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HOW I EDIT
My approach is centered on collaborative partnership. You've already done the hardest part: you wrote the story! My role is to help you see it more clearly, refine what needs attention, and move forward with confidence. I do this by focusing on the emotional core of your story, character dynamics, pacing, and plot development, so the final manuscript feels intentional and immersive.
Where tension drops, we strengthen it. Where emotions feel muted, we deepen them. The goal is a story that feels grounded from beginning to end. I provide actionable insight that builds on what's working without overwhelming you.
You keep your voice. I help you shape it so the impact lands.
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WHAT I EDIT
I edit romance in all its forms and subgenres. As a reader and writer, romance is the genre I turn to time and time again. The focus on interpersonal relationships, love, vulnerability, and seeing characters get that happily ever after is my favorite. That's why I exclusively edit romance. Let's help your story stand out.
Spice levels I edit: YA romance to closed door to fade-to-black to cracked door to open door. Note: I do not edit true erotica. The reason? I am not as well-suited to edit those types of stories as they have different story beats and themes.
Sub-genres I edit: Any. Yes, really. Paranormal. Romantasy. Contemporary. Romantic Suspense. Historical. New adult. Urban fantasy. As long as there is romance, I'm in.
Lengths I edit: Novellas and novels only.
Content I do NOT edit: I am willing to edit hard and potentially triggering themes. However, I will NOT read gratuitously explicit/ detailed accounts of these themes. If you aren't sure what I mean, please email me so we can determine whether I'm the right fit for you.
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SERVICES
Developmental Editing
In-depth editorial support to strengthen structure, pacing, characters, and impact.
The Meet Cute (manuscript evaluation): A big-picture read of your manuscript where I provide you with notes at the end of each chapter and a comprehensive report (5-10 pages) filled with actionable insights on character, chemistry, pacing, and overall story direction. I will highlight what's working well, what could use some strengthening, and next steps. Post 30-minute call included upon request. (.007 USD per word)
First Spark Edit (light developmental edit): A focused developmental edit with in-line comments and a comprehensive report (10-15 pages) filled with actionable insights and next steps to sharpen tension, deepen emotional beats, and strengthen your draft. Post 60-minute call included upon request. (.01 USD per word)
Falling Hard Edit (full developmental edit): A complete developmental edit where I provide you with in-line comments, notes at the end of each chapter, and a comprehensive report (15+ pages) filled with actionable insights and next steps on how to make your romance shine. You keep your voice, and I help make sure your story lands. Post 75-minute call included upon request. (.016 per word)
First Glance: Reader report (simple beta reading): $200 for under 90k, $300 for over 90k. Inquire for more information.
25% discount on rates for second passes on the same story within the same year.
Authenticity & Realism
Targeted reads to ensure your story feels authentic and believable.
Note: Heart Check comes included in developmental edits. Some of Reality Check comes included in developmental edits.
Heart Check: A thoughtful read to ensure your story handles complex or sensitive topics with care and authenticity. ($325 for under 90k, $425 for over 90k)
Lived Experiences:
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Sexual assault and harassment
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Stalking and cyberstalking
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Emotionally and sexually abusive relationship dynamics
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Chronic health conditions and long-term pain
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Fertility challenges and reproductive health
Professional & Research-Based Expertise:
I have extensive professional and research experience in the following areas:
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Human trafficking
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Domestic violence and intimate partner violence
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Sexual abuse and relationship power dynamics (consent, coercion, grooming)
Reality Check (legal realism): I can provide targeted feedback to help your story feel believable and grounded in real-world legal/ legal-adjacent settings without losing sight of what makes fiction work. Together, we’ll balance realism with storytelling so your scenes feel authentic while still serving the narrative. Inquire for pricing.
Available for:
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Legal environments, law school, and attorney culture
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Courtroom dynamics and legal processes (for fiction ONLY)
For fiction purposes only. Not legal or professional advice.
Book Coaching
What Happens Next? session: For when you’re stuck, spinning, or unsure what comes next. Bring your plot problems, messy middle, or character questions, and we’ll brainstorm, troubleshoot, and map out your next steps together. This can include feedback on up to 3,000 words. (Up to 75-minute call $75).
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ABOUT DANICA
Hello, I'm Danica, a romance-focused developmental editor with years of experience. I’m especially drawn to romance that’s grounded and built on meaningful character dynamics. My goal is simple: to help you take what you’ve already created and shape it into its strongest version.
I minored in editing in college (took extensive editing coursework) and have real-world experience in developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting. Previously, I have worked for a small niche publishing company, literary magazines, as a ghostwriter, and as a technical copywriter and editor. Each of these roles has shaped how I approach clarity, structure, and storytelling on the page. When I’m not editing, I’m usually reading romance, thinking about what makes a story work, or adding to an ever-growing to-be-read pile.
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FAQ
Do you provide samples?
Yes, I will provide a complimentary sample of the first 1,000 words. Email me to inquire.
Do you accept payment plans?
Yes, I'm willing to work with you on payment.
Will you use generative AI/LLM in any way?
No, all edits will be provided by me. I will never use AI in any capacity, nor will I edit generative-AI-generated novels. These are terms in all my contracts.
What if I don't know what service to use?
Send me an email, and let's chat about it.
Can you guarantee my book will be published or that I will land a literary agent if I use your services?
No, I can't, nor can any reputable editor, but I will help you on the journey.
What is developmental editing?
This is not a copy edit or line edit. That's where an editor goes line by line to help you improve your work at a line-by-line level. A developmental edit precedes that. Here, we're aiming to make sure the big picture is right, so you can move forward with copy/line edits with confidence. Note: In my developmental edits, I do point out technical writing strengths and weaknesses, but I do not go line by line to fix each line. I may open back up to copy/line edits in the future.
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CONTACT ME
Have questions? Ready to work together? Send me an email, and let's talk about the next steps for your novel.
