YOUR BOOK, EVEN BETTER.
Publish Your Best Book
Whether this is your first novel, or your 50th, don't show the world less than your best. The journey to a solid story can be daunting and bewildering, even for experienced writers. No one gets there alone. Allow me to guide your work to the next level, with precise suggestions and proven principles. Share a superior story, with confidence.
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Craft compelling characters
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Keep readers hooked with powerful plots
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Create immersive, unforgettable "worlds"
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Leave a lasting impression with impactful themes
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Convey the story clearly through strong, evocative lines
You won't only be making this story exceptional, but every one you write thereafter, by applying my award-winning approaches—all while staying true to your authorial vision, of course.
Meet the Editor
Hi, September C. Fawkes here. Sometimes I scare people with my enthusiasm for writing. I work as a freelance editor, writing instructor, and award-winning writing tip blogger. I have edited for both award-winning and best-selling authors, as well as beginning writers. My approach has been described as “thorough,” “precise,” and “kind." I’d love to find a way to help take your writing to the next level.
"My edits are based on proven principles,
not personal preferences."
Problems I Help Solve
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Passive protagonists
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Flat or bland characters
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Directionless plots
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Weak antagonists
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Absent stakes
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Slow beginnings
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Saggy middles
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Disappointing endings
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Lack of agency
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Poor pacing
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What happens next?
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Low tension & conflict
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Vague themes
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Preachy themes
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Poor character motives
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Undefined character arcs
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Failure to progress the plot
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Disjointed scenes
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Bland relationships & relationship arcs
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De-escalating storylines
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Slushy scenes
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Poor turning points
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Info-dumps
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POV errors
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Unnatural dialogue
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Boring descriptions
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Clunky sentences
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Setting vs. story imbalance
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Lack of context or subtext
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Unclear blocking
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Poor flow
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And more
Every writing rule can be broken, if you know how to break it well.
Developmental Editing
In developmental editing (also called content editing), I analyze the larger parts of the story, and give feedback and guidance on aspects such as characters, plot, setting & worldbuilding, theme, and structure. I may also cover other elements, like subtext, context, audience experience and appeal, relationships, and narrative pacing. This edit focuses on what the story is.
Line Editing
In line editing, I go through the manuscript and evaluate the way the story is written, looking at such things as descriptions, dialogue, blocking, flow, line-by-line continuity, specificity, clarity in meaning, sentence structure, word choice, and how accurately the writer is communicating to the reader. I will consider how the writer can communicate more powerfully. I may also watch for grammatical issues and reoccurring punctuation problems. This edit focuses on how the story is told.
Manuscript Evaluation
In a manuscript evaluation, I will simply read through the manuscript and give overall, general feedback in an editorial letter. I will address how both the story and writing can be improved. This is quicker and more budget friendly than my other edits, but not as deep.
