5k Opener Review

The opener review, structurally speaking, is a combination developmental and line edit. The developmental side assesses promise, premise, character and worldbuilding, your hook, and any elements of theme and foreshadowing. For the line edit aspect, I’ll suggest ways to strengthen your voice and style.

This service is perfect for querying authors!

Here’s what you’ll get:

  • A copy of your first 5,000 words annotated with:

    • Marginal comments

    • Line edit modifications with track changes

  • Review letter discussing your opener’s strengths and weaknesses, including genre expectations

The first 5,000 words is $280. This can be extended to the first 10,000 words for $500.

For clarity: this service is best used on manuscripts that are on their second revision at a minimum. The power of an opener review is to polish the introductory hook of your story, increasing the likelihood the reader or agent won’t want to put it down.

About Me

I have a specialty focus in developmental editing and worldbuilding in the fantasy/sci-fi genres. I’ve worked as lead editor on many manuscripts in traditional publishing and now I’m looking to help more authors submit strong manuscripts and feel confident when self-publishing.

One thing I value in the editing process is my relationship with the author. Sharing a novel, whatever stage it’s at, puts the author in a vulnerable state. It’s important for your editor to be the person in your corner. It’s my primary focus to look for ways to strengthen your manuscript, make it the best it can be, but to also celebrate what you excel at already. I want you to leave our time together with a complete understanding of where your manuscript is engaging and fun and drawing people in and where it can be improved. I do this through margin comments, summary notes, editorial letters, emails, and live conversations.

My site guides you to the services I recommend based on where you are with your novel. If you’re uncertain what services you need, send me a message through the contact form or one of my socials. Hiring an editor should be a phenomenal experience. Let’s start a conversation, see if we’re a good fit, and forge your novel into something people will write home about!