Story Consulting Services

Are you ready to submit your manuscript but need a pair of experienced and objective eyes to make sure it's in great shape? Or, perhaps you've decided to publish independently and need someone with industry experience to provide an edit and guidance?

For over a dozen years, I have worked in the publishing industry not only as a professional writer, but as a freelance editor, a senior editor for several independent publishers, and as a marketing consultant for both publishers and authors alike.  Many of those I've edited have gone on to garner great reviews in publications such as Booklist, ForeWord Magazine, and MidWest Book Reviews and sold to both small and large publishers.

Story and Marketing Consulting:
My greatest strengths as a story consultant is helping you assess where your story meets the market place and how to sharpen it for better placement. I can help you both identify weak areas in your manuscript that need to be strengthened, and chart out a marketing plan that is fresh and innovative.

Consultations start at $150 for a partial (3 chapters, 50 page max, double spaced) read and talk.

Author Critique Services:
If you'd like to engage my freelance services for your manuscript, query, or synopsis, here are my options:

Get my personal critique of your query letter (up to 2 pages):  $30.00 (USD)

Get my personal critique of your synopsis (up to 5 double-spaced pages):  $40.00 (USD)

Get my personal critique of your 1st chapter (up to 20 double-spaced pages):  $60.00 (USD)

Get all of the above:  $100.00 (USD)

(Note: line editing is not included on any of the above options.)

Want a full critiqued? As pricing for a full manuscript varies widely depending on the needs of the writer and the shape of the manuscript, I think it best to price those individually.  I offer a free 3-page critique to help determine what is needed, the pricing, and if my editorial style works for you.

In general, a structural (no line edits) read of a well-written 75,000-word manuscript would start at $500.

Communication:
If interested, contact me at SPSipal AT gmail DOT com.

For all of the editorial options above, I'll give you my feedback through either e-mail or chat.  If you wish to discuss a more in-depth or longer option, just e-mail me at SPSipal AT gmail DOT com.

That's also the e-mail address you'll need to use to send me your document to critique.  I'll respond to your e-mail within 24 hours to schedule the time of your critique, unless updated here that I'm temporarily away.

Be sure to check out my Bio page and Publications, so you'll know the experience I bring to the job.  Also, for fantasy & paranormal writers, you might be interested in knowing that I have a strong educational background in Religious Studies and mythology!

References available upon request.