Editing Services
Are you writing a book, short story, or essay and need help?
Learn more about how to work with me.
HOW TO APPLY
I love to see the beginnings of a story someone wants to tell— and the shape it could become. I can help at any stage of the process, whether you’re still figuring out your plot and characters or have a finished draft. Contact me to see whether we’d be the right match for each other. Please use the form at the bottom of this page. The next step would be a free consultation via Zoom to discuss which services might be best for you.
I’M GOOD AT…
…fantasy, romance, crime fiction, literary fiction, queer narratives, fiction for children and young adults, and historical fiction. I also have an academic background and experience editing nonfiction. I’m encouraging and like to solve sticky problems. For me, editing is a fun way to figure out how a narrative can best succeed. Most of all, I strive to help your project become what you want it to be.
WHAT I DO
I help with character development and motivation (what does your character want? Why is she doing something so unexpected? Why are they saying that line of dialogue?). I spot plot holes. I can make suggestions for how to lay the groundwork for a big twist. I can address big picture issues and small ones, like how to tinker with a line until it feels right.
WHAT I DON’T DO
Poetry (I love it but wouldn’t be a good editor for it, unless you have a novel in verse). Blurbs (I’m closed to blurbs for 2023/2024). Finding an agent (though I am happy to give general advice and edit query letters).
MY EXPERIENCE
In addition to shorter works, I’ve published 10 books. Since my debut novel in 2008, I’ve been a critique partner for many other published authors. I also have been teaching for over 20 years, including courses on fiction writing. I love what I do and I think I’m a pretty nice person. I grew up in the Midwest; being kind and friendly is built into my social DNA. I believe in being a friend to the draft as well as to the writer, and that means being honest when something isn’t working. Learn more about me and my experience here.
SOME PRAISE
"Rutkoski is that rare gem: a writer whose prose is as splendid as her plotting.”—V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
“Very possibly the best crime fiction book since Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects, Real Easy is turn-your-phone-off-and-cancel-all-your-meetings gripping. But it is also so much more than that: every character is instantly alive and recognizable the moment they appear on the page; the writing is sustainedly beautiful and intelligent, at times lyrical, at others, sassy and crackling; and the psychological underpinnings are unerring, resonant, utterly convincing.”—Neel Mukherjee, Booker-finalist author of The Lives of Others and A State of Freedom
"Rutkoski compassionately navigates the queer reality of living in a world that wishes you were different." —School Library Journal
“Rich characterization, exquisite worldbuilding and rock-solid storytelling make this a fantasy of unusual intelligence and depth...The intricate and suspenseful plot, filled with politics, intrigue and even graphic violence, features neither heroes nor villains; every character displays a complex mixture of talents, flaws and motives...Breathtaking, tragic and true.” —Kirkus Reviews
“[The Winner’s Curse] gave me a rare and special reading experience: I never knew what was going to happen next. I loved it. I want more.” —Kristin Cashore, New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm books
“Utterly immersive and gorgeous. Marie’s stories are the loveliest knives that cut you straight to the quick.” —Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves
Editing Services and Plans
Short stories, essays, beginning chapters, and outlines
$125 per hour
Inline comments
Brief editorial letter
Zoom call
First 25,000 Words
$750
Inline comments
Track-change edits
Editorial letter
1-hour Zoom call
First 50,000 Words
$1500
Inline comments
Track-change edits
Editorial letter
1-hour Zoom call
Manuscript Critique
$1500
Complete read of MS
Editorial letter
1-hour Zoom call
(100,000 words max)
Manuscript Critique & Edit
$3000
Complete read of MS
Inline Comments
Track-change edits
Editorial letter
1-hour Zoom call
(100,000 words max)
Deluxe Manuscript Critique & Edit
$5000
Two complete reads of MS
Inline Comments
Track-change edits
Editorial letter
1-hour Zoom call after each read
(100,000 words max)
You are welcome to mix and match services! Please use the form below to get in touch and tell me about your project.