Melody D.

Melody D. – Editor

Award-winning author. DE for publishers of romance, inspirational, YA, MG, HF, and NF. Edited books for two authors who got TEDx Talks.

Overview

I am the award-winning author of five traditionally published books and I've worked as an editor for several years at two traditional publishing houses. During the last decade, I've edited over 400 books. The books I have edited that are now on Amazon all have 4- and 5-star ratings.

While I point out what needs improvement in a tactful and professional way, I will also show you the many ways you are already shining. I look forward to helping you make your book the best it can be!

FYI - I DO NOT REVIEW HORROR, EROTICA, OCCULT, or anything overly dark. I ONLY PERFORM EDITORIAL ASSESSMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTAL EDITS. Thanks! :)

HERE ARE REVIEWS FROM WRITERS:

"Her grasp of flow, grammar, and impact is exceptional. She understands the genre and what publishers are looking for. She is the best choice to copy edit either picture book or chapter book." David D.

"Melody is a joy to work with. She is very attentive to her assignments, and she communicates well. Most importantly, Melody cares about her work. I will definitely utilize her again." Marion T.

"Melody gave me insight from her experience in the world of writing and publishing. This insight has helped me fix recurring errors as well as strengthened my overall approach without interfering with my expression. This project will have lasting input on my future work." Lisa C.

"Melody did a great job in a timely manner. She was a pleasant spirit to work with, very professional, and she knows her stuff. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who is looking to work with an editor that takes time to EXPLAIN why certain writing rules are necessary." Carly P.

"I had a great experience working with Melody. She delivered everything we spoke about for the project on time and provided great feedback and is clearly very knowledgeable about her craft. I would love to work with her again in the near future." David B.

Services
Fiction
Chick Lit Christian Fiction Fantasy Historical Fiction Historical Romance Mashups
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Reader's Favorite
  • North Carolina Readers

Work experience

Brands Through Books

Jun, 2020 — Present
I coach authors as well as provide developmental editing services for big-picture issues for big-picture issues like plot structure, pacing, characterization, and clarity for NF and fiction authors. Two of my authors garnered TedX Talks.

Clean Reads Publishing

Jan, 2019 — Mar, 2021 (about 2 years)

Creator Institute

Jan, 2017 — Present

5-Star rated

Jan, 2017 — Present
My specialty is developmental editing for big-picture issues like plot structure, pacing, characterization, and clarity because I am an author myself. Several of my authors have gotten agents, publishing deals, and reached bestseller status, along with garnering TedX talks.

Portfolio

Who We Think We Are

Scholten, Linda

Touchstone Publishing

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Without Permission

Taft, Charlotte

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Melody has 61 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bro. S.

Bro. S.

Dec, 2025

She provided what was promised one day ahead of schedule and gave me a marked-up text, which was a little more than what we had agreed upon. The comments and suggestions are things I can use without having to rewrite the entire project. Would use again? You bet.
Katherine P.

Katherine P.

Oct, 2025

I hired Melody to help me write the beginnings of my novel, as well as educate me about how to create a story. She helped me with my idea and answered all my questions. Her feedback was honest, and I feel like I can go on to write the rest of the novel.
Kristyn K.

Kristyn K.

Oct, 2025

Thank you, Melody, for your careful review of my manuscript. Your editorial evaluation helped me to make substantial improvements to the pace and plot. I particularly appreciated your words about the tension for historical fiction authors trying to portray accurate details versus an author's fre...
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Eric R.

Eric R.

Oct, 2025

Melody is a top notch professional! This was my first book project and Melody provided great support. She was intentional about understanding my goal(s) and provided amazing recommendations and direction. She ensured I had a full understanding of the entire process and remained available for supp...
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Suzie D.

Suzie D.

Sep, 2025

Melody was great to work with. She offered insight that really helped me as a first time author. Thanks Melody! Dr. Suzie Dukic

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Most recent contributions

What makes a compelling first chapter in a novel?

Starting with a strong opening line that is intriguing will help pull the reader into the narrative. "Where is Papa going with that axe?" is the opening line of Charlotte's Web. We open with intrigue, and in the middle of the action of the story. Then you want to have a strong build-up to the...
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What are the signs that the middle of my story isn't working?

When there are no more problems to be solved or there is not enough conflict and tension in the middle to keep readers reading. There must be plenty of conflict and tension and the major problems of the story should not be resolved until the end of the book. If there is no subplot and the pace ...
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Why is head-hopping considered a problem in fiction?

When there is head-hopping in a story, it detracts from the main character and makes the story too muddy. The reader won't know who the lead is in the story and who they should be rooting for. It also goes against traditional publishing norms of one point of view or multiple points of view with a...
Read more

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