Editing
I offer a wide variety of services
including beta reading, proofreading, coverage, editing, and dramaturgy.
Editing
Available for: Novels, Short Stories, & Flash Fiction
Can be purchased together or separate.
INCLUDES -
- Notes on repeating themes or imagery, tone, and target audience demographics.
- Notes about story structure, characters, world building, and character/series development arcs.
- Any questions the author needs answered (asked before reading).
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FEE -
My fees are calculated at a USD rate of $0.004/word for beta or ARC reading, $0.005/word for developmental editing, and $0.006/word for line editing and copy editing.
Payments accepted through PayPal. A 20% deposit must be received before starting this process. For inquiries, please contact me through email.
Happy to do a sample edit for free of 1,000 words to see if I'm the right fit for your project!
SENSITIVITY READING -
- Characters with disabilities/illnesses (invisible or not)
- LGBTQ+ Characters
- Passing the bechdel test
Will Not Read:
- Incest
- Child abuse
- Rape
Proofreading
Available for: Novels, Essays, Applications, Scripts (TV, Film, Musical Theatre, Plays), & More.
INCLUDES -
- A full pass of a manuscript, making notes along the way on: story, character, grammar, spelling, world building, & more.
- Notes on the project as a whole.
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FEE -
Varies for each project but based on page count. Contact Makena for more information.
Coverage
Available for: Television & Film Scripts
INCLUDES -
- A full pass of a manuscript, making notes along the way on: story, character, grammar, spelling, world building, & more.
- Notes on the script as a whole.
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FEE -
$150 for coverage on half-script
$300 for coverage on full script
Recent Projects
In 2025, I've worked on a variety of interesting projects!
Let me know if you want to hear more about them
Comedy Memoir
Line and copy edited a 65,000 word manuscript under NDA for Storyteller Media, an imprint of Macmillan. Gave notes on clarity, voice, style, flow of ideas, grammar, punctuation, etc.
Technical Book on Improvisation
Line and copy edited a 20,000 word manuscript on the art of theatrical improvisation. Gave notes on narration, tone, language, spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.
Fiction Manuscript
Copy edited an 85,000 word fiction manuscript for Bootstrap Publications. Gave notes on grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, passive voice, and flow of ideas.
Testimonials
"Makena is a phenomenal resource for any writer! Her years of experience make her an excellent editor and she not only helps shape a story, but offers insightful critiques each step of the way. Makena goes above and beyond, especially when offering developmental edits. Not only did she go through my book with a fine-toothed comb, but she offered copious notes and feedback to help guide me in the rewrite process. What’s more, she took the added time to meet online and in person and discuss what would make my writing excel, providing examples and resources along the way. When hiring Makena, you get more than an editor—you get someone who jumps into the fray and becomes an advocate for the written material. I’m grateful for her help and expertise, and look forward to working with her again in the future!"
Jason Palmer
"Having Makena edit the first draft of my manuscript was a priceless experience. Her edits were meticulous and insightful. Equally, if not even more, valuable was the meeting we had after she finished editing to discuss content—places I could expand, improve, and more artfully stick to my own intentions for the novel. I left feeling clear and motivated to dive back in to writing. Thank you Makena!!"
Penny Harris