expertise
WHERE IMAGINATION MEETS
Professional book editing services for aspiring and established fiction writers.
Let’s elevate your story, one page at a time.
you're in the right place
You struggle to catch the attention of literary agents. Revising feels overwhelming. You’re tired of rejection, but unclear on how to improve your story.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
I’m here to sharpen your story into something utterly captivating, tension-filled, and sellable. There’s nothing more satisfying than pinpointing the heart of a story and helping you flesh that out into a novel that has readers eagerly turning the pages.
You’ve got dreams of publishing an incredible novel, and I’ve got the expertise to get you there.
WHAT I DO
I thrive on the excitement of discovering new voices in fiction and helping writers to reach new heights in their work. As an editor of bestselling and award-winning fiction, I’ve helped countless clients sharpen their narratives and get ready for submissions or self-publication.
I’m Michelle Meade, your Professional Editor
MY STORY
I come with a degree in publishing, as well as over a decade of in-house publishing experience, where in my role as editor I published not only debut writers, but also New York Times, USA TODAY, Globe & Mail and international bestsellers.
I work in a variety of genres, with my specialties including:
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Book club and Literary Fiction
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Women’s Fiction
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Thrillers/Suspense
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Contemporary Romance
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Horror
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Science fiction/Fantasy
I put extra emphasis on emotion, character arcs, and story structure, and my clients know that I’m supportive but honest, ensuring my feedback guides you through revisions that will bring out the very best version of your book.
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PUBLISHERS I'VE WORKED WITH
If you’re looking for a manuscript critique that provides a top-level review of your novel, this is the package for you. This assessment delivers a solid amount of actionable feedback, giving you a strong starting point to tackle revisions.
Services include:
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A detailed editorial report (usually 5+ pages) that provides broad-strokes feedback on every element of your story. I'll identify what’s working and what's not, as well as suggestions for how to strengthen and revise future drafts of your novel.
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I’ll provide my recommendations on how to position your novel in the market based on my years of industry experience.
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A follow-up 1-hr video call to address any questions about the assessment.
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Services include:
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We'll start with a 1-hr deep-dive call, where you'll fill me in on where you are in the drafting process, what roadblocks you've been running into, what goals you have for your story, and the central areas of focus needed for your edit.
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An in-depth editorial letter (usually 10+ pages) addressing all high-level elements such as: overall story and writing, plot and pacing, character development and motivation, world building, structural issues, narrative point of view, etc.
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Comments (using tracked changes) throughout the margins of your manuscript, including my reactions as I read the manuscript, as well as any questions or notes for you to consider. I'll use flags to pinpoint specific areas in the ms that demonstrate the issues raised in the letter so that it's easy to identify exactly where these issues crop up and include suggestions for how to resolve them.
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A follow-up 1-hr video call once you've had a chance to read and digest my notes, where we can go through any final questions or concerns you have about your ms, and trouble-shoot any last issues together.
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My developmental edit digs deep into the meat of your story and narrative, helping shape your manuscript into a tightly paced, high-tension, and well-structured novel. I’ll provide thorough feedback and guidance in the shaping of your story, leaving you with a clear idea of what heavy lifting needs to be done.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
03
02
How it works:
Month One
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Coaching Call #1: 1-hr introduction and roadblock call, where we’ll discuss your overall goals for this novel and what problems you've been running into.
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Editorial assessment: (as detailed above) to identify what’s working and what's not, as well as suggestions for how to strengthen and revise future drafts of your novel.
Months Two & Three
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Coaching Call #2: 1-hr video call to discuss the feedback, ask questions, and make a game plan for approaching revisions.
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Revision Period: With a clear blueprint established together based on my previous feedback, you’ll dive into revisions feeling confident and energized by your story. I’ll be available via email for ongoing support during this process, so you won’t have to go it alone. Timeline for the revision period can be customized based on your needs.
Month Four
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Developmental Edit: Once your revised draft is ready, I’ll complete a full developmental edit (as detailed above). I’ll also include a detailed Beat Sheet to track all the key story events and ensure you’re hitting all the right beats at all the right moments to keep readers invested.
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Coaching Call #3: We’ll finish up with a 1-hr video call once you've had a chance to read and digest my notes, where we can go through any final questions or concerns you have about your manuscript, and trouble-shoot any last issues together.
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Need help structuring the bones of your story? We’ll go through your chapter-by-chapter outline, pinpointing which areas shine or need rethinking, themes to develop, and questions to answer. I’ll give you customized feedback to get you pointed in the right direction, including a Beat Sheet to evaluate pacing/tension. Then we’ll set checkpoints to help you achieve your writing goals and ensure you’ve created a robust and perfectly mapped out outline for your idea.
Services Include:
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A comprehensive edit on the long outline of your novel outline (usually in the form of a chapter-by-chapter breakdown describing your plot and character development. Maximum 20 double-spaced pages/~5k words).
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You’ll receive comments in the margins on each and every chapter that will highlight areas to work on, themes to nurture, and sections that have or lack potential. I’ll also include a Beat Sheet that maps your current plot, allowing us to identify where your story is hitting or missing the essential twists and turning point, climactic moments, and phases of your characters’ arc that are necessary for captivating and keeping readers’ attention, making sure you’re pushing each scene to its maximum potential.
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A follow-up 1-hr video call to review the outline and suggestions together, and you’ll be able to ask any questions, brainstorm ideas, and plan out you next steps with professional guidance.
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Outline length and rounds of edits are adjustable for an additional fee.
NOVEL INTENSIVE
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The most comprehensive package I offer, and only available to a select few clients each year, this service is built to enhance your manuscript to its full potential. With this multi-stage, hands-on editorial package, we’ll expertly amplify your writing while shaping your story into the novel you’ve always dreamed of.
NOVEL INTENSIVE
04
01
My developmental edit digs deep into the meat of your story and narrative, helping shape your manuscript into a tightly paced, high-tension, and well-structured novel. I’ll provide thorough feedback and guidance in the shaping of your story, leaving you with a clear idea of what heavy lifting needs to be done.
Services include:
-
An in-depth editorial letter (usually 10+ pages) addressing all high-level elements such as: overall story and writing, plot and pacing, character development and motivation, world building, structural issues, narrative point of view, etc.
-
Comments (using tracked changes) throughout the margins of your manuscript, including my reactions as I read the manuscript, as well as any questions or notes for you to consider. I'll use flags to pinpoint specific areas in the MS that demonstrate the issues raised in the letter so that it's easy to identify exactly where these issues crop up and include suggestions for how to resolve them.
-
A follow-up 1-hr video call once you've had a chance to read and digest my notes, where we can go through any final questions or concerns you have about your MS, and trouble-shoot any last issues together.
-
Services include:
-
A detailed editorial report (usually 5+ pages) that provides broad-strokes feedback on every element of your story. I'll identify what’s working and what's not, as well as suggestions for how to strengthen and revise future drafts of your novel.
-
I’ll provide my recommendations on how to position your novel in the market based on my years of industry experience.
-
A follow-up 1-hr video call to address any questions about the assessment.
-
If you’re looking for a manuscript critique that provides a top-level review of your novel, this is the package for you. This assessment delivers a solid amount of actionable feedback, giving you a strong starting point to tackle revisions.
EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT
02
03
The most comprehensive package I offer, and only available to a select few clients each year, this service is built to enhance your manuscript to its full potential. With this multi-stage, hands-on editorial package, we’ll expertly amplify your writing while shaping your story into the novel you’ve always dreamed of.
How it works:
Month One
-
Coaching Call #1: 1-hr introduction and roadblock call, where we’ll discuss your overall goals for this novel and what problems you've been running into.
-
Editorial assessment: (as detailed above) to identify what’s working and what's not, as well as suggestions for how to strengthen and revise future drafts of your novel.
Months Two & Three
-
Coaching Call #2: 1-hr video call to discuss the feedback, ask questions, and make a game plan for approaching revisions.
-
Revision Period: With a clear blueprint established together based on my previous feedback, you’ll dive into revisions feeling confident and energized by your story. I’ll be available via email for ongoing support during this process, so you won’t have to go it alone. Timeline for the revision period can be customized based on your needs.
Month Four
-
Developmental Edit: Once your revised draft is ready, I’ll complete a full developmental edit (as detailed above). I’ll also include a detailed Beat Sheet to track all the key story events and ensure you’re hitting all the right beats at all the right moments to keep readers invested.
-
Coaching Call #3: We’ll finish up with a 1-hr video call once you've had a chance to read and digest my notes, where we can go through any final questions or concerns you have about your manuscript, and trouble-shoot any last issues together.
-
Services Include:
-
A comprehensive edit on the long outline of your novel outline (usually in the form of a chapter-by-chapter breakdown describing your plot and character development. Maximum 20 double-spaced pages/~5k words).
-
You’ll receive comments in the margins on each and every chapter that will highlight areas to work on, themes to nurture, and sections that have or lack potential. I’ll also include a Beat Sheet that maps your current plot, allowing us to identify where your story is hitting or missing the essential twists and turning point, climactic moments, and phases of your characters’ arc that are necessary for captivating and keeping readers’ attention, making sure you’re pushing each scene to its maximum potential.
-
A follow-up 1-hr video call to review the outline and suggestions together, and you’ll be able to ask any questions, brainstorm ideas, and plan out you next steps with professional guidance.
-
Outline length and rounds of edits are adjustable for an additional fee.
-
Need help structuring the bones of your story? We’ll go through your chapter-by-chapter outline, pinpointing which areas shine or need rethinking, themes to develop, and questions to answer. I’ll give you customized feedback to get you pointed in the right direction, including a Beat Sheet to evaluate pacing/tension. Then we’ll set checkpoints to help you achieve your writing goals.
OUTLINE OVERHAUL
01
04
Whether you need a query letter edit or complete package to go out on submission, I'll give careful analysis and actionable feedback to ensure you stand out in the inbox of your dream agents.
Query Letter Evaluation
A query letter is such a critical piece of going on submission. Having worked in the industry for over a decade, I can help ensure you hit all the elements that literary agents will be looking for.
Services include:
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Two passes of your query/cover letter, including in-depth edits on formatting, clarity, and content.
We’ll work together to ensure your pitch is as compelling as possible so that it stands out in the dreaded “slush pile.”
Premium Submission-Ready Package
This package builds on a simple query letter edit by helping you create the perfect complete package to go out on submission.
I’ll give careful analysis and actionable feedback to ensure your character and plot premise are introduced to readers in an impactful manner, working to develop the “hook” of your submission so agents are eager to request more.
Services include:
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Full edit of your query letter – As detailed above.
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Full edit of the first chapter of your novel (up to 5k words) – The opening pages are crucial to hooking an agent’s interest. I’ll ensure those pages are strong and engaging, so that agents are eager to read more. (1 round, which includes a line edit, actionable advice and feedback on your writing, as well as any thoughts, questions, or concerns that occur to me as I'm reading the opening of your story, so you have a clear idea of what agents might be thinking.)
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Full edit of your short synopsis (up to 1k words) – Trying to distill an entire novel into a page or two can be excruciating, but I’m here to help! We’ll work to make your story shine, highlighting all its best elements in a concise and effective 1–2-page synopsis. (1 round of editing.)
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A follow-up 30 min call after my edits are complete, where we can go through any final questions you have about this material.
With this package, you’ll walk away with a massive amount of valuable feedback and the confidence needed to make your novel stand out. I’d be happy to help you put together a carefully curated and polished package, ready to hit the inboxes of your dream agents!
-
Query Letter Evaluation
A query letter is such a critical piece of going on submission. Having worked in the industry for over a decade, I can help ensure you hit all the elements that literary agents will be looking for.
Services include:
-
Two passes of your query/cover letter, including in-depth edits on formatting, clarity, and content.
We’ll work together to ensure your pitch is as compelling as possible so that it stands out in the dreaded “slush pile.”Premium Submission-Ready Package
This package builds on a simple query letter edit by helping you create the perfect complete package to go out on submission. I’ll give careful analysis and actionable feedback to ensure your character and plot premise are introduced to readers in an impactful manner, working to develop the “hook” of your submission so agents are eager to request more.
Services include:
-
Full edit of your query letter – As detailed above.
-
Full edit of the first chapter of your novel (up to 5k words). The opening pages are crucial to hooking an agent’s interest. I’ll ensure those pages are strong and engaging, so that agents are eager to read more. (1 round, which includes a line edit, actionable advice and feedback on your writing, as well as any thoughts/questions/concerns that occur to me as I'm reading the opening of your story, so you have a clear idea of what agents might be thinking.)
-
Full edit of your short synopsis (up to 1k words). Trying to distill an entire novel into a page or two can be excruciating, but I’m here to help! We’ll work to make your story shine, highlighting all its best elements in a concise and effective 1–2-page synopsis. (1 round of editing.)
-
A follow-up 30 min call after my edits are complete, where we can go through any final questions you have about this material.
With this package, you’ll walk away with a massive amount of valuable feedback and the confidence needed to make your novel stand out. I’d be happy to help you put together a carefully curated and polished package, ready to hit the inboxes of your dream agents!
-
Whether you need a query letter edit or complete package to go out on submission, I'll give careful analysis and actionable feedback to ensure you stand out in the inbox of your dream agents.
SUBMISSION-READY SERVICES
05
EDITING PACKAGES
I’ve worked with Michelle on 4 novels and am grateful for her eagle-eye editing skills and her ability to elevate the story, while still allowing the writer’s voice to shine through. Michelle is professional, enthusiastic, and so easy to work with– my books would not be the bestsellers they are without her feedback and valuable input!
—KARMA BROWN bestselling author of COME AWAY WITH ME & RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE
HAPPY CLIENTS
“Michelle gave edits with smart, surgical precision: simple ways to tighten and tweak things that everyone prior had overlooked, from my agent to my award-winning critique partner. It made so much sense, yet she had the superpower to look on a level beyond everyone else — and she conveyed the logic so effectively that executing the edits was straightforward. I am forever indebted to her and recommend her brilliance to anyone.”
—MIKE CHEN, NYT Bestselling author of HERE AND NOW AND THEN & STAR WARS:BROTHERHOOD
HAPPY CLIENTS
Insightful, whip-smart, highly imaginative and with stellar communication skills, Michelle is a dream editor who knows exactly how to make you get the best out of your manuscript. Collaborating with her has been a highlight of my writing career thus far, and I recommend her services without hesitation or reservation. If you want your story to shine and stand out from the rest, talk to Michelle now.
—HANNAH MARY MCKINNON, author of THE NEIGHBORS & HER SECRET SON
HAPPY CLIENTS
I'm sure many writers such as myself struggle with feeling valid in their craft, and the first thing I felt with Michelle was how seriously and professionally she regarded my work. This confidence boost is only the start – from first draft to restructuring my outline and beyond, I'd be lost without an editor like Michelle. No question that I'll continue to work with her for the entirety of my first novel, and all that comes after!
—RETT P.
HAPPY CLIENTS
Hiring Michelle is one of the best decisions I’ve made as an aspiring novelist. For too long, I thought I could edit and revise my work alone, but the feedback Michelle provided was entirely outside my skill set. She brings a wealth of great insight and professional expertise to her process. She’s easy to work with, clear and concise in her critique, and has a balanced way of offering advice that is encouraging, useful, and grounded in her years of experience. Michelle’s services are worth every penny.
—SUSAN POOLE, Winner of the Woman’s Fiction Writers Association “Rising Star Award” 2023
HAPPY CLIENTS
The value of the insights, instincts, and positive inputs Michelle offered me as a rookie novelist cannot be overstated. She’s smart, and she’s efficient, and she’s mastered the art of being kind and encouraging while delivering advice that makes a difference. In short, she’s a pro.
—DAVE MASON, author of EO-N
HAPPY CLIENTS
Hiring Michelle was hands down the best decision I could have made as a new author. Her insights during the developmental edit phase were instrumental, offering invaluable feedback that helped unlock my full writing potential. Her meticulous approach and dedication to excellence culminated in a polished manuscript that I'm proud to present to agents, and her willingness to share her immense industry knowledge has filled me with confidence to take on this new pursuit of my career. Highly recommend Michelle to anyone looking for an editor who is not only exceptional at their job, but who genuinely wants to see their clients succeed.
—AUDREY A.
HAPPY CLIENTS
Get answers to your most pressing writing, submission, and publishing questions—plus a review of sample pages or other background information—in an exclusive 1-hour call.
Whether you have story ideas to discuss, a beat sheet for me to review, or simply want the opportunity to “pick the brain” of a highly experienced industry professional, I’m here to be your sounding board and provide personalized, instant feedback on whatever concerns you’d like to focus on.
Services Include:
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A review of up to 5k words of material before the call (this can include writing, an outline, your query, a synopsis, or any combination thereof.)
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1-hr (phone/video) call where I’ll provide personalized and instant feedback on whatever concerns you’d like to focus on.
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This is your chance to ask any burning questions about your work and/or the publishing industry, so come prepared with specific notes and topics you’d like to address.
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Get answers to your most pressing writing, submission, and publishing questions—plus a review of sample pages or other background information—in an exclusive 1-hour call.
Whether you have story ideas to discuss, a beat sheet for me to review, or simply want the opportunity to “pick the brain” of a highly experienced industry professional, I’m here to be your sounding board and provide personalized, instant feedback on whatever concerns you’d like to focus on.
1:1 Book Coaching
APPLY TO WORK WITH ME
