How to prepare for your sample edit

In order to choose the right editor for you, it’s a good idea to get a feeling for their style—as well as for them to get an idea of yours! I offer a free 1000 word edit alongside some general feedback notes and a discussion before and after. That way, we can both be comfortable taking the next step and determine the right editing package for you.

Most people provide the first 1000 words of their manuscript, but that’s not mandatory. You can provide any part you like or feel gives the best overview of your work and style.

I ask that you also provide the title (if there is one) as well as a brief description or blurb of the manuscript. I also ask that you let me know if you have any particular areas or edits you want me to focus on. Do you worry one of your characters is a little two-dimentional? Are you having trouble with a possible plot hole? Is dialouge or action a weak spot for you? Or, do you know you have a bad habit of forgetting what colour hair your side characters have from one scene to the next?

Feel free to request a sample edit of your manuscript and ask any questions you may have!

Background music to write or edit to

If you are anything like me, you can be easily distracted, especially if you’re not really in the mood, but really need to get stuff done. Music is a perfect way to centre and inspire you. Unfortunately, songs with lyrics don’t help me - I will stop what I’m doing to sing along or daydream. So, I need instrumental songs. But, a lot of the time the ‘classic’ classical pieces aren’t enough for me. I need something I’ve heard before, so, I’ve created a playlist that has grown over time. (Mostly movie soundtracks). I’ve put together a small list of some of my favourite (lesser-known and popular) pieces to get you started. But when in doubt, remember Howard Shore, John Williams, James Newton Howard, Patrick Doyle and John Powell!

Some of these are chosen specifically to inspire certain tones and feelings when writing corresponding scenes; I’ve written some of my better stuff when inspired by music like this, so give it a go! Even if it’s just for writing exercise, push play and just write something!

Here’s that list:

To write to:

Feather and Skull by Adrian Von Ziegler

Autumn Forest by AVZ

Creepy Music Box by Narsous

Cold by Jorge Méndez

Sad Song by We Are The Kings

Variati Mountis by By Nitzan Sagie Hangoler

The Demise by Steve Stedman

The First Branch by Gugavedovatto02

To edit to:

Clara in the Tardis by Murray Gold

Jesesica’s Theme by Stan Whimire

Harry in Winter by Patrick Doyle

Inside the Case by James Newton Howard

The Lighting of the Beacons by Howard Shore

Vivaldi Four Seasons (I’m sure you’ve heard and love Spring – don’t forget the others, as well as storm!)

Flying Vessel by Ilan Eshkeri

Ice Dance by Danny Elfman

If you liked these, then feel free to check out my personal Spotify playlist, Fill The Void. (Beware, it is over twelve hours long!)