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Credentials and Experience

• Multi-published author of 6 young adult novels
• 8+ years experience as a freelance editor, specializing in developmental and line edits
• 2 years as a copywriter and proofreader for School Webmasters
• Editor for Enclave Publishing
• High school creative writing instructor
• Experienced writing conference instructor and keynote speaker

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What past clients are saying . . .

Sara Ella was wonderful to work with. She asked lots of thoughtful questions that encouraged me to think about how to improve the plot and characters, without feeling like I was being pressured to change the heart of my story. I appreciated the enthusiasm she shared; it made it much easier to continue the hard work of editing in preparation for querying. Her honest feedback allowed me to take another look at trouble areas with confidence, rather than feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. She was kind and encouraging and so supportive. I highly recommend her services.”

Crystal Grant, author of Shadowcast, Quill & Flame Publishing 2023

Sara is absolutely wonderful to work with! Though my novel was a mess, she was able to really dig into the story and help me understand what worked and what did not. She has a wonderful grace so that even her constructive criticism is more encouraging than critical, and she left me with a lot of new ideas that made me eager to dive into the next draft!”

Olivia G.

Sara is great to work with: responsive, incredibly thorough and encouraging. She goes above and beyond; not only did she provide insightful corrections, but she also helped me brainstorm solutions. As a working mom myself, her feedback and recommendations gave me hope not to give up on my dream of being a published writer.”

Kristen M.

Quality edits with a side of mentorship, that’s what you can expect when hiring Sara Ella. She explains the adjustments she makes so well, helping her clients learn and grow as opposed to simply fixing their mistakes. She’s also incredibly encouraging, highlighting your strengths as a writer. I would love to work with her again!”

Sarah P.

If you’re serious about succeeding and growing as a writer, hiring Sara is the right move. Sara’s feedback on my work was thorough, honest, and constructive. She also managed to make it encouraging! I could tell this was more than just a project for her; she truly cared about helping me reach my goals. Sara has a strong command of all aspects of fiction writing, from the mechanics of English to story development to the behind-the-scenes world of publishing, so you can be sure that your book baby or proposal is in excellent hands.”

Breana J.

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Developmental Edit Packages

Ember Package

I offer a developmental edit (also known as a content or “big picture” edit), which includes an editorial letter with detailed feedback on your story’s plot, structure, pacing, timeline, character development, etc…, just like one you would receive from a traditional publishing house. This is a basic package and does not include in-manuscript edits or comments.

Enchanted Package

This is a more comprehensive package and includes everything in the Ember Package PLUS in-manuscript comments and edits. Additionally, I include a 1-hour phone call that can be used for brainstorming, questions, etc… following the edit.

Epic Package

This is the most advanced package and includes everything in the Ember and Enchanted Packages PLUS a full review of your revisions following the edit and phone call. You will also have the opportunity to book a second phone call after the revision review.

Turnaround time for a developmental edit generally takes 8 to 12 weeks but depends on the length of your manuscript and the amount of work needed. Every project is different and requires a personalized approach, which is determined by various factors such as genre, word count, etc…

PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH THE FORM ON THIS PAGE FOR CURRENT EDITORIAL RATES. I OFFER FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS AS WELL AS A DISCOUNT FOR PAYING IN FULL UPFRONT.

CHAPTER CRITIQUES

Submissions must be double-spaced, 12pt. Times New Roman font in a typed Word document. Turnaround time on a chapter critique is generally 1 to 2 weeks. Contact me with info about your specific project for pricing.

PROPOSAL EDIT AND REVIEW

For a proposal edit/assessment, I offer in-document edits and track changes, as well as a write-up/review with my suggestions and feedback on what you can do to make the proposal shine. Submissions must be formatted in 12. pt Times New Roman Font, with 1-inch margins, and proper spacing—sample chapters must be double-spaced. You may include your sample chapters and query letter, as well as your one-sheet if you wish. Please contact me for my rates.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does payment work? Do you accept PayPal? 

I accept PayPal, Venmo, or a check in the mail. I only ask if you choose to pay electronically that you choose to pay “friends and family” rather than paying for “goods and services.” This helps me keep costs down and makes it so I don’t have to charge my clients extra, unnecessary transaction fees.

Services are invoiced upfront. If you choose a payment plan, you have the option to pay either half up front and half upon manuscript submission, OR one-third up front, one-third upon submission, and one-third upon edit completion. This will be outlined in the contract I will send you upon booking your editing slot. Keep in mind that I am generally booked a year in advance. Booking early is recommended to secure your slot and lock in current pricing.

What types of manuscripts do you edit?

I am most familiar with fiction manuscripts in the following genres: contemporary, romance, young adult, fantasy and its sub-genres, and science fiction and its sub-genres. If you need editing for a title comparable to any of my books, I’m your gal! I am not opposed to editing non-fiction, memoirs, or other fiction genres, but please reach out via the form on this page with your book’s specifics so I can see if I am the best fit for your project. If I am not, I am always happy to recommend other editors I know and trust who may have more experience in your genre or subject matter.

I will not edit erotica or novels with similar graphic content. Please don’t ask.

I really want you to endorse my novel. Will you endorse it after editing?

I make it a general rule not to endorse novels I have edited. I am willing to consider endorsing a novel by a current client, but only one that I have not personally edited. If you are seeking an endorsement from me, please visit my contact page. I ask that all endorsements be submitted through my agent, Steve Laube.

How long does it take you to finish a project?

Turnaround time depends on the length of your manuscript as well as the genre. A sweet contemporary YA romance at 60K words will take less time than a 100K high fantasy novel. Please contact me via the form at the bottom of this page for any questions regarding scheduling or turnaround times.

Can I send you my single-spaced, 10 pt. manuscript in Comic Sans font with quarter-inch margins as a Google doc?

No. All manuscripts or chapters must be formatted to match industry standards prior to submission. This means a double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, Microsoft Word document with 1-inch margins. Anything else will be returned to you for reformatting prior to project commencement.

What happens if I am dissatisfied with the service I receive?

I do my best to ensure my clients are happy with any service I provide, and I work hard to customize my services based on your needs. Unfortunately, even if you are dissatisfied with my work, I am unable to provide refunds. All sales are final as my services are for labor and time and not for a physical, returnable product. If you are unhappy at any time, please communicate with me and we will address how best to right the situation.

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READY TO GET STARTED OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY SERVICES? PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA THE FORM BELOW.

Please include:

• Genre
• Word count
• Target audience
• 1-paragraph “blurb” (similar to back-cover copy) telling me what the story is about
• Whether you are inquiring after a content edit or a first-chapter critique
• The timeframe you are seeking to have the edit done (i.e. summer 2024)