Manuscript Development for Your Novel

Before you strike out on the adventure of a new novel, sometimes it helps to bat around ideas to make sure you are on the right path. This service will evaluate your story from development documents such as an outline and provide you with notes surrounding plot, characters, world-building, themes, and more!

What’s Included:

Here’s how I’ll help you find your story’s course:

  • I’ll do a deep-dive of your development documents, taking notes on pacing, characters, plot lines, world building, and the other magical details.

    • What if you’re a PANTSER not a PLOTTER? No outline, no problem! I will introduce you to some development documents I recommend that will help you get to know your CHARACTERS. This can help story and world come together in a way that doesn’t feel as restrictive as a formal outline might. (Though I do highly recommend outlines!!!)

  • When I’m done reading your prep work, I’ll write you at least 3 pages of notes provided to you in PDF format summarizing the feedback with my suggestions on how to approach a first draft.

  • If you book a Zoom, we will discuss my notes, your reactions, and where you think your headed next!

Optional additions:

  • Want assistance on the next book in a series? I will read your previous book(s) for an additional $0.005/word AND then review your development materials.

Pricing menu for development notes with different booking options and prices, over a mountain landscape background during sunset.

We’ll work great together if:

  • You are planning a novel in one of the following genres: High/Low fantasy, Dark fantasy, Romantasy, Historical Fantasy, Urban/Contemporary fantasy (however, for the right project I am willing to review books in other genres - I have experience in all).

  • You are looking for an editor who will hype you up, honor your novel’s vision, and help you move forward toward your first draft ready to explore the world of your story!

  • You are ready to receive constructive, supportive feedback that will help take your novel to the next level.

FAQS

  • I approach manuscripts from a point of curiosity and problem-solving. When you hit the contact button, you will help me get a sense of what we’ll be working on together by including:

    • Working Manuscript Title

    • Genre

    • Brief (1-2 sentence) synopsis

    • Desired word count

    • If there is something specific you are hoping to focus on with a developmental review. (Consider pacing, world development, character development, plot, etc.)

    • How do you best receive feedback? Do you prefer light and breezy, cutthroat, honest, a back and forth discussion, etc?

  • I’ve listed my favorite (and thus preferred) genres, but it never hurts to reach out.

  • Early in the process! This service is designed to work from development materials such as lore, character profiles, and outlines to help you lay out the journey of your story.

    If you started a first draft but are hitting a wall after 30-60 pages, this is for you to take a step back and refresh!

    1. We’ll connect and discuss your project via email.

    2. You review my proposal and realize that I can help take your work to the next level!

    3. You say, “Let’s do this”, sign the contract I send you, and pay the appropriate fee. Then it’s all on me to dive into your fictional world and get to work!

  • Depending on my schedule and the size of your project, I may be able to accommodate an expedited deadline for an additional rush fee.

  • Like all art, story development is also subjective. My goal with your novel is to maintain the integrity and authenticity of your voice. I look at the big picture of the story from the perspective of a reader. Do the characters feel flat? Are there plot holes? How is the pacing? Is there too much telling? Etc.

  • For manuscript development, I require the complete payment prior to my review of your development materials.

    Yes! Pay in full or payment plans are available. We can split your invoice into two payments prior to the delivery of feedback to you.

  • Yes! If you already have a draft, I offer developmental editing as well as skilled beta reading.

    Developmental editing and beta reading look at the BIG picture elements of your story.

  • There is a lot more to getting published than putting words to the page. Editing is one step. Marketing is another. There are factors in between that are entirely up to you and the industry at large. I can tell you that I’ll provide expert feedback and guidance based on my subjective experience and expertise, all intended toward perfecting your writing and ability to self-promote.

    I can help make sure your story fits into your chosen genre, but that doesn’t guarantee it will be picked up by an agent or publishing house. Remember it’s about the long game, just because you get a ‘no’ doesn’t mean your novel is bad. A ‘no’ is a not yet, or a not here.

A black and white logo with an open book at the bottom, a sword pointing upward through the center of the book, and text that reads 'Fight for the Fairytale Editorial'.

Fight For The Fairytale Editorial is a one woman show! When you book, you will be working with writer and screenwriter, Colleen H. Ochab. As a fantasy fanatic, I can’t wait to explore the world of your projects!

I love helping fellow writers bring their stories to life! There is room for all of us on the bookshelves of the readers of the world, and frankly, we need more quality stories being brought to screen.

You don’t walk alone because “Warriors Walk Together”.

Can’t wait to connect with you!