Developmental editing | book collaboration/book doctoring | book proposal Writing & Reviews | strategic consulting
experienced.
professional.
results-oriented.
My mission is to help purpose-driven nonfiction and craft-oriented fiction authors develop and write high-value, reader-pleasing books.
My clients include a New York Times bestselling debut novelist, a Parade Magazine "24 Best Memoirs to Read in 2020" lister, a GRAMMY Award (R) winner, an international entertainment entrepreneur, activists and advocates, and intellectuals, all of whom are self-starters driven to educate, entertain, and empower others.
Clients have earned more than twenty book awards, bestseller rankings, high-profile listings, and publishing contracts on books we've worked on together.
(Click here to see my clients' measurable results and media attention.)
We share a common mindset. We respect the work and see each other as long-term strategic partners. And when we decide to do something, we find a way or make or way.
Like my clients, I am a writer. My work has been published in print and online magazines and business journals.
developmental editing
Developmental editing is all about structure (story) and persuasiveness. I evaluate your manuscript according to my tried-and-true, genre-specific methodology, so you have confidence as you revise your manuscript and put your ideas in front of the people you want to inform, influence, and entertain.
I recommend this in-depth analysis for first-time authors.
In addition to a comprehensive editing report and in-manuscript notes, I record custom video tutorials to guide you through some of the trickier concepts and encourage you as you revise your manuscript.
I will evaluate your manuscript on four levels that include up to 11 genre-specific inspection categories:
- entire manuscript
- chapters
- sections and scenes
- author platform and affinity groups
up to 60,000 words: $2,600
60,000-80,00 words: $3,500
book collaboration/Book Doctoring
This service is for aspiring authors who are looking for a proven writing professional to help them restructure and rewrite a book they're having a hard time pulling together.
My collaboration process starts with a developmental review and is informed by my education and business background and what I've learned as a published writer and when teaching and talking to aspiring authors at workshops, conferences, and business events and by engaging with literary agents, publishers, booksellers, and readers.
nonfiction up to 60,000 words: $12,000-15,000
memoir up to 60,000 words: $15,000-21,000
Ghostwriting
For busy professionals or memoirists with stories to tell but not the time or creative writing skills necessary to write a commercially viable book, I offer ghostwriting services.
We discuss your vision and through a series of interviews I structure a book that bridges the gap between your vision and your audience's needs and preferences.
full ghostwriting (no mention of my contribution) starting at $32,000
"with" status or co-author/collaborator acknowledgement starting at $25,000
book proposal Reviews & coaching
If you already have a book proposal...
If you plan to write your general nonfiction or memoir book yourself but want a professional analysis and substantive editing feedback on your query letter and proposal before sending it to literary agents, I offer book proposal reviews (up to 60 double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font pages).
$1,500
If you need help writing a competitive book proposal...
If you need to develop your book proposal and query letter from scratch--including your book's table of contents, chapter synopses, and sample chapters; a proper competitive analysis, and a targeted marketing plan--and need help identifying which literary agents and publishers are the best fits for you and your project, I offer flat rate or hourly fee options.
Contact me for a free consultation and custom bid.
pay-as-you-go editing & consulting
If you prefer to choose your own adventure...
If you prefer a pay-as-you-go arrangement, this hourly rate is a popular option due to its flexibility and access to any service I offer.
In addition to flexibility, it's a great option for authors on a limited budget because they can request a more limited manuscript review and higher level feedback than my deep developmental editing process.
For Authors Who Aspire to Be Traditionally Published...
This is also a popular add on service for authors who aspire to be traditionally published. We often start with a full developmental or substantive edit at a flat rate, then proceed to work on a comprehensive pitching strategy for their book proposal, query letter, and book blurb/endorsement pitches at an hourly rate for a higher degree of flexibility.
Contact me for a free consultation and my current hourly rates.
what literary agents & acquisition editors say
A literary agent recently said, "I'm glad [client] worked with you to hone the proposal because the hard work shows and cohesiveness shows." (October 2021)
According to client Steve Adelman, "The first major acquisition editor who saw my book proposal commented, 'For a first time author, this certainly is not a first time proposal.'"
"After 15+ years in publishing, I can say that Cristen sets the gold standard for freelance editing. She recently worked with us on a client's memoir proposal, including an extensive amount of co-writing of sample chapters. From the start of the process, I was highly impressed with her writing, her ideas, and just how much organization and inspiration she brought to the project. Her writing was beautiful, clear, and very true to the author's unique voice. Collaborating with her has been a joy for both author and agent. She had tremendous impact on this project, and we will look forward to working with her on many more, given our experience." --Lilly Ghahremani, JD, MBA, literary agent and co-founder of Full Circle Literary
select project portfolio
Want to learn more about how I set my rates? Read this article that I originally wrote for Unbound Northwest: The Cost of Doing Business: How Freelance Service Providers Make a Living and visit the Editorial Freelancers Association site for a table with editing services and prices.
statement of values
I am an inclusive businessperson.
I do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, age, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, gender identity, or sexual orientation in any of my activities or operations and will not contract with any author or vendor who demonstrates a disregard for the dignity, safety, and overall well-being of any other person or group.
When working together, we agree that without intellectual integrity and respect for human dignity, our work has little value. Therefore, we place the wellbeing and education of readers in the forefront of our minds and agree to focus our efforts on providing maximum value to them.
