Services

Hello! I’ll break down my editing/coaching services below, but let me just start by explaining who I am!

I’m Kendra Griffin, an author and editor who has been writing novels since 2012 and who has been a writing teacher, coach, and editor since 2013. I primarily write young adult (YA) and middle grade (MG) novels but also pen adult/mainstream serial novels on Kindle Vella. I have taught creative writing courses for Aims Community College for nine years and have presented dozens of workshops on craft and critiquing for local libraries and at renowned writing conferences such as RMFW, Quills, Northern Heights Writers, Colorado Gold (PPW), and Lakefly. I offer developmental editing, editorial assessments, first chapter critiques and story coaching/one-on-one consulting sessions, and I love, absolutely love, helping writers find their voice, story, and confidence.

So how does editing even work?

As a writer as well as an editor, I understand that our writing time is often encroached upon and that our resources are often limited. Thus, I offer a few types of services to help writers understand what they need and when, and below I’ll explain how they work. 

Although the industry entails fairly set meanings for each service, nuances vary for each editor.

Full Developmental Edit

This is the most comprehensive edit of your work for large-picture and developmental concerns. A full developmental edit results in frequent marginal feedback on your manuscript and an editorial letter of no less than 8 single-spaced pages. Client is entitled to one or two follow-up Zoom meetings of up to 60 minutes total to discuss. If you’ve written other novels or have had some beta readers already or critique group feedback and feel fairly confident that the overall arc is mainly in place, this is a good place to begin.

A full developmental edit is a large-view reaction to your work, similar to the EA but with comments throughout your manuscript (at least some every few pages). Highlights will be used to note strengths in voice, worldbuilding (if fantasy or sci fi), character development, and suggestions for possible revision/removal. A key will be included. Brief chapter summaries are provided (a few sentences). You will be given feedback on what’s working, what’s not, suggestions for revision, and some resources/links to consult for clarification of terms and craft concepts. The letter will address the larger concepts listed but in less depth than an EA due to the extensive comments within the manuscript. However, strong attention will be paid to character arc as it is assumed that the writer already feels somewhat confident about major plot events. Price is fixed upon wordcount at .014 cents per word. Thus, a FDE plus consult costs roughly 880$ for a manuscript of 80,000 words.

How do we start? You’ll send me your work (and synopsis, if desired); I’ll check the wordcount and send you a total through email along with my Venmo info. We’ll agree on a timeline, and you’ll pay 50 % up front, then the rest when it’s delivered. 

CRITIQUE AND COACHING

First Chapter(s) Critique (fixed by wordcount)

You will submit your first chapter(s) of up to 6,000 words for my extensive comments on voice, pacing, character, motivation, genre concerns, worldbuilding/setting, structure, and overall set-up of the novel structure. I will make marginal and in-text comments throughout and include a summative reaction of no less than 400 words. You are entitled to a follow-up Zoom of 30-45 minutes. My feedback will be improved if you submit a synopsis (included in wordcount, optional). Minimum submission size must be at least 1,500 words. Cost is .018 $ per word. Zoom consult is 35 $. Thus, a synopsis and chapter of 3,000 words plus synopsis (3,500) might cost about 52.50, so 98.00 $ total).  

How do we start? You’ll send me your work (and synopsis, if desired); I’ll check the wordcount and send you a total through email along with my Venmo info. We’ll agree on a timeline, and you’ll pay 50 % up front, then the rest when it’s delivered (after our Zoom).

Story Coaching/Consult sessions

These are arranged as needed; they usually include a synopsis and up to ten pages of your first chapter (flexible). You can pose some specific questions and concerns, and I will respond with marginal comments, and then we’ll have two half-hour sessions (spaced out as you wish) in which we discuss how you can fix or bust through a block or plot point. Zoom consults are 50 $ plus .018 per word. Thus, a synopsis and sample of 3,000 words plus synopsis (3,500) might cost about 52.50, so 113 $ total.

How do we start? You’ll send me your work (and synopsis, if desired); I’ll check the wordcount and send you a total through email along with my Venmo info. We’ll agree on a timeline, and you’ll pay 50 % up front, then the rest when it’s delivered (after our first Zoom).

You can also just meet with me to discuss a story for 50 $ an hour without a submission or pay 40 $ for additional hour-long Zooms after other services (30 $ for half an hour). 

FAQs

Can I get any kind of discount if I work with you more than once on the same project?

Yes! Of course! If you work with me for an editorial assessment, a full developmental edit for the same novel will be discounted by 50 $. 

If you work with me for a first chapter critique or story coaching, an EA or FDE for the same novel will get a 50 $ discount. 

Can I get a discount if I work with you on a second novel?

Also yes! I love developing strong relationships with my clients and championing their new projects. Repeat customers get a flat 10 % off for a second edit of the same novel or any edit of a subsequent novel.

What’s the timeline for editing?

For editing manuscripts, I will generally schedule two weeks to get your work back. If I need to make an adjustment, I will contact you. If I need to make a major adjustment (so far this hasn’t happened), we can discuss options for discounts/postponement.

How do your rates stack up with other editors?

Below, you can see what other editors earn for these services. As you can see, my prices are still quite low as I launch my business and beta test being my own boss. Editorial Rates – Editorial Freelancers Association (the-efa.org)

Do you do copy editing, line editing, proofreading, or manuscript prep?

Nope. I prefer to work with clients at an artistic level. Also, years of teaching and writing on screens has made my eyes weary, and spotting typos is not my forte, though I can recommend colleagues for this when you’re ready. As a developmental editor, I do not comment on sentence-level issues, grammar, punctuation, or mechanics, though I may gently point out a few skills to work on if needed. 

What if I’m still not sure which type of editing I need first?

Don’t stress. Either type can be customized once we meet. If we talk for a bit, I usually know which to recommend. 

Can we meet before I commit?

Yes, and we should! Finding a good editor isn’t easy. Meeting with me for a first chapter critique or story coaching is a great way to find out if we’re a good fit. We can also just have a quick free 15-minute Zoom to discuss the potential of doing full edits together. 

Thanks for considering me for your project!!