One of my favorite quotes comes from Stephen King in his book On Writing: “Stories are relics, part of an undiscovered pre-existing world. The writer’s job is to use the tools in his or her toolbox to get as much of each one out of the ground intact as possible.”

Once we’ve excavated the story, how do we use our writers’ tools to refine the manuscript? How do we keep the reader engaged, flipping the pages late into the night?

I’m eager to share what I’ve learned from some of the best editors in the publishing industry—at Random House, Simon & Schuster, Penguin, Mirrorstone Books, and Lake Union Publishing—who have helped me hone my craft over many years. I’ve also taught writing workshops, edited manuscripts, and I’ve written 15 novels under two names. I understand firsthand the process of producing a book from inception through several drafts, agent queries, and revisions for a publisher.

Here’s what I offer:

Query Letter Review

I’ll read a one-page, single-spaced query letter and type comments and suggestions in Track Changes. I’m happy to read up to two revisions as well! Please provide a Word file in Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins. Contact me for pricing.

Query Letter and Synopsis Review

I’ll read the query letter (see above) and a single-spaced synopsis of up to 15 pages, and I’ll provide comments and revision suggestions in the file in Track Changes. Please provide a Word file in Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins. Contact me for pricing.

Query Letter, Synopsis and First Chapter Review

The first chapter should grab the reader, establish the story question, introduce the main character, and hint at the conflict to come – all without dumping too much backstory onto the page. First chapters are tricky! I’ll provide comments and suggestions in Track Changes in a Word file, double-spaced, one-inch margins, Times Roman 12-point font. Contact me for pricing.

Overall Manuscript Review

I’ll provide an overall review of your manuscript, including a summary of what I love and what could be further excavated and polished to support your vision for your story and its natural structure. My report will be at least ten single-spaced pages and generally includes a summary and breakdown by topic. I’ll address overarching issues such as general story structure, narrative drive, foreshadowing, characterization, dialogue, voice, tone, and style. My manuscript review includes a follow-up phone call of up to one hour.

I do not provide line editing or copy-editing services.

I’m open to reading fiction manuscripts in all genres except erotica, and I prefer not to read novels containing excessive violence, gore, torture, animal cruelty, or child abuse.

I will return comments to you within a month of contract signing, depending on my schedule. Often, I’m on deadline to write or revise my own manuscript, in which case I will take on less additional editorial work.

Phone Consultation: I provide support, feedback, brainstorming and general publishing advice for $75/hour. I do not provide social media or branding advice.


Testimonials:

“A. J. is a generous, insightful critique partner. She brings a wealth of knowledge to any creative writing project. Her notes are always supportive, imaginative, and encouraging.” -Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A. J. has an uncanny way of pinpointing plot problems while understanding your vision for a manuscript. Her incisive comments, story structure expertise, and clear feedback cut months and months of revision churn. Highly recommend.” -Justina Chen, award-winning author of six novels for young adults

“A. J. is an excellent concept and structural editor. My consultations with her inspired me to create an engaging story my readers love. In many respects, What Lies in Truth has become a success because of her honest and thorough input.” -Trish Mastel Stricklin, author of What Lies in Truth

“A. J. critiqued my manuscript for A Long Way from Paris, named a KIRKUS Best Book of 2014 with great insight, offering suggestions and teaching me more about nuances in character development, plot, and prose.” -E. C. Murray, teacher, freelance writer and author

“I have been in a critique group with A. J. Banner for many years. She’s been immensely helpful to me as I’ve crafted my books, especially when I was working on my Life In Icicle Falls series. I always appreciated her insight into character and motivation. She is meticulous, detail oriented, and a very deep thinker and has a true gift for helping authors bring out the best in their stories.” -Sheila Roberts, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author

“Wow! During a consultation about my third novel, A. J. taught me a critical requirement for every story I’ve never learned from another writing course, book, editor, or coach. – Teri Case, award-winning author of Tiger Drive and In the Doghouse 

If you’re interested in any of the services outlined above, please fill out the form on my Contact page or email me at ajbanner at protonmail dot com. Thank you!