WorldCraft Editing

Developmental Editing Services

Good stories are written | Great stories are crafted

Who I am:

Hey there! I'm Austin.I'm a certified and trained developmental editor, and member of the Editorial Freelance Association. I specialize in all stories spooky, dark, weird, and outright fantastical.Previously a software developer, I now pursue my passion by helping authors just like you strengthen their stories and bring out the best in them. To make sure I can provide you with the best quality work, I'm currently a member of the Editorial Freelancer Association where I earned certifications in Development Editing.I live in the PNW (Pacific Northwest) with my wife and two dogs. When I'm not busy editing, I enjoy photography, board games, playing my guitar, and watching a good movie.

What I do:

As a developmental editor, I focus on the structural elements of a story such as character development, plot, pacing, setting, and theme.It is a comprehensive deep dive into the most central and foundational elements of your story that ensures they are not only consistent and engaging, but also adding to and strengthening the vision you have for your story.It is NOT line editing, copyediting, or proof reading. These edits take place after a developmental edit and are not services I currently offer.

My Approach:

I know that creating a story can be a daunting task. When you've made something you've put your heart and soul into, you want to make sure it's the best it can be. I'm here to help your story live up to the vision you have for it.My approach to editing begins and ends with respecting your vision for your story and to share in the passion you have for the world you've created. When I edit, I promise to always be honest, but to do so in a gentle and nonjudgmental way that will help you feel more confident in your story, not less.

Editing Services

All services start with either an in-person video call or an email correspondence depending on what you're comfortable with. This is to discuss your project, your vision for it, what you hope to achieve with the edit, and any questions you may have.Genres that I'm generally interested in: Horror, Weird Fiction, Science Fiction, and Fantasy.

Note: I do not accept any works that have been created using generative AI. I do not use AI in any of my editing services, and I expect the authors I work with to not use it either.

Developmental Edit

A developmental edit is a deep-dive into your story where I take a critical but nonjudgmental eye to its foundational elements and help you identify areas where it can be strengthened according to your vision. Think of me as your creative sidekick where I help your story be the best it can be.I'll focus on story elements such as Character Development, Plot, Story Structure, Setting, and Pacing.

  • I will read through your manuscript twice taking thorough notes concerning the story elements listed above.

  • I will then provide in-line edits and comments to a copy of the manuscript that give my edit recommendations, questions, and general thoughts about the story.

  • Lastly, I will write a revision letter that contains detailed notes concerning my suggestions and recommendations for how you can move forward with revising your manuscript.

Rate: $0.028 per word
Manuscript size minimum: 40,000 words*

Manuscript Assessment

A manuscript assessment is like a lighter version of the developmental edit service. It can also be thought of a more comprehensive beta read. The biggest differences are that there are no in-line edits and comments for this service, and the revision letter is replaced by a shorter assessment report.This is for the author who still wants the benefit of having a professional editor look over their manuscript, but without needing the same level of in-depth and detailed analyst that comes from a developmental edit.

  • I will read through your manuscript twice taking thorough notes concerning the story elements listed above. (Same as the developmental edit).

  • I will then provide you with a detailed report of my general thoughts, opinions, and critiques of your story with a special emphasis on the foundational story elements.

Rate: $0.02 per word
Manuscript size minimum: 40,000 words*

* I love short stories and novellas, so smaller manuscripts will be considered with rates to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out for more info.

Contact & Booking

When reaching out to book a service please provide the following information:

  • The title of your manuscript.

  • What genre(s) you'd say your story falls under.

  • A small synopsis (3-4 sentences).

  • What service you wish to book.

  • Any deadlines you currently have.

If I'm interested and able to take on the project, I'll then ask for a sample of the first three chapters to determine if your manuscript is in good condition to continue with the services you wish to book.

Feel free to also use the form to reach out and ask any questions you may have regarding my editorial services and process.

Thank You

I appreciate you reaching out and will contact you soon regarding next steps or to answer any of your questions.