Story Development and Editing
because you shouldn't feel trapped in a revision labyrinth circling the Bog of Eternal Stench (IYKYK)
Who I am
My bio:
Fallon Clark: Founder of Novel Nest Writers, Writing Advice Columnist at MetaStellar Magazine, Freelance editor and writer
I’m a story development coach and editor, a tarot reader, a fledgling herbalist, native Vermonter, imperfect homesteader, self-proclaimed “cool mom,” and a freedom-forward dreamer. I hail from the corporate world armed with more than a decade of experience in communications, project management, writing, and editing, and I provide story development and revision services to independent authors and indie and hybrid publishers spanning genres and styles. In 2018, I saw one of my earliest book projects make it to the big screen. My writing has been publishing in Flash Fiction Magazine and The MicroZine. I also publish original fiction on my other sub, Books & Bullshit.
What I Can Do For You
For me, editing always begins with vision: What do you want your book to be? What do you want it to do for your future reader? How do you want your reader to feel?
Story development is a rather holistic process and one I’ve been refining for the past 20 years of my life — as a former corporate stooge, as an early freelancer, and as a human being. I don’t want to prescribe to you a set of literary standards that feel inappropriate or unaligned with your writing, style, and intention. Rather, your vision directly affects how and what I choose to focus on when editing because I believe every book you write represents a piece of your soul. And since you’re not Lord Voldemort, best we not break you into Horcruxes, m’kay?
When we work together, I’ll help you identify your voice and style, recognize how you use grammar (and how you break grammar rules, you literary rebel, you), how you introduce and unpack your themes, and how you structure your storytelling to keep readers interested, immersed, and in for the long haul.
I specialize in big-picture and structural edits, as well as wrangling language at the line level for the greatest impacts while remaining in the margins of your writing process.
Anything I contribute to your work is but an invisible highlighter, showcasing the great work you’ve done and are doing.
Services
Here are my current services for story development. For flash fiction or other short pieces, please contact me directly for special flat-fee rates.
Synopsis Review
Tackling a new novel and have a synopsis ready but worried the story may end up a little lackluster, a little milquetoast, a little blah? Is there enough conflict? Are the circumstances believable? Do the characters come off like real people? Could the novel be stronger with some increased marketability, a stronger hook, a new perspective?
Send me your synopsis of up to 2,000 words, which is roughly 8 pages double spaced in 12-point font. For a flat fee of $250, you receive:
up to six pages of notes tailored to your story, including questions to help you reconceptualize your novel as you prepare for writing; and
one re-review of your updated synopsis before you begin writing; and
post-review email support as you write
Readability Assessment (aka: Manuscript critique)
I’ll read your manuscript in full after an initial discovery call so I know your goals and vision. Then, you receive a personalized editorial letter of up to 6 pages tailored to your story, language, and style that:
describes the strengths of your story and highlights areas to improve;
asks reader-focused questions to help you conceptualize the key revisions suggested;
provides suggestions to improve your novel and your writing.
Flat Fees:
$450 for up to 30,000 words
$750 for up to 50,000 words
$1,200 for up to 80,000 words
$1,650 for up to 110,000 words
If your novel is longer than 110,000 words or shorter than 20,000 words, please contact me directly.
Revision Roadmap (aka: hands-off developmental edit)
I’ll read your manuscript after an initial discovery call so I know your goals and vision. Then, you receive a personalized craft booklet (30 pages or more, usually) tailored to your story, language, and style that replaces a formal development edit and:
describes the strengths of your story and provides detailed improvement suggestions;
asks reader-focused questions to help you conceptualize the key revisions suggested; and
provides a scene-by-scene roadmap of revisions to elevate your novel and your writing.
You’ll also receive a one-hour video chat after I deliver the roadmap to discuss my feedback, answer your questions, and plan your next steps.
Flat Fees:
$1,800 for up to 30,000 words
$3,000 for up to 50,000 words
$4,800 for up to 80,000 words
Formal (read: hands-on) Developmental/Substantive Edit
I’ll read your manuscript after an initial discovery call so I know your goals and vision. Then, you receive a fully tracked copy of your manuscript tailored to your story, language, and style that:
guides you through revising your manuscript from beginning to end using in-document comments with explanations for how your changes may affect readers’ experiences, including:
language use and word choices
reorganization of scenes or chapters for immersion, pacing, and tension
reader-focused things to think about while topping and tailing your scenes, beefing up your settings, and delivering your message
You’ll also receive a one-hour video chat after I deliver the tracked manuscript to discuss my feedback, answer your questions, and plan your next steps.
Flat Fees:
$1,800 for up to 30,000 words
$3,000 for up to 50,000 words
$4,800 for up to 80,000 words
Getting Started
Send me a message or email me at FallonClark@protonmail.com to begin our beautiful relationship.
