Editing
ACES and EFA member
I offer a wide variety of services! Check out the process of working with me and my rates below:
How do we work together?
Initial Meeting
We have a quick zoom meeting to connect and decide if I'm a good fit for you and your project
Contract
You receive a contract to sign and an invoice from me! A 50% deposit of the total cost is due at the start time of the project, and the rest of the fee upon completion (due by our offboarding meeting)
Sample Edit
I do a sample edit of your work, due by the end of the next work day. That's up to 1,000 words for books, 5 pages for scripts, 1 page of notes for coaching
Editing
I work on your project and write notes in a PDF, Microsoft Word, or via Google Doc! The final document will be given as the agreed upon deliverable, which could include an edit letter, lists, an excel sheet, slides, etc. as stated in your contract
Set Expectations
Once you decide to hire me, we set clear expectations for my work, the due date of the project, and how you'd like to receive feedback - and in what format.
Offboarding
We have a zoom call to talk through my notes via the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process - up to week after I deliver the feedback. I send you a money request through Paypal or Zelle for the final fee!
Cost Breakdown
Editing
Available for: Novels, Short Stories, & Flash Fiction
Can be purchased together or separate.
INCLUDES -
- Overall notes on repeating themes or imagery, tone, authorial voice, and target audience demographics.
- Chapter by chapter notes on story structure, characters, world building, and more!
- Additionally if the MS is intended to be a series, happy to discuss ideas for series arcs.
- I will only read your book through once unless more passes are requested and edit timeline is discussed​​
​
FEES - BETA OR ARC READING
$0.004/word
FEES - DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
$0.005/word
FEES - LINE AND COPY EDITING
$0.006/word for both and either​
SENSITIVITY READING -
$0.003/word - only notes, does not include line edits
​
- Characters with disabilities/illnesses (invisible or not) and neurodivergence
- LGBTQ+ Characters
- Passing the bechdel test
- Specializes in genre fiction: fantasy, science fiction, magical realism
- Well versed in horror, mystery, thrillers, romance, rom coms, romantasy, literary fiction, and erotica.
Will Not Read:
- Incest
- Child abuse
- Rape
- AI generated work
Author Coaching
Available for: Scripts, Books, Songs, & More!
INCLUDES -
- Structured zoom conversations to discuss work, give audible feedback, and illuminate the entertainment and/or publishing industries
​
FEES
30 min zoom - $70
1 hour zoom - $140
Dramaturgy
Available for: Musicals & Plays
INCLUDES -
- A full pass of libretto, making notes along the way on: story, pacing, structure, world building, character, grammar, spelling & more. Notes on the overall script as a whole.
- If a musical, feedback on all songs with a focus on lyrical elements: rhyme, song structure and form, genre, character, how lyric interacts with music stylistically and narratively
- Zoom to discuss feedback included!
​
FEES - MUSICALS
10 min musical - $60
15 min musical - $80
1 act musical - $160
2 hour musical - $320
​
FEES - PLAYS
15 min play - $60
1 act play - $140
2 hour play - $300
Coverage
Available for: Television & Film Scripts
INCLUDES -
- A full pass of a script, making notes along the way on: story, pacing, structure, world building, character, grammar, spelling & more. Notes on the overall script as a whole.
- Zoom to discuss feedback included!
​
FEES - PILOTS
11 min pilot - $70
22 min pilot - $90
30 min pilot - $120
60 min pilot - $200
​
FEES - FEATURES
90 min feature - $250
120 min feature - $300
Want to work with me?
Fill out the intake form!
Recent Projects
In 2026, I've worked on a variety of interesting projects!
Let me know if you want to hear more about them
I'm currently a contract editor for Storyteller Publishing, an imprint distributed by Macmillan.
From 2025 - 2026, I've worked on over 10+ manuscripts for them under NDA.
Comedy Memoir
Line and copy edited a 65,000 word comedy memoir. 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.
Robert Biehn
"As an author with an upcoming book slated for publication, when our publisher introduced me to Makena, we got an unbelievable amount of care, development, and precise refinement that transformed the book. A 500+ page YA Dystopian Fantasy from a first-time author is not an easy task to take on. Yet, Makena was so precise and diligent in every developmental suggestion and line and copy edit she made, but it was done with a blend of professionalism and humor that kept it all from being too much. Makena has helped me through the process not only to refine the book, but she also helped me become a wiser author along the way. She taught me things I didn’t know much about that are essential to the business side of publishing a book. I now have a deeper understanding of the literary world and craft, a book I am so incredibly proud of, and an editor I will be hiring again and again and again!"
Penny Harris
"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!!"​
Jason Palmer
"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!"
Sinclair Adams
"As a developmental editor, Makena brings experienced publishing knowledge, familiarity with the market, and most importantly a strong understanding of storytelling anatomy. Makena provided the feedback I needed to fill in missing pieces of my manuscript and I feel more confident than ever to tackle revisions. Not only is Makena professional and full of integrity, but she is also a delight to work and brainstorm with."