I work with authors prepping their manuscripts for submission to agents or indie presses as well as those interested in self-publishing.

Most of my clients seek developmental editing, which focuses on your writing craft and preparing you for revisions. This type of editing is concerned with the overall structure and content of your piece. I read for, and provide feedback on, character development, plot, writing style and flow, and ways to shorten or expand scenes as needed in service of the overall narrative arc. This is ideal for writers looking for feedback and direction before diving into revisions.

**I recommend completing a full draft of your manuscript before querying me for developmental editing services.**

If you’re looking to finalize a final draft, I also offer copyediting services. This is one of the final steps in the writing process and focuses on readability,  consistency, and proofreading as needed. This is intended for final drafts; ideally no substantive editing should take place after a copyedit. This is ideal for writers looking for another set of eyes before self-publishing.

Are you a student? All student rates are discounted because I believe that education should be accessible and affordable. That said, you must ensure, before working with me, that your university allows you to hire an academic editor.

Qualifications

I bring experience as both a writer and an editor to my client work. Since I began reading manuscripts in 2016, I’ve edited primarily memoir and YA and adult fiction. Since then, I’ve received my MFA in creative writing, with a specialty in fiction.

In addition, I am reading or have read for the following literary magazines:

  • Grey Sparrow Journal (editor)
  • Mud Season Review (former fiction reader)
  • Noctua Review (former assistant editor & editor-in-chief)

I’m also a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association.

As a writer myself, my essays have appeared in publications such as HuffPost, The Rumpus, DAME, and MTV. My journalism has appeared in CNN, Wired, Bloomberg, Poets & Writers, and more. In 2024 my short fiction was longlisted for Wigleaf’s Top 50 Very Short Fictions.

For a more complete list of publications, please see my Publications page.

Reach Out!

Email me at natalie[at]natalieschriefer[dot]com. Please include detailed information about your work. If you have a deadline, please let me know.