Done-for-You Novel Revision
For novel manuscripts that COULD BENEFIT FROM an expert lift.
Perhaps you have the concept but struggle with executing it. Or you’ve taken a draft as far as it can go and are still running into barriers on submission. You bring the vision, I bring decades of storytelling and narrative craft experience—including potent industry and market insights from my years as a literary agent, bestselling editor and ghostwriter, and book packager.
Let’s say you’ve written the draft. Revised it (probably more than once). You know there’s a real book there … but also that something is missing. This is the point where most writers stall. Not because they lack talent, discipline, or vision. But because intensive revision at the professional level is no longer about fixing individual sentences or moving commas around. It is about re-vision. Seeing the project clearly and again—structurally, emotionally, commercially—and making decisive, confident changes that move it from “almost” to “ready.”
Many writers can’t bring this fresh insight to their own manuscripts because they’re too familiar with what already exists. An experienced editor providing a done-for-you “ghost revision” service can not only see the story within the existing draft, but bring it to life on the page, exactly as you originally intended.
DEFINING DONE-FOR-YOU NOVEL REVISION
Collaborating with an expert editor and writer on a ghost revision isn’t:
A critique letter with big-picture suggestions
A line edit full of one-way comments without collaborative back-and-forth
A brainstorm that leaves you to do the work alone
What it actually is:
Hands-on, paragraph-by-paragraph revision by a former literary agent and career editor
Structural, narrative, and emotional recalibration that goes beyond cosmetic tweaks
Active rewriting to clarify stakes, sharpen voice, tease out character and interiority, reinforce plot, and strengthen narrative momentum
A resulting manuscript that finally reads as you’ve always intended it to
By engaging me to execute a done-for-your revision, you don’t just get my suggestions for improvement. You get an expert to address any and all outstanding opportunities for growth it on the page—so you can see the decisions, understand the craft, and move forward with confidence.
WHO benefits most from done-for-you novel revision
Done-for-you revision is best suited for writers who:
Have a complete draft (or are very close to one)
Know their book isn’t broken—but keep hitting frustrating obstacles on submission or with reader feedback on their independently published projects
Are tired of seeing the same problems flagged in draft after draft
Want expert-level results without another multi-year detour
Value clarity, momentum, and emotional precision
Many of my clients at this stage are:
Debut-ready writers aiming for traditional publication or building a robust independent publishing career
Published authors stuck on a stubborn revision
Writers who want to learn by seeing the work done, not just discussed
my OBJECTIVE with every novel ghost revision
Every project is different, but my done-for-you revision work typically addresses these crucial craft and marketing elements:
Narrative spine: What the book is actually about—and whether every page supports the overall vision.
Character interiority and motivation: Clear emotional logic—expressed with deep nuance—to make your readers care.
Robust plotting: Story structure that uses all the lessons I’ve learned as a book packager who has sold multiple millions of dollars’ worth of projects to major publishers (including NYT and USA Today bestsellers).
Stakes and momentum: A sense of why this story matters now, and why the reader will be motivated to keep turning pages.
Voice consistency: Sharpening a distinct, genre- and audience-appropriate tone without sanding off what makes your work distinctive.
Pacing: Engineering a robust flow, especially in those all-important opening chapters and the sagging middle.
Market awareness: Aligning with contemporary expectations without trend-chasing or flattening the book’s core identity.
This is the level of revision agents and acquisitions editors expect—but don’t have the time to shepherd writers toward. It’s a common frustration I hear from clients: “They’re editorial agents and editors. Why don’t they actually edit for me?” The reality is they have tens of thousands of annual submissions to choose from—and only the strongest and most polished will actually move to the next stage. I will help you achieve it to give your work the strongest shot possible in a brutally competitive industry.
How done-for-you novel revision works
Revising a novel at the professional level isn’t about polishing sentences or chasing notes—it’s about strategic, structural transformation. My done-for-you novel ghost revision process is designed to meet your manuscript where it is and take it where it needs to go. I combine deep story diagnosis, market-savvy insight, and hands-on editorial execution. Whether your draft is promising but unwieldy, structurally misaligned, or simply not landing with the impact you know it’s capable of, this is a guided, collaborative process that brings clarity, momentum, and authority back to the work—step by intentional step.
Step 1:
Manuscript Intake and Evaluation
I read the existing draft and assess what kind of revision will best serve the book. We gather together to discuss my feedback and collaborate on a plan for moving forward. This is where our big decisions are made, and where we develop a mutual spirit of trust and creative freedom. After we’re aligned on craft and vision, I will start bringing them to life within the existing draft.
Step 2:
Hands-on revision
I revise the manuscript directly—reworking scenes, making structural improvements, and weaving character development and voice into every beat. The first three chapters are presented early in the process so you can review and approve the revision’s direction. You will also receive strategic notes and my rationale alongside the changes to see why they were made, not just what was done.
Step 3:
The Complete Manuscript
Once we’re aligned on the execution of the opening chapters, I will complete the rewrite with any additional direction you’ve provided. After I submit the project for your approval, you are welcome to offer up to two additional rounds of feedback, for a total of three revision passes. The goal is not to engage in foundational changes at this point, because we’ve been aligned about your vision since the beginning, but to refine and polish the project.
Step 4:
Strategy and Guidance
Once the final manuscript is complete and approved, I will provide guidance on submission, self-publishing, or any other market opportunities you might want to explore. You will know exactly how to proceed with querying or launching your independent author platform. Every ghost revision service includes a professionally written query and synopsis, which leverage my years of experience as a literary agent.
fit and availability
This is not a one-size-fits-all process. The scope of work, depth of revision necessary, and guiding editorial approach are tailored to the manuscript in front of me. I take on a limited number of done-for-you revision projects each year. This work requires dedicated focus, creative judgment, and a high level of trust. If we’re working together this way, your manuscript has my full attention. Let’s talk if you’re looking for clarity, a decisive and confident rewrite, and to see your manuscript finally feel like itself.
To set expectations early, most ghost revision projects unfold over two to four months, allowing the time necessary for depth, cohesion, and revision. In rare cases, an expedited timeline may be possible without compromising the rigor or integrity of the work, but this is subject to availability and a revised investment structure.
INVESTMENT
Done-for-you revision projects begin at $40,000 for manuscripts of up to 70,000 words. This includes comprehensive, hands-on revision of the full manuscript, as well as up to 10,000 words of new drafting, where necessary. The majority of this writing is done through substantial revision and reworking of existing material, rather than additive expansion. The pricing reflects the depth of creative, structural, and editorial labor involved and this service is calibrated for writers seeking expert-level revision with clear scope, momentum, and results. Longer or more complex projects may involve additional fees.
NEED EVEN MORE SUPPORT?
For writers who want to remain creatively involved but no longer want to carry the manuscript on their own, my full ghostwriting service may be an even better fit. This option is designed for projects that require sustained authorship-level execution—whether you’re looking to find a collaborator due to scope, time constraints, or the complexity of the material itself. Full ghostwriting engagements involve robust creative and visionary work, original drafting across the manuscript, and strategic shaping from the ground up. If ghostwriting sounds more aligned with your needs, learn more below.
“Mary is highly professional and a delight to work with. She gets right into the hearts and minds of the characters, inspires you in a way that you have no alternative but to give your best. I recommend her to aspiring and expert writers.”
“Mary has a gift. She takes the story she is given, as an entire entity and picks it apart in a way that truly teaches the writer why elements work or don’t work together. If you are serious about getting published, then Mary Kole is the one to do this with. She is a partner, literature expert and knows what works and what doesn’t. I highly recommend her to any expert or aspiring writer.”