For manuscripts that need an expert lift. Perhaps you have the concept but struggle with the execution. 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—as well as potent industry and market insight—to your manuscript.

Let’s say you’ve written the draft. You’ve even revised it—probably more than once. You know there’s a real book here … 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 revision. Seeing the project clearly—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 projects 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.

WHAT done-for-you REVISION IS … AND ISN’T

Collaborating with an expert editor and writer on a ghost revision isn’t:

• A critique letter with big-picture suggestions

• A line edit with one-way comments

• A brainstorm that leaves you to do the heavy lifting

What it actually is:

• Hands-on, paragraph-by-paragraph revision by a former literary agent and career editor

• Structural, narrative, and emotional recalibration rather than cosmetic tweaks

• Active rewriting to clarify stakes, sharpen voice, tease out character, reinforce plot, and strengthen momentum

• A resulting manuscript that reads the way you’ve always intended it to

By engaging me to execute a done-for-your revision, you don’t just get my feedback on what’s not working. 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 this service is for

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 independently published projects

• Are tired of seeing the same problems flagged in project after project

• 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 to build a robust independent publishing career

• Published authors stuck on a stubborn revision

• Nonfiction writers looking to refine and expand their expertise into a book-length argument or narrative

• Writers who want to learn by seeing the work done, not just discussed

my focus with every ghost revision

Every project is different, but my revision work typically addresses:

• Narrative spine: What the book is actually about—and whether every page supports the overall vision

• Character interiority and motivation: Clear emotional logic, expressed deeply and with 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: Why this story matters now, and why the reader is motivated to keep turning pages

• Voice consistency: Sharpening tone without sanding off what makes your work distinctive

• Pacing: Robust flow, especially in those all-important opening chapters and the sagging middle

• Market awareness: 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.

How done-for-you revision works

Step One: Manuscript Intake and Evaluation

I read the existing full 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 the spirit of trust and creative freedom together. After we’re aligned craft and vision, I will dive into bringing it to life within the existing draft.

Step Two: Hands-on revision

I revise the manuscript directly—reworking scenes, making structural improvements, and weaving character development and voice into every chapter. The first three chapters are presented early in the process so that you can review and approve the revision’s direction. You will also receive strategic notes and my rationale for the changes I enact and see why they were made, not just what was done.

Step Three: The Complete Manuscript

Once we’re aligned on the execution of the opening chapters, I will complete the revision with any additional direction you’ve provided. After I submit the project for your approval, you are welcome to request up to two additional rounds of revision feedback, for a total of three passes. The goal is not to engage in foundational changes at this point, because we’ve been aligned with your vision since the beginning, but to refine and polish the project.

Step Four: Strategy and Guidance

Once the final manuscript is complete and approved, I will provide guidance on submission, self-publishing, or any other publishing 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, synopsis, or book proposal (in the case of nonfiction), which leverages all of my experience as a former literary agent.

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 deep focus, creative judgment, and a high level of trust. If we’re working together this way, your manuscript has my full attention.

This isn’t one-way feedback that leaves you floundering. It’s also not cheap or rushed. This is an investment in your project and your development as a writer.

However, let’s talk if you’re looking for:

• Clarity

• Decisive and confident revision

• A manuscript that finally feels like itself