Amy Spalding – Editor

A note that I am extremely anti-AI and don't want to work with anyone who's used it anywhere in the process. If that's you, another editor will be a better fit for you. And also I ask you to consider, next time, the joy and accomplishment of using your own brain for each and every part, to dive into research instead of trusting a robot, to struggle with your outline instead of handing it off to technology that seeks to smooth out our discourse into the same voice over and over again. Thank you!

Onto business:

Are you a new writer with a brand new manuscript?

Are you getting ready to query agents but don't think you're quite there yet?

Have you had no luck querying agents and want to take another look at your manuscript?

Do you already have an agent but want more feedback before your book goes out on (gulp) submission?

Do you just work better when someone's working with you?

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Here's what I bring to the party:

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Eye on character development: growth, consistency, relatability

Thoughts on voice in your work and how to make it as strong as possible

Overall themes and how to bring them out

Help in structure/pacing/story -- all that stuff that makes a book a book

Heightening and highlighting comedic elements in your book (if that's what you're wanting to do!)

Big focus on real emotional reactions; finding "reality" in heightened narratives

Optimistic, encouraging, super reachable, still honest. I am your biggest cheerleader but I'll also call out anything I think could be stronger.

"Amy doesn't just provide feedback in the most encouraging way possible; she gives specific ideas for how to fix what's not working, which makes her observations invaluable. My manuscripts are always stronger after I've gotten Amy's insightful reactions!"

-Developmental Editing Package Client

"As a first-time author, I knew I needed help with my manuscript but wasn't sure where to start. I am so thankful to have found Amy. I appreciate that she took the time to talk to me about my book and what help I was looking for and based on that conversation, she recommended a developmental edit. Her suggestions were spot on and delivered in an incredibly timely manner. More importantly, her feedback was thoughtful, thorough, and kind and I always felt like she was on my team."

-Jenn Smith, Developmental Editing Package Client

"I enjoyed working with Amy very much. She really helped me figure out what my book was missing and how best to move forward. She gave me great insights and valuable ideas on how to work through some of the hurdles. She is invaluable and I look forward to working with her again for the rest of my books. Sheesh...I sound so dry. Look, she's fabulous and I would be lost without her! "

-Julia Heart, Developmental Editing Client