For writers

Editing Services

Everyone needs editing. It's important to get an outside, objective perspective, and that reader really has to be a writer – someone who knows how narratives work, and who can deliver crisp feedback helpfully.

I've spent decades thinking carefully about what makes fiction work — and what keeps it from working. As a professor of French literature and creative writing at Carleton College, and as a published author across multiple genres, I've had the rare experience of approaching literature from both sides of the desk.

I work with writers of literary fiction and memoir: novels, story collections, linked narratives, etc. I'm not qualified to help with real genre fiction (detective novels, romance, and such), and I shy away from work that has hopped on the latest bandwagon. Some suspense is fine — Theory of Remainders is a suspense novel — but my interest is in work where language and character matter as much as plot, or memoirs that have a specific type or reader in mind. The writers I work best with have high standards, a willingness to hear hard truths, and the patience to revise.

In short: I'm probably not the right editor for everyone.

What I Offer

Developmental editing Big-picture work: structure, pacing, narrative arc, character development, point of view, thematic coherence. A detailed editorial letter plus in-text annotations. Best for manuscripts that are substantially complete but need fundamental rethinking.
Line editing Sentence-level attention to prose rhythm, diction, syntax, and clarity. I work through the manuscript closely, with tracked changes and comments. Best for writers whose structure is solid but whose prose needs tightening or deepening.
Manuscript consultation A critique letter addressing the manuscript's strengths and weaknesses, without in-text annotation. A good option if you want a clear-eyed overview before committing to a full revision.
Query & synopsis review Review and feedback on your query letter, synopsis, and pitch materials. Useful once your manuscript is ready and you're preparing to approach agents.
Ongoing coaching For writers working on longer projects who want a sustained editorial relationship — reading chapters as they're drafted, providing feedback at intervals, helping you think through the work as it evolves.

Testimonial

James O'Reilly - Fiction

"Scott is not only a first-rate editor, but a deeply perceptive reader. He made me think in myriad ways about motivation, perspective, action, plot, and point of view... Added bonus: he is charming and funny."

Testimonial

Joe Green - Memoir

"Scott’s own skills as a master storyteller were readily apparent in his deep understanding of the narrative arc of my story and his incisive advice on how best to connect with my readers."

Testimonial

Larry Habegger - Fiction

"Scott has a sharp eye for errant details and a deep understanding of character development. His advice on point of view kept my story from spiraling into confusion, and he helped me appreciate the value of surprise in plotting.".

Testimonial

Anonymous

"Scott gets both the big picture and the little one – a great eye for the larger arc of the narrative, as well as the many small details that make a story really land."

To Inquire

I take on a limited number of projects and am selective about what I work on. If you're interested, send me a brief description of your project — genre, approximate length, where you are in the process, and what kind of help you're looking for. I'll let you know honestly whether I think I'm the right editor for it.

Get in touch

A note on rates: I can cite an hourly rate (typically $100) or provide a quote for your whole project. Because every project is different, I prefer to have a brief exchange with writers before talking numbers. In short, I only take on projects where I think I can truly be helpful.