Fantasy & Science Fiction Editing

“I am an established crime writer but had an idea for a speculative fiction book. I completed the manuscript, of which I was very proud, but I knew there was something wrong with it. I had already paid for a developmental edit but that didn’t resolve the problems. I came across Kara while searching for specialist editors with a love of fantasy and science fiction. I was initially nervous about investing even more money on what might have been a failed project. I needn't have worried. Her detailed critique was incredibly perceptive. She put her finger immediately on the structural problem but also pointed out where some of the character arcs could be improved. In a long letter of suggestions, there was not a single one which was not right on the money. I have never had an editor who both understood with such clarity what I was trying to achieve and who was able to analyse how and where I had failed. The book has been enormously improved by her input, and is presently with my agent out on submission. I have no hesitation in recommending Kara and I will certainly use her again if I continue in this genre.”

"Kara recently line-edited my gaslamp fantasy novella, and it was a delight to work with her. In all her suggestions for revision, she sought to maintain the integrity of authorial and character voice, which I appreciated. And in gray areas of stylistic choice, she took the time to explain the options and suggest which path might best support my goals, while leaving the ultimate choice up to me. She also shared comments and reactions to the story itself, which were not required for a line-edit, but gave me a great deal of encouragement as an author. Kara was just what I’d hoped for in an editor—professional, punctual, and insightful, with a keen eye for detail. Her input helped give my manuscript the final polish it needed. I’d highly recommend her services and look forward to working with her again in the future."

"Kara’s attention to detail and questions and suggestions…it was just what I hoped for. I’d been feeling so stuck with my manuscript, knowing that it was missing things and needed improvements but not sure where, because I’d read it a thousand times. It’s an unreal feeling to pour your heart and soul into something and have someone SEE it so clearly. My book truly wouldn't have gotten to this point without her phenomenal and spot-on feedback. She is one hell of an editor.”

"Working with Kara on my debut novel was a great experience. Right away I was impressed with her promptness, clear communication, and her readiness to help. She did an excellent job on the final proofread of my book, catching errors that had previously gone undiscovered. Kara was very thorough with her read, and as a bonus, she didn’t hesitate to answer my many questions. Beyond all her qualities as an excellent editor, she was also wonderful to work with as a person. She was patient, encouraging, and kind. I look forward to working with Kara again, and highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve and polish their work, while enjoying the process along the way."

"Working with Kara was vital to my process. Her developmental feedback had me feeling encouraged and inspired—it struck the perfect balance of positive reinforcement and critical feedback. I was seeking an editor that would help me see where my story was successful and where it struggled in gripping an audience—Kara certainly provided that feedback but so much more. She guided me toward stronger story choices and character development while illuminating the pieces of the book that excited her and showed promise. I never felt daunted or overwhelmed by her feedback; it always felt like she really understood the story I was trying to tell, it felt like she was working with me to unearth the best possible story that existed in my own abilities. As I work on my next draft, I keep Kara’s developmental letter and in-text notes side by side with my text, and I find that those two documents keep me focused on the task at hand—one that I’m sure will result in a better book."

"I found Kara through the Northwest Editors Guild and I’m glad I did! She provided a very thoughtful developmental edit and a very detailed copy edit for my science fiction time travel novel. For the developmental edit, she pointed out things that didn’t work, but also noted the things that did, which was very helpful for improving the novel. Everything she suggested made perfect sense to me, and her explanations were spot on. For the copyedit, her attention to detail was excellent. She found problems that I missed, and others that I wouldn’t have known to look for. It was a joy to work with Kara, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!"

"Writing a book is scary—having someone edit your book is even scarier. However, my experience with Kara was absolutely painless, yet effective. Kara is well versed in her craft, and it absolutely shows. One of the main reasons I selected Kara to perform a line edit on my fantasy book is because of how thorough she was in her notes. Rather than simply telling me a section needed work, Kara explained the reasoning behind it, while also providing several ideas I could choose from. She is straight to the point and provides honest feedback, but it's always, always done in a positive, uplifting manner. I appreciated how real Kara was and how it felt like I was talking to someone who's a friend, rather than someone I simply hired to edit my book. Kara is professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. I can't recommend her enough and will definitely be working with her again."

"Kara has the perfect editorial touch: sensitive, nuanced, and extremely accurate. Her advice regarding characterisation and plot has been invaluable in creating a polished final product. She is a dream to work with. I cannot recommend her more highly."

"Kara is essential to my success as an author. She reviews my manuscripts quickly and thoroughly. She is enthusiastic when moments land for her and provides detailed feedback when they do not. She’s edited two of my novels so far: The Control Problem and The States. The Control Problem was a tricky, complex novel that required a lot of tweaking, but Kara and I worked together to bring that story home. As I neared the end of development on my next book, The States, I couldn’t wait to send Kara the manuscript. She catches my silly typos and points out flaws in my story structure, all while being kind and patient. Professional writing requires professional editing, and Kara is the best."

"Working with Kara has been an absolute pleasure and truly inspiring. It has been such a relief to find an editor that understands my story and provides high quality suggestions for improvement to help take it to the next level. I was really anxious to hand over something so personal, but Kara was kind, thoughtful, and honest in her editing. I've loved how well we've worked together so much that I am returning to her for my line editing too! You will not regret investing in her services!"

"The relationship between writer and editor is a crucial one, and you need to make sure you have the right one. When I selected Kara I totally hit the jackpot. She was perfect for me. She had an interest in my genre and in the subject, she was enthusiastic and explained her process very well. She did a test edit so I could get a sense of how she worked, and I opted for a full developmental edit. She did a wonderful job. I got a very comprehensive report on the novel, and I could see how much thought and effort she had put in assessing my work. She explained her reasons for suggesting changes at various points, and I have taken on board most of her suggestions. It's been invaluable in revising. My novel will be so much better as a result. I think my chances of getting published are much stronger now than they were before. I will definitely be using Kara for future projects."

“I had a blast working with Kara. It's one thing to have a great editor; it's another to have a great editor who’s passionate about their work…and your work! The editing process is hard, but I enjoyed every step of it. Besides being meticulous, competent, and punctual, Kara was extremely encouraging the entire time, and capable of highlighting the strong points to focus on and the weakest aspects to obliterate. Bonus point: I’m not even bilingual, yet she helped me make my manuscript shine.”

"Working with Kara was an absolute blessing. My book and characters were treated with great respect and her words of encouragement and correction helped me unlock the true potential of my book. If I ever write another book I will most definitely be using her services again!"