You can craft a story that readers love as much as you do.
I’m here to help you strengthen your story and navigate the book publishing process, so you can feel clear and confident in sharing your passion project with the world.
Does any of this sound familiar?
The book publishing industry feels confusing. You don’t know where to turn, or what steps you need to take:
Misinformation and incorrect assumptions about the book publishing industry abound, so I give my writers tactical tips on what to do next, whether you are interested in pursuing traditional publishing and finding a literary agent, or self-publishing.
Revising your novel feels harder than writing it in the first place:
Self-editing is a tough skill to master, and it can only get you so far. You need an external, constructive editorial eye to point out things you just can’t see in your own story. Feedback from friends and family (if you’re brave enough to share your work!) can sometimes be vague and unhelpful. I step in as the expert you need to steer you in the right direction.
Finding a literary agent can feel next to impossible, and rejection just frankly sucks:
In the vast majority of cases, getting traditionally published by a major publishing house means first getting rejected — a lot. It can be disheartening, disappointing, and confidence-eroding, but all it takes is one literary agent to say “yes,” and you’re on your way. I’m here to help you put your best foot forward when reaching out to literary agents so you can feel confident you’re giving it your best shot.
It's time to step into your power as a storyteller
What are you looking for?
I need a hands-on, 1:1, comprehensive editing experience to elevate and transform my story
I’ve completed my draft and need direction on where to go from here.
I’m ready to query literary agents and want to ensure my submission materials are as strong as possible.
Not sure what service is the best fit for you?
Let’s see where you’re at:
My zone of genius
It’s critical to ensure the editor you choose has a skillset and background that align with your needs and goals. I truly believe in partnering with writers whose genres and needs sit within my zone of genius, so I can get you the best possible results.
I offer developmental and structural editing for the following genres:
✓ Thrillers, mystery, and suspense
✓ Contemporary women’s fiction
✓ Historical fiction
✓ Literary fiction
✓ Memoir
✓ YA and middle grade fiction
✓ Select sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction
✓ Anything that can be devoured in one sitting!
Not writing in one of these genres? No problem! I still may be able to help, so please reach out!
I want our partnership to be a match made in heaven
We’d go together like
pen and paper if…
✓ Your story fits one of my specialty genres
✓ You’re not just looking for an editor, you’re looking for a trusted partner and collaborator
✓ You’re ready to receive constructive feedback to improve your story, even if it means making significant revisions
✓ Our editorial philosophies align
We might not vibe, like
Jekyll and Hyde, if…
✖️ You’re not open to deeply revising your manuscript to make it as strong as it can be
✖️ You value speed over quality
✖️ You’re looking for line editing, copyediting or proofreading
My editorial MISSION:
Supporting, educating, and encouraging aspiring authors by helping them strengthen their stories and pave their publishing path.
I edit with a single goal in mind: to draw out the strongest, most effective version of the story you want to tell. When we work together, I’ll immerse myself in your story, taking detailed notes as I read, then take time to reflect and provide my feedback from a holistic perspective. You’ll receive a clear roadmap that not only identifies the story’s weak points, but provides solutions to fix them.
Let’s break down my editorial philosophy:
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My feedback will always prioritize what will make the biggest impact on your story. This means we won’t spend extraneous time perfecting small scene details that will only slightly improve the story when there are other, more transformative edits that will take your story to new heights. Often, once the big-picture issues are addressed, the smaller elements will fall into place.
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Writing — and editing — are subjective arts, and we are working together to transform your story. Do not feel obligated to make every single edit I suggest. As the author, you are the visionary for the story, and it is completely OK to say no to some suggestions. You may think of a creative solution to an editorial issue that didn’t even cross my mind, which is the beauty of us being true and equal partners on your project.
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Think of your book like wet clay — you can continue to mold and reshape it endlessly (and it might even become something completely different than you originally thought). Allow this process to be energizing and exciting! If it ever feels daunting or overwhelming, remember I’m here to help you through it.
MANUSCRIPT MAKEOVER
A hands-on, 1:1, comprehensive editing experience to elevate and transform your story
This immersive 4-month process will give you a safe, supportive space to step into your power as a writer and fall back in love with your story.
This experience is so much more than a set of deliverables.
You’ll also walk away with:
✓ More confidence and clarity in your story than you ever thought possible
✓ Renewed energy and excitement for your book
✓ Genuine optimism in your ability to reach your publishing dreams
I only work with a handful of Manuscript Makeover clients per year to ensure I provide the most transformative experience possible, so don't wait too long before submitting your interest!
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MONTH ONE
First, I’ll complete an editorial assessment of your manuscript, providing big-picture feedback on structure, plot development, characterizations, pacing, and all the major elements that make your story work.MONTHS TWO & THREE
Now, it’s time to revise. But don’t worry, you’ll have a clear roadmap for what to do, and I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.MONTH THREE
Once the revised draft is ready, I’ll complete a developmental edit of your new version, providing scene-by-scene feedback via in-line comments to ensure each and every moment contributes to the overarching story. -
One comprehensive editorial assessment
One comprehensive developmental edit
Three one-hour coaching callsIntroduction & roadblock discussion
Revision strategy & game plan (after the editorial assessment)
Next steps & publishing plans (after the developmental edit)
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For authors hoping to traditionally publish: consultation on your list of literary agents to query
For authors planning to self-publish: public Amazon/B&N review of your book once it is published
Ongoing support: You need an editor who is going to be by your side throughout the revising process. You shouldn’t have to go it alone! Even after we’ve finished the manuscript makeover, I’ll be available via email if you hit any roadblocks or questions.
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Query letter review
Synopsis review
Additional consulting at hourly rate
Additional charge per word over 100,000
Submit the form below for a custom quote!
CLIENT
SUCCESS
STORIES
I hired Alyssa after struggling to address feedback from my agent, who didn't feel my suspense novel was working. After sending my agent the revised version, he said that he loved it, and the novel went out on submission to editors at publishing houses!
Alyssa's expertise in the suspense/thriller genre allowed me to improve the tension, pacing, and plot development. Even after our collaboration ended, Alyssa went the extra mile and continued to answer questions and bounce ideas. I plan to work with her on my future novels.
— ALEXANDRA DIEMAND, THRILLER/SUSPENSE AUTHOR
The perfect first step after finishing your draft
EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT
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Also known as a "manuscript evaluation" or "manuscript critique,” an editorial assessment includes:
A detailed document with feedback on what’s working in the current draft and what could be improved, with the goal of helping you revise and strengthen the story.
Unlike a developmental edit, this service doesn’t include any edits in your manuscript itself. The goal of the assessment is to help you locate and address any and all big-picture issues in your story. I’ll not only identify these problem areas, but provide specific and tactical recommendations on how to fix them.
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An editorial assessment is a great step to take if you:
Know there are problems in your draft but don’t know where to start
Are looking for feedback on the overall plotting and development of your story
Want to understand how your book fits into the publishing market
If you haven’t yet had a professional review of your book, I strongly suggest beginning with the editorial assessment.
If you’re interested in an editorial assessment, I’d be happy to provide an example assessment from a previous client so you can see the style of feedback and check that it’s the right fit for you.
Submit the form below for a custom quote!
Quotes calculated based on manuscript length.
Additional services
À la carte services for querying authors
Query letter review
A first line of defense to help your query letter get noticed and pulled out of the dreaded “slush pile.”
in-line edits and feedback for $200
Synopsis review
Writing a synopsis can feel like pulling teeth. Let’s make sure it shines and encompasses all the amazing qualities of your story.
in-line edits and feedback for $200
Sample pages review
The first 10-50 pages of your story are the most critical to hooking a literary agent’s interest. I’ll help you strengthen your opening scenes so agents can’t wait to read more!
first 5,000 words: $300
first 15,000 words: $675
Mix and match the above services for a submission review package at a bundled rate
Getting started is easy:
Hit that inquire now button if you’re ready to take the next steps. Still have questions? Check out the FAQs.
Tell me more about your project via the inquiry form
I’ll review your project details and sample pages to confirm we’re a perfect match
We’ll chat more and confirm our collaboration timeline
Meet your story sidekick:
Hey, I'm Alyssa - I’m passionate about making a powerful and lasting impact through storytelling.
I help writers just like you feel more confident in their stories and get one step closer to their dream of seeing it published.
You need an editor who is going to be by your side throughout the revising process. You shouldn’t have to go it alone! There’s nothing I enjoy more than supporting aspiring authors throughout their book writing journey.
When I’m not editing books, you’ll find me sipping an espresso martini, reading about the Titanic, or cuddling my goldendoodle.
Learn more about me.
Are you ready for a total story transformation?
Apply to work with me
Our collaboration really starts from the moment you hit that inquire now button.
Once you’ve booked in, I’ll give you all the guidance you need to prepare for your project. I deeply value my 1:1 client relationships, and I promise my unique blend of industry experience and editorial insight will be a transformational experience like none other.
CLIENT
SUCCESS
STORIES
Alyssa was kind and tactful with all her feedback, and her suggestions absolutely made my story better. Then, the very first agent I queried requested to read the whole manuscript after reading the revised pages we worked on!
This was my first experience working with an editor for my debut novel, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with Alyssa. Having Alyssa edit my manuscript was truly one of the best decisions I could have made. I would definitely use her again.
—LAURA GERAGHTY, HISTORICAL FICTION AUTHOR
Not ready to work together yet?
My free tips and resources will help you out!
Publishing &
Writing Tips
Actionable tips and insider advice to make
your story a success.
Story
Self-Assessment
Pinpoint your story’s strengths and weaknesses to take it to the next level.
