dark fiction editing

Writers of dark fiction*: Do you need an editor?

You’ve finished a short story, novelette, novella, or novel. It’s time to polish your work for submission or self-publication.

But, if you’re honest with yourself, you’re not so good at it. Although you’ve done all you know to improve your work, you’re still underpublished—still not getting the acceptance emails you long for.

Hey, we all know getting published is tough. But is the quality of your storytelling and writing prompting rejection?

Is this you?

• Perhaps you’re not that far along in the writing process. You’ve got an early draft of a story that needs critique and suggestion to see if your approach is working and, if not, how to make it work. You could use manuscript evaluation or developmental editing.
• Maybe your published work isn’t selling as you’d hoped. Are you getting dinged in reviews about stories that don’t make sense? Again, developmental editing is the answer.
• Do reviewers complain about less than stellar writing, such as grammar and spelling errors? Line editing and copy editing reduce these problems.

In today’s competitive world of publishing, how do you gain that extra edge?

What you need is a professional who specializes in dark fiction* editing.

I’ve been a professional writer, editor, and publisher for over 35 years. Besides being the editor and publisher at Dark Cloud Press, I’m a published writer. With a BA in English and an MFA in fiction writing, I can give your manuscript the attention it deserves:

• Story coaching
• Manuscript evaluation
• Developmental editing
• Line editing
• Copy editing
• Proofreading

To understand each of these services and their relationship, see What Do You Need on the Fiction Editing Spectrum?

Editing consists of a careful reading of your manuscript to determine:

• Correct manuscript format
• Proper story structure and strength of plot
• Soundness of logic
• Clarity and conciseness of language
• Effective wording for mood and tone
• Correct grammar usage and spelling

I return your manuscript file (Microsoft Word) containing my notes and mark-up with a cover email. I’ll point out opportunities for improvement, suggestions for future self-editing, and helpful resources.

I’m committed to shaping and polishing your work—moving you closer to getting published.

Are you ready to take your dark fiction writing to the next level?

For more information about full-service dark fiction editing, contact Lee directly.

Current dark fiction editing rates…

* Lee is happy to edit your horror, dark fantasy, dark mystery, dark crime, and thriller stories. He does not work on poetry, sci-fi, high fantasy, or romance.

Testimonials

“Lee’s detailed suggestions and command over sentence construction allows for self-taught and inexperienced writers to learn more about the craft itself. Lee is kind, willing to answer any questions, and is a wellspring of resources. His guidance helped me develop self-editing habits that I can take and continue to grow.”

—D.W., Oregon

“Lee’s manuscript evaluation not only helped justify why he recommended certain aspects of my story be changed, but he also took the time to recommend craft books to help my writing improve. Would absolutely recommend his services, and I hope to work together again in the future.”

—H.M.R., New Mexico