Editor – Services - selfwinding

Welcome to a different editing experience

While many editors deliver wholistic editorial letters for writers to implement, Alli provides the type of editing she would like to receive: point-of-reference detailed feedback that elevates prose and eliminates inconsistencies. Her notes hone your vision and use pop culture and novels as relatable examples of how to execute your narrative.

The detail in Alli’s feedback can be overwhelming, but is specific, actionable, and will help you craft a cohesive, clear narrative sure to engage your target audience.

Book a free 30-minute consultation to start our editorial partnership!

Free Consultation

EXPERTISE

While I edit all genres of prose, I’m most familiar and confident with science fiction, alternate history, fantasy, romance, literary fiction, and memoir. I may not be the right editor to help with mysteries, graphic horror, or stories dealing heavily with abuse. Please inform me in advance if your story deals with rape, domestic abuse, or zombies.

I am comfortable working in markets for adult or young adult.

I have a wide range of editorial skills, but many writers utilize my expertise in outlining and planning, detail tracking, identifying inconsistencies, and consolidating a synopsis or query.

Editorial comments are generated by my brain and backed by an MFA, decades of editorial experience, and a familiarity and comfort with research.

EXPECTATIONS

All reviews include an editorial letter to summarize the most important feedback and in-line comments to direct writers to specific areas that are already amazing or require attention. Highlighting strengths allows writers to compare what is already successful so they can leverage those strengths when strengthening weakness.

Because my reviews are so detailed, I typically take more time with your manuscript than many other editors. Your patience will be rewarded with a ridiculously comprehensive review of your manuscript with clear notes, actionable suggestions, and point-of-reference comments.

Let my obsessions work for you!

SERVICES

Book a free 30-minute consultation to decide if I’m the right editor for you. We’ll chat about your project and what you’re looking for from an editor.

Services I typically recommend include:

Outline & Planning Consultation
Developmental Editing
Development Package
Copy Editing

I also offer services for Query Submissions, one-off Consultations, and Book Coaching.

I do not offer editing services for text generated by LLMs.

Planning for down the road? Join Patreon to accrue discounted editorial services.

OUTLINE & PLANNING CONSULTATION

An excellent review before you start writing or in the early stages of a draft.

An outline review can tighten a narrative, condense or expand plots and subplots, and improve pacing and structure. This special review can also include assistance developing a plan—or even a schedule—for writing your novel

Includes review of your planning materials with summary notes and a follow-up consultation regarding your writing schedule

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

Take a manuscript to the next level by improving pacing, plot, and characterization; ensuring consistency for characterization and world building; filling in missing information; and telling the story you set out to tell.

Includes in-line comments throughout the manuscript and a summary of recommended revisions.

Alli is a damn good reader and a pleasure to work with. The one thing that separates Alli’s approach to critiquing/editing from others’ is that she works to understand a writer’s intentions. Through extensive margin notes and well-articulated critiques, she positions her feedback as effective strategies for the piece to accomplish its objectives. Her ideas are always spot on, as if she reads the writer’s mind. There isn’t anybody I’d recommend more than Alli.

– Brian Druckenmiller
short fiction writer

DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE

The ultimate Alli Editing Experience, combining experiences of an MFA student with a working editor.

This review melds the overarching review of a developmental edit that refines structure, pacing, and narrative with a line edit close reading to elevate language, word choice, and syntax variety and engagement. This provides the closest review of world, characterization, and plot, and how those story elements speak to each other.

Includes in-line comments throughout the manuscript, line edits and light copy editing, and a summary of recommended revisions.

Over the years, I’ve had many people beta read and edit my writing. I never get as nervous—or as excited!—about getting feedback as I do from Alli. She’s extremely thorough, knows grammar way better than I do, can pinpoint logical inconsistencies, and highlights both my weaknesses and strengths as a writer. I often say that reading line edits from Alli makes me sigh heavily, grumble about all the changes, and then eventually realize she’s right about everything. Alli will definitely help take your writing to the next level.

– Nanci Schwartz
author of the Robber Barrons trilogy

COPY EDITING

Polish a finished manuscript by correcting faulty spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation; correcting awkward or incorrect word usage; fixing transposed words or letters; and ensuring consistency.

Includes in-line edits of grammatical issues throughout the manuscript and a summary of common errors to apply to future work.

Alli Martin is much more than your run-of-the-mill editor. She is organized, detailed, and she possesses this innate ability to elevate any text in front of her. She doesn’t try to make you into something you’re not; instead, she transforms you into a much stronger version of yourself. There is no one I trust more with my work as a writer.

– Jonathan Phin
short fiction writer

QUERY SUBMISSION REVIEW

Polish a submission package to deliver a powerful and enticing query and a dynamic and engaging synopsis. A review of sample pages for a query or application submission focuses on emphasizing engaging information to hook a reader and tightening language, description, characterization, and dialogue. Copy editing is included on all submitted materials.

Includes in-line edits of grammatical issues throughout the submitted materials and a second look after you complete revisions.

Query Letter alone: $50
1-Page Synopsis alone: $50
Novel Sample (up to 50 pages): $0.01/word
Query Package (query letter, synopsis, & sample): $225

Alli helped me get accepted into the Creative Writing MFA program for Fiction at UCF. Her editing sessions gave my portfolio and cover letter the refinement and polish it needed to stand out against other applicants. She is straightforward, professional, knowledgeable, and does not pull her punches with a red pen (this is a good thing). If you are seeking an expert full of candor, a meticulous editor who operates with earnest, adult advice, then you should hire Alli for her services.

– Justin Brozanaki
professor and short fiction writer

CONSULTATION

Need someone to help brainstorm, plan, or get a grip on your story or process? Book a consultation to discuss any of your writing needs.

Includes 30-minute to 1-hour conference via Google with video recording after the meeting.
Text-based conferences can be arranged.

Alli possesses an unsurpassed ability to share a keen understanding of language and detail through her manuscript reading. Combined with her inherent understanding of story, her comments are invaluable for any writer, regardless of genre. Alli’s suggestions have always factored heavily into my revision process.

– Victoria Campbell
short fiction writer

BOOK COACHING

Hire an expert planner to hold your hand as you write your book!

Coaching includes an outline and planning consultation, check-ins on your schedule, and additional brainstorming and process discussions that fit your writing plan.

Alli is an enthusiastic cheerleader who genuinely loves the hard work involved in bringing a writing project to life. Alli will do everything she can to make your writing as strong as possible. I know, because that’s what she’s done for me.

– Lara Eckener
poet and short fiction writer

What Are You Waiting For?

Get started on our editorial partnership by booking a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your project and what you’re looking for from an editor. I look forward to hearing from you!