What does the memoir developmental package include? How do I start the process of signing up?
If you’re interested in hiring me for a $1800 memoir developmental edit package, email me at theo AT theonestor DOT COM with a one-paragraph overview of your project, a sample chapter, and a date range for your desired deadline. If I think I can be of help to you, we can go ahead and find a deadline that works for both of us. (I tend to book 2-3 months out). After the deadline is set, I’ll invoice you via QuickBooks for a $200 nonrefundable deposit to reserve your deadline. (It is possible, in most cases, to extend your deadline as long as you give me at least three weeks notice). Accepted forms of payment: Credit and debit cards and checks.
When you submit your manuscript, please send it as a double-spaced Word file. Feel free to send a list of questions/thoughts/concerns along with your manuscript. After I’ve received your manuscript, we will find a mutually agreed upon meeting time for our Zoom meeting, usually ten days to two weeks after manuscript delivery. Two days before our Zoom meeting, I’ll send you a two-page summary of the points I’d like us to discuss and sometimes a list of recommended readings. After our meeting, I’ll send you a link to the recording of our meeting and an invoice for the balance of $1500 (or more if your manuscript exceeds more than 75k words).
Who are you and why should I trust you with my manuscript?
To learn more about my editing, you might want to read testimonials from former clients here. My credentials: An award-winning instructor, I’ve been working with memoir writers through the University of Washington’s Professional & Continuing Education department and Hugo House in Seattle since 2006 and have taught classes for Hedgebrook and Seattle University, where I was also the Winter 2018 and Fall 2019 Visiting Distinguished Writer. I hold two advanced degrees in English, one in creative writing and the other in literature. I’m the author of two memoirs both sold with multiple offers on proposal: How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed (Crown) and Writing Is My Drink (Simon & Schuster). My essays have won awards and have been published numerous places including the New York Times, The Establishment, The Rumpus, The Seattle Times, New Mexico magazine, Under the Sun, ParentMap and many other places.
What is a memoir developmental edit?
A developmental edit is an in-depth analysis of the structure and overall content of a manuscript. The edit will include analysis of how well the book's situation and the story are developed; what to leave in and what to take out; how well the opening pages set us up for the rest of the book; how well the book delivers on the promise of the opening pages; how well the structure is serving the narrative; the quality of the opening and ending; and much more. Each developmental edit is a bit different, but with each one I aim to help the writer forge a plan for revision that will get the manuscript closer to the writer's vision for the book. While I do make margin comments throughout the manuscript, a developmental edit does not include line editing.
What if I only have 40 or 50k words but would like feedback on what I have so far? What if I want feedback on a memoir book proposal?
I’m happy to give feedback on a partial draft or a proposal for the same 1500-dollar fee. 40/50k words is actually a great place to get some input. If you have less than 40k words and would like some coaching now, feel free to email me at theo AT theonestor DOT COM to set up an appointment at my regular hourly rate of 150/hour or reserve a spot for me to review your first 50 pages for $600.
What if my manuscript is longer than 75k words?
For each additional 10k words, I charge 100 additional dollars.
Will I receive line edits on my manuscript?
No, but I do make specific comments on the manuscript that correlate to the larger comments made in two-page overview of suggestions you’ll receive two days before our Zoom meeting.
I still have questions!
Email me at theo AT theonestor DOT COM.