Julia Scheeres – Editor

HELLO and nice to meet you! (Please see my fee information below before contacting me).

I've written three books:

- A memoir called "Jesus Land," was a New York Times and London Times bestseller.

- A narrative history of the Jonestown tragedy called "A Thousand Lives," included in many best-of lists, including The Guardian's "Top 10 Books About the 1970s" list.

- A biography of famed Hearst columnist Elsie Robinson (1883 - 1956) called "Listen, World!" which won the Northern California Book Award for outstanding nonfiction.

I write book reviews for the New York Times have taught creative writing for Stanford University's continuing studies program for more than a decade.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO WORK WITH ME?

I love storytelling and helping writers figure out how to best express themselves on the page. While I don't like to be prescriptive, I do offer specific feedback on how to strengthen a manuscript. This often involves brainstorming on theme, scope and tension. (Tension in life sucks, but it's an absolutely necessary on the page.)

A successful collaboration results in clients feeling excited about revising their work -- and with a clear road map for doing just that.

FEE INFORMATION

My hourly fee for a consultation is $150. Consults can be done by video or phone - your choice. These work particularly well for people who want to brainstorm their story with an experienced writer.

EDITING:

My fees are calculated at the industry standard of 250 words per page.

1. FULL DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT

This option provides writers with a comprehensive road map that will help them sharpen their manuscripts and get them ready for the publishing process.

This option includes:

- An initial, hour-long video conference about your project

- Extensive page notes, including editing suggestions, margin comments and questions

- A thorough editorial letter discussing craft and structural elements — such as theme, tension, narrative and character arcs. I'll point out examples of your writing that are successful as well as opportunities for improvement.

- A second conversation to discuss next steps

$10 page

2. READ-THROUGH EVALUATION

This option is best for writers who want broader feedback, including beginning writers who want early guidance or more experienced writers who seek general input, but who don’t need detailed editing.

This option includes:

- An initial, hour-long video conference about your project

- Light page notes

- A thorough editorial letter discussing craft and structural elements — such as theme, tension, narrative and character arcs. I'll point out examples of your writing that are successful as well as opportunities for improvement.

- A second, hour-long conversation to discuss next steps

$5 page

Feel free to email me with any questions!

yours,

Julia

PLEASE NOTE: I don't edit books written by AI. I think it's okay to use AI for research, but the best writing comes from the human soul.