If you have a finished draft of a manuscript and are looking for editorial feedback, I offer a variety of editorial services:
Developmental editing
A Developmental Edit (DE) evaluates every aspect of your writing, from overall structure, organization, and style, to words, sentences, punctuation, and grammar. I look at all the major elements of craft, including plot, structure, voice, POV, setting, character, dialogue, pacing, stakes, and theme. I provide in-line editorial notes on your manuscript as well as an extensive long-form editorial letter. This letter summarizes my thoughts and provides you with in-depth comments on a chapter-by-chapter basis. A DE includes a revision strategy and a live hour-long Q&A session.
Editorial assessments
An Editorial Assessment (EA) evaluates the big picture issues in your manuscript, especially in relation to the major elements of craft. I look for what’s working and what’s not and provide guidance on how to approach your revision. Also included is a short-form editorial letter, which summarizes my thoughts and provides examples when necessary. EAs are perfect for writers who aren’t ready to commit to a full Developmental Edit. An EA comes with an editorial letter, a revision strategy, and a live 45-minute Q&A session.
Line editing
Manuscripts that have already undergone editorial evaluation and extensive revision are usually ready for line edits. A line edit focuses on readability, word choice, tone, style, and use-of-language at the sentence and paragraph level. When performing a line edit, I help you say what you want to say, clearly and concisely. I fix confusing passages, eliminate cliches, discard vague references and misused words, resolve punctuation and grammatical errors, smooth out shifts in tone, and tighten dialogue. Marked-up manuscripts are returned to the writer, who can accept or reject changes.
Query critique
When you’re ready to submit your work to agents or editors, you’ll need a great query letter. We’ll work together, focusing on format, content, and delivery. I help you highlight your work so that it appeals to industry gatekeepers. A Query Critique includes up to 4 edits/revisions.
My rates are competitive, yet value-priced. For editorial work, I often book months in advance, as my editorial calendar fills quickly. For more information, please reach out.
“Danielle Sunshine is a conscientious and creative editor with a deep knowledge of craft. She is one of those rare mentors who can simultaneously support and challenge an author to bring out the best in a story.”
—Ashley Walker, PhD, MFA, author of Music Mavens: 15 Women of Note in the Industry
“Whether it is in your life, career, or simply a passion, there are moments when…someone genuinely sees you, knowing who you are and why what you do is so incredibly important to you, that is a gift beyond measure. Danielle is that gift. From day one, she has never tried to change the writer I am, but has encouraged, dare I say even pushed me, to be the best version of myself. Her critiques are never discouraging but rather aha moments that not only teach but stay with you in future projects. I don’t know where I would be today as a writer without her. If you are looking to start your writing journey or maybe make a shift in your writing journey, there is no one I could recommend more highly than Danielle Sunshine. I am always so proud to list her as a contributor on each of my books.”
— Kristen J. Anderson, author of the Lorelei the Lorelei chapter book series