“Lisa and I have worked together on a number of projects. Her editorial and communication skills made her a dream to work with. She turned a mediocre manuscript into a fully-fleshed, ready-for-publication novel. Since Lisa is an experienced and well-respected (award-winning!) writer herself, her knowledge of the craft adds a special layer to the editorial process. I am lucky to have worked with her.”
Need writing help?
Are you an aspiring author? Do you have a novel or short story that could use a touch-up before sending it out to agents? Do you keep getting positive feedback but still can’t find a publisher?
I can help!
As a children’s novelist, a former children’s book editor, and a former professor of children’s literature, I am uniquely qualified to help you shape your manuscript into something beautiful—and saleable.
I have a keen eye for detail, a knack for developing flawed-but-lovable characters, and nearly 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. My feedback is always sharp and truthful, but as an author myself, I understand how to offer criticism without destroying a writer's enthusiasm for their project.
Fees for editorial services start at $200. To request a service, or for more information, click on the button below, or email me directly at lisacgraff@gmail.com.
editing services I offer!
I am currently offering the following editorial services. (Click on the + symbol to learn more about each one!) Need a service not listed here? Email me!
+ SHORT STORY/FIRST CHAPTERS CRITIQUE!
WHAT IT IS: An in-depth analysis of your short story or first chapters of a novel
WHAT I OFFER:
- editorial letter, with my thoughts on character, plot, voice, etc.
- track changes/inline comments within the document
AGES/GENRES ACCEPTED:
- middle-grade, YA, and adult (please no picture books!)
- all genres (fantasy, realistic fiction, nonfiction, romance, humor, etc.)
WORD LIMIT: 2,000 words
FEE: $200 (+ $0.10 per word over limit)
+ COPYEDITING/PROOFREADING!
WHAT IT IS: A keen once-over of your finished draft
WHAT I OFFER: Detailed track changes/inline comments within the document, focusing on editing for grammar, spelling, and continuity
AGES/GENRES ACCEPTED:
- middle-grade, YA, and adult (please no picture books!)
- short stories, non-fiction, essays, and fiction novels of all genres
WORD LIMIT: n/a
FEE: $250 up to 12,500 words; $0.02 per word thereafter
Please note this service does not include editorial critique
+ GENERAL NOVEL ASSESSMENT!
WHAT IT IS: An over-arching assessment of your novel
WHAT I OFFER:
- editorial letter, with my thoughts on character, plot, voice, etc., and how the manuscript fits in the current marketplace
- 30 minute Zoom call
AGES/GENRES ACCEPTED:
- middle-grade or YA
- all genres (fantasy, realistic fiction, romance, humor, etc.)
WORD LIMIT: 60,000 words
FEE: $500 (+ $0.01 per word over limit)
+ FULL NOVEL CRITIQUE!
WHAT IT IS: An in-depth assessment of your novel
WHAT I OFFER:
- editorial letter, with my thoughts on character, plot, voice, etc., and suggestions for improvement
- Track Changes/inline comments within the document
- 60 minute Zoom call
AGES/GENRES ACCEPTED:
- middle-grade or YA
- all genres (fantasy, realistic fiction, romance, humor, etc.)
WORD LIMIT: 60,000 words
FEE: $750 (+ $0.02 per word over limit)
+ NOVEL CRITIQUE + EDITING!
WHAT IT IS: An in-depth assessment of your novel, plus line-by-line editing throughout
WHAT I OFFER:
- editorial letter, with my thoughts on character, plot, voice, etc., and suggestions for improvement
- Track Changes/inline comments within the document
- full line-edit of manuscript, making changes for grammar, spelling, continuity, and voice
- 60 minute Zoom call
AGES/GENRES ACCEPTED:
- middle-grade or YA
- all genres (fantasy, realistic fiction, romance, humor, etc.)
WORD LIMIT: 80,000 words
FEE: $2,500 (+ $0.02 per word over limit)
+ DELUXE NOVEL CRITIQUE + EDITING!
WHAT IT IS: An in-depth assessment of a first draft of your novel, along with a full line-edit on a second draft
WHAT I OFFER: Two full read-throughs of your novel, which include . . .
FOR THE FIRST DRAFT:
- editorial letter, with my thoughts on character, plot, voice, etc.
- Track Changes/inline comments within the document
- 60 minute Zoom call
FOR THE SECOND DRAFT:
- second editorial letter
- full line-edit of manuscript, making changes for grammar, spelling, continuity, and voice
- 60 minute Zoom call
AGES/GENRES ACCEPTED:
- middle-grade or YA
- all genres (fantasy, realistic fiction, romance, humor, etc.)
WORD LIMIT: 80,000 words
FEE: $5,000 (+ $0.02 per word over limit)
hear what these folks had to say!
“Lisa is an editorial mastermind! She can take the most complex plot problems and break them down into manageable, bite size pieces to untangle and sort out. She’s patient and wise and adds little sparkles of magic to every project she’s part of.”
“Lisa Graff is a dream editor! Her many years of experience as a successful children’s book author, as well as her experience working in publishing and at a literary agency, give her a unique perspective on how to make a manuscript marketable.”
“Whether you are a first-time writer, or a seasoned and published pro, Lisa’s insight will help elevate your writing to the next level. Her expertise and attention to detail significantly enhanced my manuscript. Her feedback touched on plot structure, character development, and pacing. Her suggestions were not only constructive but also inspiring, pushing me to elevate my storytelling, all within my timeline and, most importantly, my budget.”
“Lisa was able to see the story I wanted to tell and help me craft it, with excellent feedback that spurred me to deepen each character and the plot. She helped me cut what wasn’t needed and see where there was opportunity to add more nuance and layers. She is a fabulous editor and I could not recommend her more highly!”