Ways we can work together
Every engagement starts free: a 30-minute intro call and a sample edit of up to 5,000 words, so you know exactly how I work before you spend anything.
It can be tough to know where to begin, and many folks I work with are first time authors. I'm here to demystify the process—whether that's my own editorial work, or what goes into querying, getting an agent, a book deal, or anything else you might have questions about.
Reach out, and we can find out whether or not I might be a good fit!
Developmental Edit
You just need: A deep dive into the story.
You've finished your manuscript - congratulations. Now comes the deep, collaborative read: structure, pacing, character arcs, worldbuilding, a full editorial letter and a strategy call. My goal isn't to rewrite your book or impose my vision; it's to help you understand your own story so you can revise with confidence, keeping your voice intact, and making sure that you're telling your unique story in the best way. If you are banging your head against a wall with the manuscript, unsure of whether or not you are improving it or simply moving things around, this is the service for you.
What's included:
• A complete, in-depth read of your manuscript
• A full editorial letter: strengths, opportunities and revision priorities
• Detailed in-line comments throughout, with suggestions, questions and observations
• Feedback on Plot & Pacing, Worldbuilding, Character, Writing Tone & Style, and anything and everything I think is working or isn't, and how to get it closer to that perfect story you have in your head.
• Genre expectations and market positioning
• A one-hour strategy session to walk through it all
What authors say about this service
"Ty was such an innovative, positive, and collaborative force to work with. I came to Ty with a complicated, genre-blending book with multiple POV’s that I was having difficulty streamlining. He wrote a 35-page editorial letter and made over 700-line edits and 200 comments within the manuscript. During our call he was able to recall every scene and character in this very lengthy novel with amazing precision. He is an expert at pacing and world building and making sure characters maintain their voice throughout the novel, not only in their narration but how they experience sensory details and experiences. Even when he proposed major changes in the novel, it never felt like criticism, it felt genuinely exciting to hear. He is a human exclamation point and by far the best developmental editor I’ve ever worked with. "
Pate R., Literary Fiction/Horror
"I really valued Ty's chapter by chapter comments as a reader before the more in depth editorial feedback... He has given me a fresh impetus and inspiration to make my manuscript the best it can possibly be."
Steven L., Literary Fiction
"Ty is incredible at identifying weak points in your manuscript and pinpointing what needs to be reworked... The editorial letter for a developmental edit was 13 pages of insight, broken into next steps."
Brad P., Fantasy
Editorial Assessment
You just need: A clear plan.
Sometimes you don't need hundreds of comments - you need an experienced editor to step back, see the whole picture, and tell you what matters most. A complete read and a thoughtful editorial letter: why something isn't working, how it lands for a reader, and where your revision energy pays off most. If you feel like you just want to have some quick insight into whether or not this story is worth pursuing—and how to make it worth reading—this is the service for you.
What's included
• A complete read-through of your manuscript
• A comprehensive editorial letter: greatest strengths and highest-priority revisions
• Feedback on structure, pacing, character, dialogue, point of view, worldbuilding, theme and reader experience
• Genre positioning and audience expectations
• A one-hour strategy session to build your revision plan
• No in-line comments; the big picture, clearly
What authors say about this service
"Ty set expectations and delivered on every front. I expressed what I was looking for with my book and after a very brief back and forth, he got to work, quickly. It's truly impressive the insight he was able to articulate for how quickly he got through my novel. I am gracious to feel as though for my first novel I have some very helpful professional guidance and also what feels like a fan (that isn't my family). Will definitely be reaching out to him in future for the sequel."
Greg J., Science Fiction
"Ty is an extraordinary editor and an absolute inspiration. His talent and experience shine through in every comment and suggestion he makes. Not only did his edits refine my work, but they also opened my eyes to new possibilities and sparked incredible ideas that elevated my project to a whole new level. His insight, creativity, and support have been invaluable. He is truly the best person to hire, and I would recommend him to anyone looking to bring out the very best in their work."
Thee K., Literary Fiction
Alpha Read
You just need: A Quick Take
A big-picture read on what's working, where the story loses its footing, and whether genre, audience and point of view match the book you actually wrote, and whether or not there's a story there.
What's included
• A complete read-through of your manuscript
• A big-picture read on what is working and where the story loses its footing
• Clear, actionable recommendations for your next draft given via a one-hour strategy session to map out next steps
What authors say about this service
"Ty did an editorial pass on my upcoming dark fantasy novel. His work was finished within the deadline, and he provided top rate feedback. He was a professional from start to finish. I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for first class editing on their own projects."
- Eric G. Nielson (author of The Cost of Revenge), Fantasy
Author Coaching
You just need: A partner for the journey
Starting at $450/month
Writing is a long journey, but you don't have to go it alone. Regular support as you write: goals, feedback on new chapters, and a rhythm that fits how you actually work - accountability for some, developmental feedback for others, both for many. My most tailorable service.
What's included
• A monthly strategy session for progress, challenges and next steps
• Developmental feedback on 10,000 new words each month (though this number can go higher!).
• Personalized writing goals and accountability between sessions
• Ongoing troubleshooting for story, structure, pacing and publishing questions
• Email support throughout the month
What authors say about this service
"As a first time fantasy author, I was overwhelmed and struggling to keep my ideas straight. Ty was great at pointing out plot holes, other ways to look at scenes, and bounce ideas off of. He helped me remain consistent and refine my villain's arc so their involvement didn't feel randomly thrown in there and an active participant."
Tani O., Fantasy
Nonfiction Proposal
You just need: A pitch that sells
A great idea isn't enough - your proposal has to show the book is timely, marketable and positioned, and that you are the one to write it (and that you're someone worth listening to!). I have an agency-trained framework behind several seven-figure advances, and will work with you to create every section of a killer proposal format.
What's included
• The proposal framework I learned and refined over a decade at a top literary agency
• Every section: keynote and summary, market analysis, highlights and takeaways, promotion and publicity, bio, annotated table of contents
• Strategic feedback on each section, from rough concept to finished pitch
• The same framework behind several seven-figure advances
What authors say about this service
"Ty went above and beyond my expectations, taking my memoir proposal from a 5 to a straight up 10/10... he knew all the ways to make my proposal attractive to agents."
Charlotte M., Nonfiction: Memoir
"Ty helped me find my voice. I needed a coach and accountability partner to help me finish the manuscript I had been working on for a year. Ty quickly got to know me, my writing style, and my values. When he edited my work, he gave my own words more meaning and impact. His encouragement motivated me to improve quality and increase quantity. The end result was a manuscript that was coherent and compelling. The proposal he wrote for my book helped me land a literary agent within a week. The agent commented that she replied to my query because of the strength of the proposal. Her praise confirmed what I already knew — Ty is a pro."
Mark M., Nonfiction: Business/Big Idea
Free intro call
Not sure where to begin? Thirty minutes about your book, with a sample of up to 5,000 words reviewed in advance so the feedback is real. You leave with a clear roadmap of what I think makes the most sense for your next step—whether that's working with me or refining further on your own or heading straight to the query trenches!—whatever you decide, I'm here to help.
What's included
• Thirty minutes about your book and what it needs
• I review a sample of up to 5,000 words in advance
• Actionable feedback during the call
• A clear roadmap for next steps, whatever you decide
What might it cost?
Type your word count, get a ballpark for the two word-count services at my current rates.
Developmental edit: $3,330 - $3,420
Editorial assessment: $2,430
Estimates only, from word count alone. A real quote weighs the manuscript, the time it needs and my bandwidth that season. You will see it in writing before you commit; no call needed to find out if we can work together.
I believe in transparent pricing. Here is how I calculate rates: developmental edits and assessments are priced per word, at the rates above. The final quote depends on the manuscript, how much time it needs and my bandwidth that season, and you will see it before you commit. Every book is different, every story has unique challenges, and every month has it's own bandwidth—but every engagement still starts free: the intro call and the sample edit.
Sliding scale available.