EDITORIAL SERVICES

  • Query Letter Critique

    I will read your query letter and make suggestions on how to improve it to best catch an agent’s eye. I will focus on proper query letter conventions and format, character stakes, word choice, and how to best present the spirit of your story in a marketable way.

    Price: $35

  • First Chapter Critique

    I will read through your first 10 pages and make in-line comments about voice, pacing, characterization, setting, plot, tension, stakes, etc. and note any points of confusion, pose questions, and give plenty of positive feedback/reactions along the way to keep you motivated and inspired!

    *This is a good option to test the waters before a full manuscript critique or before querying.

    Price: $75

  • Query Package Critique

    This service combines the Query Letter Critique with the First Chapter Critique, and also includes a critique and light edit of your synopsis. We will make sure you are ready to put your best foot forward with agents!

    Price: $125

  • Full Manuscript Critique

    After a brief sample edit to make sure we are a good fit: I will read your full manuscript and make in-line comments about voice, pacing, character development, setting, plot, tension, stakes, etc. and note any points of confusion, pose questions, and give plenty of positive feedback/reactions along the way to keep you motivated and inspired. A detailed edit letter with suggestions/advice on how to improve the story is included, as is an optional 1 hour chat to discuss the feedback.

    Price: $1,500

    (flat rate for up to 90k words, $0.03 cents per word for anything above.)

Work with Kara

A few notes from the editor:

Hi! I’m so happy you’re here and I truly look forward to working with you. I’ve devoted over fifteen years to writing, editing, learning story mechanics, and perfecting my craft. My superpowers come in the form of big-picture story shaping: streamlining structure, pacing, stakes, and character development. I love digging deeper into emotions, catching inconsistencies, and cheerleading your strengths while gently guiding you through the weaker points in your story.

My degrees are in creative writing and library science, and I’ve continued my education over the years with numerous conferences, classes, and workshops. I’m a member of The Editorial Freelancers Association, the SCBWI, and Adrienne Young’s Writing with the Soul community. The only thing I love as much as being swept up in my own stories, is being swept up in yours.

I have worked with both traditional and self-published authors, in both fiction and nonfiction, and from picture book to adult! I would be honored to assist you wherever you’re at on your writing journey.

My goal is to give quality feedback that will help you actualize your vision, all while leaving you feeling encouraged and empowered. Let’s get started!

Praise for Kara’s services.

  • "No matter where you are in your writing journey, I HIGHLY recommend Kara. Not only is she a gem of a human, but her feedback is thorough and thoughtful, precise and powerful. She is both a wonderful cheerleader and a wealth of constructive critique. Her ability to pinpoint and communicate the threads that weren't working in my story, both on a micro and macro level, was monumental to my revision process. Passionate about storytelling and skilled with an editor's eye, Kara fosters an aura of strength and trust in the story YOU want to tell. Seriously. Do yourself a favor and sign up for her services. You will thank me later."

    —Chelsea Walker

  • "I have been working for years on a creative non-fiction book and was stuck. Luckliy, I used Kara's editing services and her insightfulness led to a huge breakthrough in terms of narrative arc and the book's structure. In addition, throughout the whole process, Kara was professional, inquisitive, and on-time. As a writer herself, Kara understands all aspects of a book that make it great, and I would reccomend her to anyone. I will definitely be using Kara's services again on my next book!"

    —Elison Alcovendaz, author of The Evolution of Love: Poems and Stories

  • "Anyone who works with Kara comes out a better storyteller. When I can't figure out why something isn't working in a manuscript, Kara can. She has an exacting editorial eye — especially when it comes to character motivation and earning emotional moments. Nothing gets by her. She has helped me deepen and improve every manuscript I've sent her. I truly can't recommend her highly enough!"

    —Eva Des Lauriers, author of I Wish You Would

  • "Kara has taken the time to provide me with super helpful feedback for both a manuscript and a query letter. It was evident she made a point to discern what I wanted from the work. She gave me suggestions that worked with my own vision and helped sharpen it, all while being wonderfully supportive and encouraging. I highly recommend working with her!"

    —Cassandra Belka