Beta reading, editing, and manuscript critique
Genres I enjoy reading
Women's fiction - like Katherine Center, Jessica Strawser, Linda Holmes, Terry McMillan, Alisa Valdes, and Jennifer Weiner
Thrill/suspense - like James Patterson, Joshilyn Jackson
Psychological thriller - like Dawn Hosmer
Historical fiction - like Ken Follett
Nonfiction* - primarily self-help, sales, marketing, writing craft, and investing (stocks and bonds)
*Note: I am not a fact-checker
Genres I can be persuaded to read
Fantasy - like J.K. Rowling, Cal P. Logan, Diego D. Lomax
Paranormal suspense - I'll try it
Genres I do not read or enjoy
Romance
Erotica
Horror
Science Fiction
Werewolves, vampires, or zombies
Graphic or gratuitous violence
I don't bite. The red pen is nothing to fear
Pricing
(payments thru PayPal)
Writers need Readers so Writers need Editors
Certified Developmental Editor from UCLA
Beta Reading
$25
Billed one time
Insightful reader
Manuscript Critique
$200
2 installments
Detailed and balanced critique of fiction MS
Developmental Editing
$.00375
and up
per word
3 installments
Price can vary depending on the level of work required.
Detailed, insightful, and balanced review with suggestions for revision of your MS.
First 10 pages + random 10 pages + synopsis=sample edit
Let's get started
The steps
A good working relationship is like any other relationship. It requires a level of mutual respect and admiration.
I will read the first 10 pages plus 10 random pages of your manuscript as well as a basic synopsis at no charge to determine whether I want to keep reading. The random pages you select should be a place where you believe the most work is needed. The synopsis can be informal; I want to know if it's a story I will enjoy and if I will be able to help you in a meaningful way.
There is no obligation on either party at this point.
I'll send you back my impressions, thoughts and suggestions.
You decide whether you like my suggested edits.
We'll determine whether you need a beta read, a general manuscript critique or a developmental edit. If your manuscript needs a developmental edit, the price per word will largely depend on how clean your work is when you send it to me.
It's difficult to ignore line editing if it's needed, so please at the very least, run the spell/grammar check before submitting.
I prefer to read via Google docs, Word, PDF or a hard copy with wide margins and double-spaced.
Testimonials
What writers have said about my editing service
Mackenzie has a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of storytelling. Whether its POV breaches, awkward language, or characterization issues, she will alert you to your work's weaknesses and point you in the right direction. Her input is honest and invaluable, and my work is far better for it.
Ultimate professional. Thorough. Concise. Honest but never cruel. Asked thoughtful pointed questions that improved my work. I highly recommend her.
Mackenzie Littledale offers more than your typical developmental editor. She walks through the story with you until you have a better story than you ever imagined. She has a gift for seeing the story just as you do. She adds to the story without taking away your vision. Problem with procrastination? No worries, Mack will light a charge in your mind that will keep you working for days. Your story will be complete, your pride will be intact and your writing will be better than ever. Mackenzie Littledale is an editor you can trust with your most precious words. I have and she's never, ever let me down.
Mackenzie’s insight cannot be overstated. From the minutiae of grammar and word choice to macro story-wide arc changes, she is thoughtful, and never sneering, or condescending. Highly recommend.
I appreciate your insight and seriously... you may want to think about developmental editing!
Mackenzie is AMAZING when it comes to this. I begged her to be brutally honest and don't bother with the positive feedback, and what I received in return was actual help!
Mackenzie Littledale goes above and beyond when it comes to beta reading. She helps me out a lot and has a way of explaining where I make errors in a way that helps me understand. She is careful to maintain my author's voice, improves flow, makes me think more deeply about my characters, and strengthens my writing. I'm very grateful for her insights. I'd recommend her beta reading and editing services to any writer who wants to improve their work.
YOU are a 5-star, VIP, supreme beta reader. I am indebted. Thank you so very much. I’ve been making all your edit suggestions as you’ve been sending me chapters, and the book is already so much stronger for it.
Thank you, Mackenzie this is great. I originally planned to release at the end of the month which coincides with the return to my day job (long, long hours). I am going to delay however as I feel you are improving the storytelling and reader experience beyond recognition. If you ever need a reference for editing please do not hesitate to shout.
Beta readers are hard to come by. Good beta readers are a rare gift. Great beta readers are like unicorns appearing in a science fiction movies. They're super rare. Mackenzie Littledale is that unicorn. Mackenzie beta read Memory Reborn. Every day I would log in to check her notes and see what she thought about the latest chapter. Her insight and honesty were solid tools to show whether or not I had achieved the goals I set forth for that chapter. Throughout the project her guidance and encouragement strengthened my belief in my own words. Thank you, Mackenzie. Memory Reborn is a better book because of you.
Mackenzie Littledale’s standard of proofreading is extremely high in the scheme of things. She read, reviewed and basically line edited RENEGADE, the second book in the Tommy McNulty series for me. The feedback she provided has been invaluable for the production of major improvements in both the structure and the content of the story.
Contact me
Use this form regarding beta reading, editing, or manuscript critique
Be sure to mention your genre and word count.