At the core of community is communication.

Storytelling creates and connects us.

My name is Soliz Mayer and I’m a freelance creative. My editing job is to help the author tell the best possible version of their story, whether that’s in the form of a novel, essay, e-book, or script. Think of me as your consultant or sounding board: I’m here for you and whatever you need to get your narrative on the page.

I’m also a writer! I have years of experience with B2B and B2C communications and creating copy and content for small businesses. On the more literary side, I enjoy reading and writing fantasy, adventure, comedy, and science-fiction. Don’t think your work has to be in these categories! I’m a fan of mixed-genre novels and enjoy dabbling in satire and romance. I read everything from comics to memoirs and beyond.

Good storytelling- of any kind- requires a strong weaving of key elements. Making a clear point can be just as complicated. Keeping track of a project’s many details is a challenge for anyone, and I have resources and skills to assist you in fabricating a strong, persuasive, and transporting manuscript.

If you’re not sure about what kind of editing you need, or want more information about the different types of editing, I highly recommend the Editorial Freelancers Association’s Guidebook for New Authors.

I offer these services:

writing coach : DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

This service is for authors who want to get started or need some help straightening out what they have (finished or not). I leave in-text notes and queries throughout the narrative, and this includes short essay responses to each section of text (chapter, parts, etc.) Developmental editing covers all the bases: we will be discussing big and small details from your plotting and pacing to what a character looks like. It is the author’s choice to decide how many rounds of revision they want to do. A single initial meeting to discuss the piece is included. (For comic/graphic novel this includes image analysis.)

0.06 cents per word

writing Overview : manuscript critique

This can be thought of as developmental editing as a lightning round. This service is for writers who need an editor to overlook their manuscript and let them know what’s working, what’s not, and what’s promising. I read the manuscript and write a full response (an editorial letter) outlining how the piece does in each area of storytelling: plot, setting, pacing, characters, dialogue etc. I do not leave any comments or notes in the text. A single initial meeting to discuss the piece is included. (For comic/graphic novels this includes image analysis.)

0.04 cents per word

final pass: proofreading

Just need a quick set of eyes for a final sweep? I’ll look over your work for last-minute mistakes in grammar, punctuation, or formatting. (For comic/graphic novels this includes image analysis.)

0.03 cents per word

consulting : conversation

This easy-breezy approach may be for you! I’ll ask for some preliminary information about your work to familiarize myself with the big-picture, and then we discuss. You can ask for help with specific issues, or we can have an easy dialogue and see where it takes us, and your work. Consulting hours can be added to other services.

$20 an hour

Writing

Whatever you need! I can type 95+ wpm and adopt any tone or style needed.

0.20 cents per word