Fantasy author, former Tor Books editor, and speculative fiction specialist with 9+ years' experience editing SFF across age categories.

As a former “Big Five” editor and a published author whose writing is represented by CAA, I have always been passionate about the written word. Few things feed my soul as much as diving into a manuscript and working with writers to hone and strengthen their craft, so that the final product on the page reflects the vision in their heads. After working for several years as an Associate Editor at Tor Books and a Publishing Manager at an indie press, I have garnered extensive industry knowledge and editorial expertise that enables me to partner with new authors every month.

I’m now offering freelance editorial services for the manuscript revision and submission preparation stages. While I specialize in fantasy and science fiction at the Adult and YA levels, I will take on projects outside of these genres on a case-by-case basis.

Services offered

Developmental edit: I provide an editorial letter, on average 6-10 pages in length, with feedback to help strengthen your manuscript as a whole. Categories I examine commonly include plot, pacing, characterization, worldbuilding, romance, and magic systems when applicable. Includes one pass.

Line edit: I provide feedback on the individual line level with regard to: pointing out and clearing up any points of confusion or inconsistency; strengthening dialogue; tightening; characterization; grammar; and rhythm/prose. Includes one pass.

Query: I provide feedback on the conceptual and in-line levels to help you hone your query letter. Includes two passes. 

Synopsis: I provide feedback on the conceptual and in-line levels to help you hone your synopsis. Includes two passes.

To inquire about rates and availability, please contact me via the form on the CONNECT page of this site.

Testimonials

“Elayne is an editing whiz at every level and super knowledgeable about the publishing industry, which was truly evident from her astute and pointed feedback. Her guidance not only set me on a path to write a much stronger manuscript, but also made me aware of my overall blindspots and helped me grow as a writer. She's so talented you'd likely forgive her if she wasn't a kind person, but as a bonus she's genuinely warm, caring, and supportive, too! 12/10 highly recommended!"

—Carli J. Corson, author of It’s a Love/Skate Relationship

“Elayne’s ability to crawl inside a story and pull all the threads together is astounding. Her skill, her instinct, and her innate talent are obvious. I couldn’t have asked for a better editor.”

—Jillian Boehme, author of Stormrise

“Elayne has been my editor for the past three years, through two Macmillan/Tor books, and I can’t recommend her enough! Her creative eye is unmatched, her notes always thought-provoking and transformative. She’s one of the best I’ve ever worked with!!”

—Erika Lewis, author of Kelcie Murphy & The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts

“I am extraordinarily grateful for Elayne’s guidance on my manuscripts. She caught sight of my vision, the heart behind the words, and worked with me to refine, sharpen, and distill each element so that I might best tell the story I longed to tell. Her insight is precise and keenly perceptive. I cannot recommend her enough!”

—Joanna Hathaway, author of Dark of the West