Elayne Becker – Editor

As an author and former “Big Five” editor, I have always been passionate about the written word. Few things feed my soul as much as diving into a manuscript and working with writers to hone and strengthen their craft, so that the final product on the page reflects the vision in their heads. I worked as an Associate Editor at Macmillan for several years, and I’m an author whose work is represented by ICM Partners and published by Tor Teen. Thanks to these experiences, I have garnered extensive industry knowledge and editorial expertise that enables me to work with books across multiple genres of fiction.

I offer freelance editorial services for the manuscript revision and submission preparation stages. Though I work across genres in young adult, middle grade, and adult fiction, I specialize in speculative fiction. In particular, I am drawn to stories that center on character development and growth, perseverance in the face of adversity, the natural world, and turning points in human history.

Services offered:

Conceptual edit: I provide an editorial letter, on average 5-7 pages in length, with feedback to help strengthen your manuscript as a whole. Categories I examine commonly include plot, pacing, characterization, worldbuilding, romance, and magic systems when applicable. Includes one pass.

Line edit: I provide feedback on the individual line level with regard to: pointing out and clearing up any points of confusion or inconsistency; strengthening dialogue; tightening; characterization; grammar; and rhythm/prose. Includes one pass.

Query: I provide feedback on the conceptual and in-line levels to help you hone your query letter. Includes two passes.

Synopsis: I provide feedback on the conceptual and in-line levels to help you hone your synopsis. Includes two passes.

Testimonials:

“Elayne is an editing whiz at every level and super knowledgeable about the publishing industry, which was truly evident from her astute and pointed feedback. Her guidance not only set me on a path to write a much stronger manuscript, but also made me aware of my overall blindspots and helped me grow as a writer. 12/10 highly recommended!"

—Carli J. Corson, author of It’s a Love/Skate Relationship

“Elayne’s ability to crawl inside a story and pull all the threads together is astounding. Her skill, her instinct, and her innate talent are obvious. I couldn’t have asked for a better editor.”

—Jillian Boehme, author of Stormrise

“I can’t recommend Elayne enough! Her creative eye is unmatched, her notes always thought-provoking and transformative. She’s one of the best I’ve ever worked with!!”

—Erika Lewis, author of Game of Shadows, Kelcie Murphy & The Academy for Unbreakable Arts, Firebrand, and Acursian

“I am extraordinarily grateful for Elayne’s guidance on my manuscripts. She caught sight of my vision, the heart behind the words, and worked with me to refine, sharpen, and distill each element so that I might best tell the story I longed to tell. Her insight is precise and keenly perceptive. I cannot recommend her enough!”

—Joanna Hathaway, author of Dark of the West