As a developmental editor, I come alongside authors to help their manuscripts shine—while preserving each writer’s unique voice and vision.
My approach is collaborative, encouraging, and honest, with a strong focus on story structure, clarity, and emotional impact. Whether you’re working through revisions or preparing for publication, I’ll help you see your story more clearly and move forward with confidence.
Experience & Specialties
With eight+ years of experience in the publishing industry—as both an editor and a traditionally published author—I’ve worked with small presses and freelance clients across a range of genres. Many of the manuscripts I’ve edited have gone on to receive award recognition, including finalist and winning placements in the Selah, Christy, Carol, and Realm Makers Awards.
I specialize in:
- Young Adult & Adult Fantasy (all sub-genres)
- Mystery & Cozy Mystery
- Romantic Suspense
I also have experience editing:
- Historical fiction
- Contemporary romance
Developmental Editing (Content Editing)
Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of your story, then narrows in on structure and execution.
What I Look At:
- Plot and structure
- Character arcs and development
- Goals, Motivation, Conflict, and Stakes (GMCS)
- Worldbuilding consistency
- Point of view and narrative voice
- Dialogue and scene flow
- Pacing and tension
- Backstory integration
- Sensory and emotional depth
What You’ll Receive:
- In-manuscript comments using Track Changes
- A detailed editorial letter
- Clear, actionable revision guidance
- A follow-up consultation to discuss feedback
Most projects are completed within 8–10 weeks, depending on manuscript length and scope.
Rates
Developmental editing rates begin at:
$0.02 per word
Final pricing depends on:
- Manuscript length
- Complexity of the project
- Depth of feedback required
- Timeline
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your editing dates. Payment plans are available.
Chapter & Scene Coaching
Not ready for a full edit? Chapter and scene coaching is a great option if you want focused feedback on a specific part of your story.
This is ideal for:
- Troubleshooting a scene
- Strengthening emotional impact
- Fixing pacing or clarity issues
- Working through plot questions
Focused Scene Critique — $125
- Up to 3,000 words
- In-manuscript comments
- Feedback on pacing, clarity, and emotional impact
Deep-Dive Scene Coaching — $200
- Up to 5,000 words
- In-manuscript comments
- Editorial summary with actionable revision steps
Turnaround time is typically 2–3 weeks.
What Past Clients are Saying:
- I loved working with Erin Howard as my editor. Her depth of knowledge and understanding of my author’s voice shone through her edits. She noticed the smallest of details and could also help bring the big picture into focus to keep my story consistent. She helped edit one of my books which finaled in the Carol awards, so I know the value of her work. Erin does a fantastic job and I would recommend her to anyone searching for a good editor. -Dawn Ford, author of the Firebird Series
- Good books become great with solid edits. Having the right editor to help you identify where and when to make changes is so critical. Erin Howard has consistently done an exceptional job of finding places to tighten and strengthen stories for me while preserving my voice. She brings a consistency and cogency to every edit and I can trust her to give honest, insightful feedback that have helped strengthen my stories so much. In short, she gives good books the solid edits needed to help them become great. – Brett Armstrong, author of the Quest of Fire Series
- Erin is a thoughtful content editor who not only catches things I missed, but sees ways to tie things together and make the plot better. -Susan Page Davis, author of True Blue Mysteries
- Erin was the editor for three of my mysteries and while some may find themselves dreading emails from their editors, I looked forward to them. The feedback she gives is never negative or critical, but instead, is incredibly instructive and uplifting. What I found most encouraging was that she never sought to erase my style of writing and took steps to ensure my inflections remained. After three books with her, I find writing the first draft of any story much easier now because her teachings are ingrained in my mind. The entire process is much quicker now because she made sure I understood why and how to fix writing issues as well as how to prevent them. I am a much better writer thanks to Erin – her passion for the written word and her love for teaching is evident in her edits, and I know my stories are safe in her hands. -Keri Lynn, author of A Texas-Sized Murder Mystery Series
Ready to Inquire?
Please include:
• Genre
• Word count
• Target audience
• One-paragraph summary
• Desired timeframe
• Service requested
