the artform. I'm a proud-to-be-indie author and a game writer. However, when I realized how much I relished a part of the writing process that many of my fellow authors seemed to dread—editing—I studied it further to use that passion to help other authors and stories.

As a fiction editor, I balance detailed-oriented perfectionism with big-picture thinking. My natural drive is to delve deep into everything, always looking below the surface. I seek the connections between every element of a story to ensure they come together to form a cohesive whole. I love reassembling structure to make it stronger, efficient but engaging language, digging into characters' psyches, searching for meaning, and the satisfaction of clarity.

EDITING AND WRITING EXPERIENCE

• I have experience across all phases of story craft, ranging from outlining to both the creative and technical aspects of editing. As examples, I've edited projects ranging from fantasy novels to scientific non-fiction books here at Speculative Soul. I've published books and games. I've edited, proofread, and critiqued colleague's projects while in college. I've taken writing, editing, and literary analysis classes in college and in continuing education courses online.
• I'm a submissions editor for All Worlds Wayfarer, a speculative fiction literary magazine.
• My own publications include short stories (with publications in anthologies and literary magazines), story-driven games, academic projects, and two novels (with more to come).
• I'm a member of the Editorial Freelancer's Association (EFA).
• I have a Copyediting and Proofreading certificate from UniversalClass.
• I graduated from the UniversalClass course with a perfect grade.
• I worked as an English tutor during college.
• I've placed in a variety of fiction writing contests, which involved extensive self-editing.
• I placed in the Game Developers Conferences' Game Narrative Review contest both times I entered it, in 2017 (as a gold winner) and 2018 (as a top-honors platinum winner). This contest involved a literary analysis of a game's narrative elements, with principles applicable across all storytelling mediums. I attended the Narrative Summit both years, which featured educational storytelling sessions. I also gave short poster sessions of my own.
• I continually read, study, and practice editing through classes and craft books in my free time⁠—I'm never truly off the clock when it comes to my love of storytelling craft.

SAMPLE EDITS
I offer free sample edits. If you're interested in working with me, tell me a bit about your book and send me the first five pages of your manuscript. I'll get back to you shortly and we'll see if we're a good match.