The Clarity You Need.
The Compassion You Deserve.
Welcome to
The Empathetic Editor.
Rebecca here - Founder and Chief Editor at The Empathetic Editor.
I am passionate about working with you on your non-fiction book that is rooted in a personal journey or a deeply-held purpose.
My mission is to walk alongside you, transforming a raw manuscript into a polished, cohesive, and compelling work. Think of me like the Sam to your Frodo, here to help you carry the emotional and intellectual weight of your manuscript’s journey to finished book.
You've poured your heart centered truth onto the page. My developmental edit helps it land with lasting impact.
Feeling overwhelmed with your non-fiction manuscript?
That's not a sign you’re failing; it’s a sign you care deeply about your work.
It's also a feeling I completely relate to which is why I’m here to serve
as your trusty editorial wingwoman and help you find clarity in the chaos.
Look, I know the journey of writing a book is a deeply personal one. It's a process of taking what's within you—your insights, your expertise, your lived experience—and shaping it into a tangible work that informs and inspires others. I’m here serve as your compassionate guide and partner in this process.
Maybe you’ve shared your ideas with friends and family about your book, but they don't seem to grasp the emotional weight of it?
Or you keep looking for editing advice in all the wrong places?
Or you’ve even worked with an editor before only to feel unseen, misunderstood and discouraged by the process?
As a published author myself, I understand the challenges you face, both on the page and in the creative process itself. You might have finally typed "The End," it can still feel as though the manuscript is just a jumble of stories and ideas, lacking the coherency you desire to reach your audience and create the impact you know you'll make with your completed work. Navigating it can often feel like trying to untangle a knotted ball of yarn, where every thread is an important thought you can't seem to make sense of. You start to think, "Should this chapter even be here?" or "I know this story is important, but how do I connect it to the one before it?" This is frustrating, confusing, and demotivating – I know!
What you need is someone who truly gets it—someone who sees the purpose and the power in your story even when you forget yourself a little.
The support you receive with The Empathetic Editor goes far beyond the pages.
In my little corner of the world, our partnership is built on collaboration, trust, and empowerment, creating a safe and supportive environment for you to bring your purpose-filled work to life. If the file sits unopened on your desktop for weeks or months, because the thought of someone else's proverbial red pen on your deepest truths is anxiety inducing and paralyzing - I’ve got you here too - I provide reassurance, compassion, and clarity, especially when the process feels difficult and uncertain.
It’s a priority that you feel empowered to make the executive decisions in your book, feeling confident in your process, and achieve the desired results.
Together, we'll find a way to untangle that knotted ball of yarn with all the threads of your genius literary in a way that feels true to your vision. Each project is carefully tailored to best suit your unique needs.
I help you make sense of it all by focusing on the "big picture" elements of your non-fiction manuscript. This is about ensuring your work has a solid, powerful foundation.
My developmental editing services are designed
to invite you to:
Refine Your Core Message
We'll assess if the heart of your message is clear, compelling, and effectively communicated.
Strengthen Your Structure
We’ll ensure the flow of ideas, chapters, and insights creates a cohesive and engaging experience for the reader.
Developmental editing is a highly collaborative and transformative process. It's the stage where we move beyond the simple act of writing and begin to build a work of art with a solid, compelling foundation. This type of editing doesn't focus on typos or grammar; instead, we look at the big picture—the heart, soul, and structure of your non-fiction manuscript. This is where we take the rawness of your lived experience and elevate it into a masterful work of art that creates lasting impact in the world.
I'm here to be a compassionate and knowledgeable partner, offering a fresh perspective on the work you've poured so much into. My goal is to help you see the full potential of your vision, providing gentle, actionable guidance that empowers you to revise with a clear direction. This is about more than just offering suggestions, edits, and perspective - it's about celebrating what's working and building a clear path forward so your message can truly land with your readers.
The act of writing and sharing your work takes incredible courage.
My process is designed to honor that.
I’m committed to creating a space where you feel completely safe and respected, because building a partnership based on trust is my top priority. You are the expert on your own work, and I’m here to listen deeply and support your vision. Our collaboration will always uphold your voice and your choices, I will always provide my perspective and honesty. My goal is that throughout this process you gain the unshakeable confidence to not only complete your book, but bring your vision to life. I want you to feel so proud and in love with your genius work of art that you are jumping out of your seat with excitement to share it with the world.
You aren’t here to stay stuck in the cycle of writing and re-writing until you’re so confused and burnt out you lose the joy of writing or the motivation to complete your work. You're here to make a powerful difference through your stories, experiences, and insights. You've poured so much into this work already...
It’s time to give it the support it deserves so your book
can create the desired impact in the world.
Elevate Your Unique Voice
We’ll collaborate to ensure your tone and style are consistent and truly reflect your expertise and vision.
Editing & Book Writing Services
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Non-Fiction Editing Services
Transform your manuscript with clarity and care.
I offer a complimentary 1-page sample edit so you can experience the quality of my work firsthand. This sample will give you a clear sense of my editing style and help us determine how we can best collaborate to bring your project to life. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity for us to connect and see if we're a good fit.
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Book Mapping Session
From Idea Overwhelm to Confident Outline
This is a focused, one-on-one virtual session where we'll roll up our sleeves and work together to take your big book concept and sculpt it into a fully fleshed-out, cohesive outline. Think of it as laying the solid foundation for your future book, ensuring every piece has its place and serves your core message.
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Writing & Book Coaching
From Lived Experience to Lasting Impact
This program is for the purpose-filled, heart-centered author who is ready to commit to their story and turn it into a non-fiction book that helps others. You’re done with the fear and uncertainty that has kept you playing small, wondering ifyour story is actually worth writing and sharing - fully step into your role as a changemaker through YOUR written word.
My editing and coaching expertise lies in helping authors in the following non-fiction areas:
•Memoir & Personal Narrative - telling a true story from the author's life, using personal experience to explore a central theme or message.
•Spiritual & Self-Help - offering guidance and wisdom to help readers achieve personal transformation, inner growth, and a deeper understanding of themselves.
•Wellness & Mindfulness - providing practical and philosophical insight into physical, mental, and emotional health, with an emphasis on present-moment awareness.
•Narrative Non-Fiction - using storytelling techniques, such as plot and character development, to present factual events and information in an engaging and compelling way. This includes exploring unconventional theories and non-mainstream perspectives to question established beliefs and present a different worldview.
•Poetry - an artistic and creative form of writing to express feelings, ideas, and experiences through rhythm, meter, and vivid imagery.
Developmental Editing Services I Offer
Assessing Your Core Concept and Argument
This is the first step in ensuring your manuscript has a strong, clear heartbeat. We'll dive into your central concept to determine if it's clear, compelling, and ready to resonate with your intended audience. We will confirm that your book has a focused mission, a cohesive message, and a unique perspective that sets it apart.
Pacing and Clarity
Pacing is the rhythm of your narrative. We will examine how the content is presented, helping you ensure that it maintains an engaging pace. We'll look at where to build a compelling case and where to provide moments of reflection that deepen the reader’s understanding. This is about finding the right cadence for your unique message so it feels natural and engaging.
Evaluating Structure and Flow
The structure of your book is like the scaffolding of a building. It's what holds everything together. We'll look at the organization of your manuscript, from the big-picture flow of ideas down to the chapter level. We will identify any areas where content might be misplaced, redundant, or in need of more depth to create a smooth, logical, and engaging experience for your reader. The goal is to make sure every piece of the puzzle is in its proper place and contributing to the whole.
Providing Comprehensive Editorial Reports
The cornerstone of my service is the detailed editorial report. This is not just a summary; it's a thoughtful and actionable letter that outlines your manuscript's strengths and weaknesses. It provides concrete suggestions for improvement, helping you understand why certain changes are being suggested and how they will elevate your work. This report serves as your personalized roadmap for revision.
Honing Tone and Style
Your tone and style are your unique fingerprint as an author. While this is not a line-by-line edit, we will assess if your voice is consistent and appropriate for your topic and intended audience. We'll look at the overall feel of the manuscript to ensure that your personality and intended message shine through, creating a cohesive and professional work that truly represents you. I will also provide in-line comments and suggestions to help you rephrase, condense, and refine your sentences for greater clarity and impact.
Guidance for Outlining and Planning
For projects still in their infancy, I can provide a gentle hand in shaping your ideas. We can work together to conceive your topic, plan the overall structure, and develop a solid outline from the very beginning. This foundational work can help prevent creative blocks and provide a clear vision for the writing process ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Developmental editing is the "big picture" phase of editing. It focuses on the core of your book—the structure, the message, and the overall flow. It's about ensuring your manuscript has a solid, compelling foundation before you move on to the finer details.
In contrast, copyediting focuses on the sentence level, addressing grammar, word choice, and consistency. Proofreading is the final check for typos and spelling errors right before publication.
Think of it this way: I help you build and refine the house's blueprint, while other editors are focused on painting the walls and cleaning the windows. -
I specialize in non-fiction books that are rooted in a personal journey or a deeply-held purpose.
My expertise lies in helping authors write on topics such as:
•Memoir & Personal Narrative
•Narrative Non-Fiction
•Exploring unconventional theories and non-mainstream perspectives
•Spiritual & Self-Help
•Wellness & Mindfulness
•Poetry -
I offer the following developmental editing services:
Assessing your core concept and argument
Evaluating structure and flow
Honing tone and style
Pacing and clarity
Providing comprehensive editorial reports (with in line comments as needed)
Guidance for outlining and planning
My focus is on the foundational, "big-picture" elements of your non-fiction manuscript. Therefore, I do not provide the following services:
•Proofreading (Spelling & Grammar)
•Ghostwriting
•Re-writing significant portions of the manuscript -
Item descriptionMy approach is built on the understanding that the stories you tell carry a lot of emotional weight. It means our collaboration is founded on trust and respect, where I am committed to reducing the emotional burden of the revision process. My feedback is designed to uplift and support your unique vision, always honoring your voice and your pace, so you can feel empowered and confident as you bring your book to life.
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That's a great question, and the honest answer is that the timeline varies from project to project. A typical developmental edit can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. The final timeframe depends on a few key factors: the total word count, the complexity of your subject matter, and the depth of work required. During our initial consultation, once I’ve had a chance to review your manuscript, I will be able to give you a much more precise timeline for your specific project.
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My goal is to make this a collaborative, supportive, and straightforward experience, where you always know what to expect.
Here is the path we'll take to bring your non-fiction manuscript to life:Step 1: Let's Connect
Your journey begins with a conversation. Fill out the contact form below with some basic information about your project, including the word count, a brief summary of your book, your vision / goals, and what type of editorial support you desire. This provides me with an initial sense of your work and allows me to see if we’re a great fit.
Step 2: The Sample Edit (Optional)
If you'd like to get a feel for my editing style, I offer a complimentary 1-page sample edit. This is a no-obligation opportunity for you to see the quality of my work and how I approach a manuscript. This will also help me understand your specific needs and how I can best support your vision.
Step 3: Partnership & Preparation
Once you decide to move forward, we'll sign a clear and straightforward contract, and a deposit will be made to secure your spot. I will then send you an introductory survey to complete. This is a valuable tool for you to organize your thoughts and for me to understand your goals, concerns, and hopes for the manuscript before I begin my work.
Step 4: The Consultation Call
After you've completed the survey, we will schedule a 30 minute consultation call. This is our dedicated time to get to know each other, discuss your completed survey, and dive into the specifics of your project. We'll talk about your vision for the manuscript and make sure all of your questions are answered before the editing begins.
Step 5: The Editing Process
With a clear understanding of your goals, I will begin the developmental edit. I will work with care and focus within our agreed-upon timeframe. While my focus is on your book's foundation, I also provide in-line comments and suggestions to help you rephrase, condense, and refine your sentences for greater clarity and impact. My work includes a comprehensive editorial report and in-line comments, which will be provided in a Word document shared via Google Docs.
Step 6: Project Delivery & Ongoing Support
I will return your manuscript to you on or before the due date. The completed project will include a detailed editorial letter that serves as your roadmap for revision, as well as comments and suggestions embedded directly in the text. I am also available for a follow-up conversation to answer any questions you have and ensure you feel confident and supported as you move forward.
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My services are billed at an hourly rate starting at $55 USD per hour and may be increased based on depth and complexity. Because every project is unique, I'm not able to give a final cost up front. The number of hours required can change depending on what we discover during the editing process. However, after our initial consultation and review of your manuscript, I will provide a preliminary range for the total cost. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of the potential investment before we begin our work together.
Rates are subject to change any time. Please contact me for current rates.
Rates above are as of 11/11/2025.Item description -
Yes, absolutely. It's very common to need guidance before your manuscript is completely finished. I can work with you on the chapters you have ready, providing feedback on the core concepts, structure, and overall flow. This can give you a strong foundation to build upon and a clear path forward. We can establish a phased plan that allows us to work together at your own pace, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you complete your manuscript.
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You will receive a comprehensive package that includes the edited manuscript and a detailed editorial report.
•The Edited Manuscript: Your manuscript will be delivered as a Microsoft Word document via Google Docs. It will contain in-line comments and tracked changes that provide specific, actionable feedback on structure, flow, and clarity.
•The Editorial Report: This is a separate, comprehensive document that serves as your roadmap for revision. It includes an in-depth analysis of your manuscript's strengths and weaknesses, along with overall guidance and specific suggestions for how to approach your revisions.
•A Follow-Up Consultation: After you've had a chance to review the deliverables, we will schedule a 30-minute follow-up call to discuss the feedback, answer any questions you may have, and help you create a confident plan for your next steps.
