So you've got that first draft down...
Now you need someone who's NOT going to burden you with a stack of criticism.
You need someone you can trust to give you clear, actionable steps forward that bring you confidence for your project.
That's exactly what I aim to be.
Because you need the right person to handle your project.
I believe editing should be tailored to your vision and purpose, so it's super important to me that you trust me and feel comfortable with my input.
Margaret Claire
IG: @margaretclairewrites
"I was anxious to hear back from Char, as she was the first person outside of my trusted friends and family to read my manuscript. One huge sigh of relief later: I'm so happy with her feedback! She offered such a nice combination of praise with valuable line edits and comments.
It didn't overwhelm me, and it felt well-balanced and super actionable. I feel excited about my story again and this editing experience has really empowered me to make this story the best it can be."
Editing PackagesWho you're working with
Hi, I’m Char!
I have a BA in Filmmaking & Screenwriting, as well as an MA in Creative Writing from Edinburgh Napier University.
I started The Plottery in early 2022 and have since coached and worked with 50+ writers on a 1:1 basis, as well as hundreds more through workshops and online courses towards finished manuscripts.
My expertise is in developmental feedback, and I've got a keen eye for strengthening prose and pushing its boundaries to create interesting and unique narrative styles. I feedback an average of 40,000 words a week through my coaching program & standard editing, and I read strong literary pieces to dissect them, learn from them, and apply that to my work.
My editing style
I specialize in content development and line editing. I have what some of my clients refer to as 'taking the axe to it' approach to manuscripts I work with. Don't worry, all this means is that I like to get to the heart of your story and make sure to trim the weeds enough so that your point translates clearly to your readers.
I focus a lot on identifying nuances in scenes and clarifying emotional changes in your character journeys, which allows for layered, complex characters your readers are going to love.
What I look for in a manuscript
If you have an intriguing manuscript with dark, unconventional, or queer undertones, I'm there. I've worked with almost any genre under the moon and love to take on a variety of projects.
I love any project with a strong purpose, one that can move me and tug on the old heartstrings. I'm especially interested in working with projects which are not afraid to be honest, uncomfortable, and challenging, and those that tackle topics no one likes to talk about. I die for literary stories with a touch of horror, and I live for sad endings.
I love fantasy as well, but I may not be the best pick for epic fantasy stories, similar to LOTR or GOT. I can recommend other editors better suited for this though.
Laura's experience
"I learned so much about the English language, the rules of craft and industry expectations."
I worked with Laura on a 1-1 coaching basis for 6 months in which she completed two full drafts of her novel, while learning and applying all my prose writing methods.
Laura has incredibly strong dialogue writing skills but needed help balancing out other elements, such as narration and description, to make her flow and immersion stronger and take her novel to the next level.
Laura's novel is now on submission with Penguin Random House.
My Process
☎️ #1 The Discovery Call ☎️
📝 #2 Free Sample Edit 📝
💼 #3 The Agreements 💼
📖 #4 The Polished Manuscript 📖
Hear it from my Editing & Coaching Clients
Marked-up manuscript
Content comments, suggestions and line edits all within your MS file
20+ pages of feedback
Detailed commentary on characters, plot, theme, pacing, prose, tone & immersion
1:1 support
2 calls before and after the big edit to address all your wishes for the project
My Packages
I take installments without additional charges on all the packages.
Package 1: Single Edit
Package 2: Double Edit
Package 3: Manuscript Evaluation
Apply here
Enquire about your manuscript and connect with one of our editors!
Got more questions?
Does my manuscript need to be finished?
What genres do you work with?
What if my word count is higher or lower than your packages?
What is your manuscript turnaround time?
Do you offer revisions of developmental edits?
Do you offer payment plans?
Do you offer refunds?
Manuscript Evaluation
$990
Manuscripts between 60-100k words
Single edit
$1,700
Manuscripts between 80-100k words
Double edit
$2,900
Manuscripts between 80-100k words
Apply here
Enquire about your manuscript and connect with one of our editors!