I work across genres—memoir, fiction, and autofiction—with writers at every stage of the process, from a first draft to a fifth revision. Some are looking for an ongoing collaborative relationship; others simply want an experienced editorial perspective at a particular stage. However we work together, my role is the same: to help you find the story only you can tell, and to help you see your own work clearly enough to continue shaping it on your own.

Depending on where you are in your process, here are the different ways we might work together:

Story & Book Coaching

An ongoing, collaborative relationship built around your own drafting or revision, offered as a series of eight sessions. Coaching is ideal if you’re looking for regular feedback, conversation, accountability, and guidance as your manuscript evolves. Beyond improving a particular piece of writing, the goal is to help you develop the craft and confidence to continue growing as a writer.

Developmental Editing

A thorough editorial review of a manuscript in progress or a completed draft, for projects of six thousand words and up. Rather than working together over time, I read closely and provide a detailed roadmap for revision through extensive margin notes and an editorial letter—with an optional follow-up conversation if you’d like to talk it through together. This is best for writers who prefer to revise independently after receiving in-depth editorial guidance.

Written Feedback

For shorter pieces up to 6000 words, including essays, stand-alone chapters, short stories, or brief excerpts from longer works. Feedback is provided directly on the page through margin notes, along with a brief concluding assessment when appropriate—and, as with Developmental Editing, option to add a follow-up conversation.

Manuscript Assessment

A complete read and written response that evaluates the manuscript as a whole—its structure, voice, pacing, emotional arc, and narrative potential. Often the best place to begin if you’re unsure what kind of support your project needs.

Rates

Every project is different, and the exact scope is confirmed after an initial look at your work. The rates below are intended as a guide.

Story & Book Coaching

First Draft Coaching  —  $1,300 for a series of eight sessions

For writers generating new work. Each session includes reading up to 5,000 new words, detailed written feedback with margin notes, and a one-hour conversation.

Developmental Coaching  —  $2,350 for a series of eight sessions

For writers actively revising an existing manuscript. Each session includes reading up to 10,000–12,000 words (new and revised material), detailed written feedback with margin notes, and a ninety-minute conversation.

Developmental Editing

Rate  —  $0.045 per word (6000 words and up)

Designed for writers who want a thorough editorial evaluation before undertaking revision on their own. Includes a close reading of the manuscript, extensive margin notes throughout, and a detailed editorial letter identifying strengths and opportunities for revision.

Written Feedback

Up to 3,000 words  —  $225

3,000–6,000 words  —  $375

Ideal for essays, individual chapters, or shorter works where feedback is most effective directly on the page.

Manuscript Assessment

Rate  —  $0.025 per word

A complete editorial read intended to help you understand your manuscript more clearly before deciding on next steps. Includes a written editorial letter and optional follow-up conversation.

The artist, in this model, is like the optometrist, always asking: Is it better like this? Or like this?

George Saunders