Putting your book in someone else’s hands is a serious act of trust.
As an editorial consultant, I approach every manuscript with respect and care. I’m here to help guide your book into the best possible version of itself, preserving your vision and playing to your strengths as a writer while turning a critical eye to craft and plot.
Photo courtesy: Arielle Pellis, It’s All Right Artistry
About Me
Since opening my editorial business in 2018, I’ve worked with authors at every stage of the writing process, from outlining to querying. I hold an MFA in Writing for Children from The New School and a BA in English with a specialization in Creative Writing from Southern Methodist University. In addition to my editorial work, I teach middle-school English and work as a children’s bookseller. I am extremely knowledgeable about the contemporary children’s literature market and read 160+ books a year to stay up to date. Middle grade contemporary is my primary area of expertise. Follow me on thestorygraph.com to see what I’m reading!
Client Testimonials
“Nadja's editorial eye is unmatched. I credit her with helping shape one of my favorite scenes in my debut novel (following a thoughtful conversation about folklore). She has so much bookish knowledge, with a special focus on writing for children, which helps inform her feedback. My favorite part of working with Nadja is that she always has just the right answer—whether this means pointing out an area where you can expand (she particularly helped me with setting and sense of place) or offering a big picture idea. She's there to talk it all through and offer insight you never would have thought of by yourself. Having Nadja give your work a read is an absolute must.”
-Haley Neil, author of Once More With Chutzpah, Bloomsbury 2022; Planning Perfect, Bloomsbury 2023
"I can’t recommend Nadja strongly enough! Her expertise in children’s literature is unmatched. She provides structured, honest feedback in a way that gives you concrete action items after every meeting. When I was at a low point early on in this writing endeavor, it was Nadja’s partnership that improved my craft immeasurably and kept me going!”
-Shanna Upchurch, author of The Honeybee Highway, Disney-Hyperion 2027
“Seeking Nadja’s editorial help and advice has been the single most important part of my journey in the publishing process. Her knowledge and expertise were invaluable in making my manuscript the best it could be. I learned a great deal in working with her and I look forward to working with her in the future!”
-Kristin Crowell Ellis, author of Firefly Fran’s Fran-Tastic Day, Mascot Kids 2023
Editorial
Services
A free new-author consultation is included in all packages. This is a short phone call during which we’ll chat about your identity as a writer, your vision for your book, and any specific areas you’d like me to focus on during the editing process. Putting your book in someone else’s hands is a serious act of trust. I want you to feel confident that I’m a good fit for your work before we get started.
The Pen Pal
Writing Process Coaching
Struggling to get your idea off the ground? You don’t have to write alone. Prior to each Pen Pall session, you’ll send me up to 10,000 words of your work in progress. We’ll talk through foundational ideas, plot direction, character building, and strengthen your craft skills as you write. This package works best for first-time novelists looking for extra support.
$100/session
The Notebook
Picture books and short stories
After reading your completed manuscript, I’ll write a formal edit letter addressing large-scale edits such as plot, character development, story arc, voice, and consistency. I’ll also provide small-scale line edits that focus on the minutiae of word choice, dialogue, action, and description. Add the Sticky Note for an additional $80.
$200
The Typewriter
Novels
After reading your completed manuscript, I’ll write a formal edit letter addressing plot, character development, story arc, voice, and consistency. This package includes an hour-long workshop call during which we’ll talk through my proposed edits, brainstorm together, and address any questions you may have. Add the Sticky Note for an additional $80.
$0.02/word
The Laptop
Novels
In addition to the formal edit letter and hour-long workshop call of the Typewriter, this package includes line edits on your completed manuscript. These highly specific edits will address word choice, dialogue, description, character, and plot at a scene level. Light copy editing is also included. Add the Sticky Note for an additional $80.
$0.04/word
The Sticky Note
Query letters and synopses
I’ll provide highly specific comments on your query letter and synopsis, polishing them from both a literary and marketing perspective. These documents shape literary agents’ first impression of your work, so it’s crucial that they represent you to the best advantage. This package works best as an add-on to the Notebook, Typewriter or Laptop.
$80
Your work is worth it.
Investing in your writing can be daunting, but you owe it to yourself to believe in your words. Having an expert set of eyes on your book will elevate your plot, polish your craft, and prepare you for the querying or self-publication process. Hesitant to take the next step? Let’s talk it over! Book a free new-author consultation today.