Whether you’re refining a manuscript, creating content from scratch, or bringing a complex vision to life, I offer comprehensive editorial and writing services tailored to your specific needs. With over 550 completed projects spanning fiction and non-fiction, I bring both creative insight and editorial precision to every collaboration.
Each project is unique, and I work closely with clients to develop custom solutions that fit your timeline, budget, and goals.
Fiction Editing
Polish your manuscript with professional editorial guidance that strengthens your story while preserving your unique voice.
Developmental Editing
Who it’s for: Fiction writers who need big-picture feedback on plot, structure, pacing, and character development.
What’s included:
- Comprehensive editorial letter addressing overall structure, plot coherence, character arcs, pacing, and thematic elements
- Chapter-by-chapter notes highlighting specific strengths and areas for improvement
- Suggestions for restructuring, scene development, and narrative enhancement
- Guidance on world-building, dialogue, and point of view (where applicable)
- One follow-up consultation to discuss revisions
Best for: Manuscripts that need structural work before moving to line editing, or authors seeking guidance on how to strengthen their story’s foundation.
Line Editing
Who it’s for: Fiction writers with structurally sound manuscripts who need prose-level refinement.
What’s included:
- Sentence-level editing focused on clarity, flow, and impact
- Enhancement of voice, tone, and style consistency
- Dialogue refinement and pacing improvements
- Elimination of awkward phrasing, repetition, and unnecessary words
- Tracked changes with comments explaining editorial decisions
Best for: Manuscripts ready for polish before copyediting or authors who want to elevate their prose quality.
Copy Editing
Who it’s for: Fiction writers seeking final polish before publication.
What’s included:
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling corrections
- Consistency checks (character names, timeline, setting details)
- Style guide adherence (Chicago Manual of Style or author preference)
- Fact-checking where applicable
- Tracked changes with minimal explanatory comments
Best for: Manuscripts that have been developmentally and line edited and need final technical polish.
Manuscript Critique
Who it’s for: Writers seeking professional feedback without full editing services.
What’s included:
- Detailed editorial letter covering strengths, weaknesses, and revision priorities
- Assessment of plot, character development, pacing, voice, and marketability
- Specific examples from the manuscript to illustrate feedback
- Actionable recommendations for revision
Best for: Writers who want expert guidance before investing in comprehensive editing, or authors seeking second opinions on revised drafts.
Genres I specialise in: Horror, gothic fiction, dark fantasy, supernatural thrillers, romance (contemporary, gothic, paranormal), literary fiction, middle-grade, young adult, science fiction, and fantasy.
Turnaround Time: I’m regularly booked 2-4 weeks out depending on manuscript length and project complexity. Lock in your edit early to secure your spot in my schedule.
Non-Fiction Editing
Bring clarity, structure, and polish to your non-fiction manuscript with editorial services designed for business books, memoirs, self-help, and narrative non-fiction.
Developmental Editing
Who it’s for: Non-fiction authors who need structural guidance and content organisation.
What’s included:
- Comprehensive editorial letter addressing overall structure, argument flow, and reader engagement
- Chapter-by-chapter analysis with recommendations for reorganisation, expansion, or cuts
- Assessment of target audience alignment and market positioning
- Guidance on voice, tone, and accessibility for intended readers
- Suggestions for incorporating research, anecdotes, or case studies effectively
- One follow-up consultation
Best for: Business books, memoirs, self-help, transformation guides, and narrative non-fiction that need structural refinement.
Line Editing
Who it’s for: Non-fiction authors with solid structure who need prose refinement.
What’s included:
- Sentence-level editing for clarity, concision, and impact
- Enhancement of voice and tone consistency
- Elimination of jargon, redundancy, and unclear passages
- Improved transitions between sections and chapters
- Tracked changes with explanatory comments
Best for: Manuscripts that are structurally sound but need polish at the sentence and paragraph level.
Copy Editing
Who it’s for: Non-fiction authors seeking final technical polish.
What’s included:
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling corrections
- Fact-checking and citation verification
- Consistency checks (terminology, formatting, style)
- Style guide adherence (Chicago, AP, or author preference)
- Tracked changes with minimal comments
Best for: Manuscripts ready for final polish before publication or submission.
Manuscript Critique
Who it’s for: Authors seeking professional assessment without full editing.
What’s included:
- Detailed editorial letter (8-15 pages) covering structure, content, voice, and marketability
- Assessment of target audience fit and potential market appeal
- Specific examples illustrating strengths and areas for improvement
- Prioritized recommendations for revision
Best for: Authors wanting expert feedback before investing in comprehensive editing.
Specialties: Memoir, biography, business and entrepreneurship, self-help and personal development, transformation and spirituality, narrative non-fiction.
Turnaround Time: I’m regularly booked 2-4 weeks out depending on manuscript length and project complexity. Lock in your edit early to secure your spot.
Ghostwriting
Bring your story to life with a professional ghostwriter who captures your vision and voice while delivering publication-ready manuscripts.
Fiction
Who it’s for: Clients with story concepts, outlines, or ideas who need a professional writer to execute the manuscript.
What’s included:
- Initial consultation to discuss concept, vision, audience, and voice
- Comprehensive outline development (if not already provided)
- Full manuscript writing with your input at agreed milestones
- Two rounds of revisions based on your feedback
- Delivery of polished, publication-ready manuscript
- Confidentiality agreement (NDA provided)
Genres I work in: Romance (contemporary, office romance, cozy), children’s fiction and middle-grade, young adult (contemporary, fantasy, romance), cozy mysteries, women’s fiction, fantasy and supernatural fiction, short stories for anthologies or specific audiences.
Process:
- Discovery Call: We discuss your vision, audience, timeline, and goals
- Proposal & Agreement: I provide a detailed proposal with timeline and pricing; NDA signed
- Outline Development: I create (or refine) a comprehensive outline for your approval
- Writing in Milestones: I deliver manuscript in agreed chunks (typically chapter by chapter) for your review
- Revisions: Two rounds of revisions included to ensure the manuscript meets your vision
- Final Delivery: Polished, publication-ready manuscript delivered
Turnaround Time: Fiction ghostwriting projects typically take 2-6 months depending on length and complexity. I’m regularly booked in advance, so reach out early to discuss your project timeline.
Non-Fiction
Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs, business leaders, experts, and individuals with valuable knowledge or stories who need a professional writer to create their book.
What’s included:
- In-depth interview sessions to extract your unique insights and stories (typically 6-12 sessions)
- Comprehensive outline and chapter structure development
- Full manuscript writing with your voice and perspective
- Regular milestone check-ins for feedback and direction
- Two rounds of revisions based on your input
- Delivery of polished, publication-ready manuscript
- Confidentiality agreement (NDA provided)
Project types: Business books and entrepreneurship guides, memoir and biography, self-help and personal development, transformation and spirituality, thought leadership and expertise-based books.
Process:
- Discovery Call: We discuss your goals, message, audience, and vision
- Interview Phase: I conduct detailed interviews to understand your story, expertise, and voice
- Outline Development: I create a comprehensive structure for your approval
- Writing in Milestones: Manuscript delivered in agreed sections for your review and feedback
- Revisions: Two rounds of revisions to ensure authentic voice and vision
- Final Delivery: Publication-ready manuscript delivered
Turnaround Time: Non-fiction ghostwriting projects typically take 3-8 months depending on scope, research requirements, and interview schedules. I’m regularly booked in advance so contact me early to secure your project timeline.
Why Work With Me?
I’ve worked on over 550 projects with clients and returning clients ranging from first-time authors to established entrepreneurs and business leaders. I don’t impose my style on your work. Instead, I enhance your voice while ensuring clarity and impact, with a professional polish.
Your vision guides every decision. I provide honest feedback and expert guidance while respecting your creative ownership.
What are you waiting for?
Submit to ELA Literary Magazine
Are you a fiction writer looking for a home for your weird, wonderful, genre-bending work?
As Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief at ELA, I’m actively seeking submissions from writers who aren’t afraid to take risks with their storytelling.
Check out the current submissions window and view our guidelines.
Emma Stead Writing & Editorial 