I'm a passionate, experienced developmental editor who knows how to see the heart of your story, draw out your unique author voice, and bring your story worlds to life! I focus on your characters' unique desires and struggles to help you craft an engaging, emotionally-compelling story that grabs your readers and converts them into life-long fans.
I specialize in character-centric developmental edits of YA and adult science fiction and fantasy novels, including space opera, fantasy (all sub-genres) and steampunk, but have edited everything from romantic comedies to action thrillers. I love adventure stories with found family themes and diverse worldbuilding. My clients include several award winners and finalists in multiple categories—including Book of the Year, Reader’s Choice, Fantasy, and Epic Fantasy at the Realm Awards—and many of them have gone on to sign multi-book contracts, earn starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and land their dream agents. I work with authors pursuing both traditional and indie publishing who are passionate about quality and want to take their craft to the next level.
My rates are $0.04/word each for developmental edits. I also offer manuscript assessments (a full read-through and several pages of notes) for $0.03/word. I’m now also offering developmental and line edits by my fantastic associate editors, Lauren Hildebrand, Katie Williams, and Amy Williams, for $0.03/word, and assessments for $0.02/word. A 30-minute follow-up call to help you put together a revisions plan is included with all developmental edits and assessments.
Lauren specializes in classic fantasy with allegorical elements and brings practical life experience to help authors wanting to portray trauma and mental health struggles with sensitivity and nuance. Katie Williams loves fantasy with deep themes and descriptive prose, that focuses on family bonds over romantic threads. Amy Williams is the woman to talk to if you write epic, multi-book series with ensemble casts, expansive worldbuilding, and/or a hefty dash of humor.
Myself, Lauren, Amy, and Katie W. are booking for 2024. Email me (katie@katiephillipscreative.com) for availability.
NOTE: If you are looking to book your first manuscript edit with me, I recommend starting with one of my manuscript consults to identify big-picture story and character issues. This saves time and money if your manuscript is not yet ready for a full edit. Consults include a 30-minute coaching call and evaluation of your outline and first three pages.
You can learn more about my manuscript consults by clicking the button below.
What authors are saying…
“Working with Katie was a dream! She understood the soul of my project and was able to equip me with the tools to sculpt it into something beautiful.””
“I had the pleasure of working with Katie on my award-winning novel, Seventh City. Her knowledge of the market and the craft is invaluable and her process is thorough. Katie’s an editor who will help you up your game.”
“Katie’s fabulous at finding the heart of your story and working with you to polish it and bring it to its potential. I love working with her and highly recommend her as an editor!”
“Katie knows just the questions to ask to take my characters from static concepts to living, breathing individuals who leap off the page. ”
“What I love about Katie as an editor is she is so supportive, even in her critiques. I always come away from her notes knowing that though there is a lot of work to do, I am capable of fixing it. ”
“I’ve worked with Katie on my pirate adventure series for the last three years. She helps me elevate my writing craft and author career with actionable advice, deep understanding of how to write an amazing story, and plenty of encouragement along the way. I seriously can’t see myself working with any other editor!”
These testimonials are a small sample of my editing projects and are not intended to represent my entire editing portfolio. For more testimonials and to inquire about my editing availability, email me at katie@katiephillipscreative.com.