With my Christian book editing services and Christian book coaching, you can transform your manuscript into a masterpiece.
As a writer, you have devoted hours of hard work to crafting the story of your heart. And now it’s time to take the next step in your writing journey:
The dreadful editing process.
You’ve heard horror stories from authors who have shared their experiences of working with a harsh editor. Perhaps this professional tore the manuscript to shreds—and that person’s author dreams along with it.
That doesn’t need to be your experience.
My heart, as an editor, is not to destroy your dreams. It’s to help you see those dreams come to pass. And in today’s industry, hiring an editor is a vital step in preparing a manuscript for publication.
It doesn’t matter whether you desire to take the traditional publication route or the indie route. I am a Christian book editor who is here to transform your fiction or non-fiction manuscript into a masterpiece.
That way, you will be one step closer to watching those author dreams become a reality.
My goal, as a Christian manuscript editor & Christian book coach, is to respect your publishing dreams and your unique author voice.
As an author myself, I know it can be daunting to entrust your precious manuscript into the hands of a stranger.
How can you trust that this editor will grasp your vision for the book? Or what if you receive a manuscript back that is totally unrecognizable from the original?
Don’t worry … I know the feeling.
That’s why, as a Christian book editor, I only edit manuscripts with pink ink instead of red (because it’s far less intimidating).
I will treat your project with the care it deserves.
I will make suggestions to enhance your voice, strengthen your craft, and cut away the clutter.
That way, when you receive your edits, you will fall even more in love with your novel—and perhaps your dream agent or publisher will too.
My name is Tessa, and I am a Christian manuscript editor and coach. I have a heart for working with authors and helping them launch their writing careers.
I have worked in the publishing industry for over a decade in various roles—an author, a literary agent, an acquisition editor, and a freelance editor for publishing houses.
For the past several years, I have taught writing classes at conferences across the country.
This experience has given me a unique perspective in my approach to book projects. It’s my goal to stay true to an author’s vision, yes—but my suggestions are also intended to transform the manuscript into a marketable product as well.
Because let’s face it:
You’ve invested hours upon hours (upon hours) into writing the manuscript.
Don’t you think the book deserves the best chance at appealing to today’s market?
"To be or not to be a writer was the question and Tessa Emily Hall was and is and always will be the answer. She has given me the tools, guidance and support to overcome my fears and embrace the inner artist within. For this I will forever be in her debt."
STEPHEN SMITH
Here’s how I can help.
See below for more details about my Christian book editing services and my Christian book coaching services.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not interested in working on manuscripts in the following genres: fantasy, Children's picture/board books, Erotica fiction, horror, or poetry. My specialty genre is contemporary—particularly in the YA and MG markets.
Christian Manuscript Editing Services
Manuscript Read-through + Critique Letter
$12 per 1000 words
The perfect option for those who need direction on how to improve the manuscript and prepare it for publication. In my critique letter, I will provide feedback on big-picture elements such as story structure and character arc, as well as tips on the small-scale elements—word choice, dialogue, description, etc.
In-Depth Line Edit
$19 per 1000 words*
You’ve done the hard work of writing. Now let me add the extra polish and shine to ensure the manuscript is ready for the public. In this line-by-line edit, I will provide an in-depth edit on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, point-of-view, dialogue, description, and other small-scale elements. For non-fiction, I check for issues concerning language, trite expressions, sentence structure, wordiness, quotes, and preachiness, among other issues. (I recommend this edit after the content edits are complete. This edit is not to be confused with a proofread.)
Complete Manuscript Critique
$14 per 1000 words
In addition to a critique letter, I will also provide comments along the margins of your manuscript and make specific suggestions for improvement. These suggestions will attempt to strengthen plot structure, scene structure, characterization, and dialogue, as well as smaller-scale issues.
Content Edits
$22 per 1000 words*
Ensure that the big-picture pieces of your story are intact before releasing the manuscript to the public. In this edit, I will provide a detailed editorial letter that overviews the following: story structure, character development, character arc (inner and external), theme, scene structure, conflict resolution, and others. For non-fiction, I review your work for clarity, tone, voice, manuscript structure and presentation, organization, accuracy, creativity, manuscript format, topic, focus, and other issues. This type of edit is recommended before the in-depth line edit.
*Or you can purchase a bundle of the line and content edits together for $38 per 1000 words.
Additional Editing Services:
Query/Cover Letter Critique: $60 per 250 words
Book Proposal Critique (excluding sample chapters and query/cover letter): $200
Query + Proposal Critique (excluding sample chapters): $240
Story Synopsis: $70 per 500 words
“When I hired Tessa, I thought I was investing in my manuscript, but what I actually did was invest in my writing career. I was hungry to take my craft to the next level, and she went above and beyond in helping me do that. If you’re like me—wondering what the missing piece is in your writing—then I encourage you to invest like I did.”
BENJAMIN MCKIM
Christian Book Coaching Services
The writing journey can feel overwhelming and intimidating at times. But it doesn’t need to. If you aren’t sure where to start or what to do next to bring you closer to your dreams, I can help.
In my coaching calls, I will provide you with a personalized plan on how you can reach that next milestone and break through any setbacks. These training sessions are conducted via Zoom. I will share industry knowledge and guidance catered to fit your specific needs. Before the coaching call(s) take place, you will receive a free 15-minute phone call so I can hear and understand how to better serve you on these video calls.
Career Jumpstart
$150 for a 2-hour video call
These days, it’s not enough to simply write a book and call it a day. If we hope to sell our books—whether that is to an agent, publisher, or even just to our readers—then we must present our books and brand in a marketable fashion. In this session, I will show you what to do after writing the book to increase your chances of becoming a published author (and actually selling your book).
Submission Prep
$100 for a 1-hour video call
You’ve done the hard part and have written the book. Now it’s time to take the plunge into the daunting waters of publishing. Are you ready to dive in?
In this call, we will examine the submission materials you have on hand and determine the next steps you can take to better prepare yourself for the submission process—whether you plan to submit to literary agents or acquisition editors. I will look at your materials and offer feedback on how you can strengthen your query letter and proposal to increase chances of representation and/or publication. You only have one shot at this submission, so let’s make it count!
Sharpen Your Craft
$350 for 4 1-hour video calls
You have what it takes to bring your manuscript from first-draft quality to professional. These coaching calls are designed to guide you through the process of adding polish to your manuscript.
In these calls, I will review your opening chapters and help to identify your unique gift as a writer. But I will also challenge you to rise to the next level. The writing techniques we discuss will vary and will be personalized based on your current needs. Some of the techniques we may discuss include: how to show instead of tell, how to draw readers into the opening of your book, how to craft description without slowing down the story pace, etc. You will come away from these calls equipped with the techniques that will allow your writing to shine (even more than it already does, of course).
Branding Makeover
$150 for a 2-hour video call
Having a sustainable career as an author in today’s publishing landscape involves more than merely writing books. We must also clearly communicate our brand if we hope to build a sustainable long-term career and market our books to agents, publishers, and readers.
In this session, we will take a close look at the genre you write, your personality, your uniqueness, and your author goals. From there, we will brainstorm possible ideas for your brand and how you can clearly communicate this brand in the books you write, your website, and your social media presence.
Conference Ready
$100 for a 1-hour video call
Writing conferences provide the perfect opportunity for writers to pitch their manuscripts to agents and publishers. The conference needs to be worth the investment, wouldn’t you agree?
In this session, I will share tips and tricks on how you can maximize your conference experience and make the most of each day—whether it’s a one-day conference or a five-day conference. I will give you pointers on how to approach the appointments and what materials you should bring. We will also discuss how you can overcome fear, build connections, choose your classes, choose the faculty members to pitch to, etc. Let me help you make the most of this opportunity. Who knows? It could be the very conference to spark a turning point in your writing career!
Build Your Own
Coaching Call
$100 for a 1-hour video call
Don’t see a coaching package here that meets your needs? No worries! Shoot me an email and let me know what you’re looking for. We can then design a customized coaching package that brings you closer to your goals.
“Having Tessa edit my piece was a joy. She gave critique gently, but was to the point. It helped me see my work in another light, and also helped me to grow stronger as a writer.”
AMIE ANNE
“I hired Tessa to help me with my synopsis. I was so impressed with her work and deep understanding of the writing process that I hired her to critique my novel. She has a gift for teaching, and her advice has been invaluable in taking my novel to the next level. I'm so thankful for her mentorship and insight.”
“Tessa is very easy to work with. She keeps her deadlines very well. She helped me write and edit my new book for the past three months. I was concerned she might change the content in the process. But she was able to adjust the style significantly without affecting the ideas; instead, she enhanced them with great clarity. That is talent. She can transform a piece of writing from boring and dry to captivating. She also wrote some marketing ads for Amazon and social media and edited my bio. She has a great understanding of marketing, as she finds the best combination of searchable keywords and sprinkles them into descriptive terms. I strongly recommend Tessa to anybody who wants to improve or enhance their communication through writing, whether it's a book, an article, an ad, or other marketing materials.”
Razvan Balotescu, MD, author & photographer
"Tessa took a look at the opening chapters of my current project. I was hoping for help in removing my 'weasel words' with minimal revising. Not only did she help me spot these weak expressions and recommend fixes, but she also flagged numerous places where I was telling instead of showing. I thought I understood what telling was, but she helped me grow to a new level of understanding and made my writing shine in a whole new way. She was great to work with, and if I need help down the road, I know who to call. I highly recommend Tessa's services."
Adam Blumer, suspense author of Fatal Illusions and The Tenth PlagueChanning Lee
“Tessa’s helpful critiques and suggestions were invaluable to me as I edited my story. She not only looked at my story with a critical eye, but she also encouraged me greatly. I highly recommend her services!
MICAIAH SALDANA
Portfolio of Published Books I’ve Edited
“Tessa’s edits are both practical and encouraging. Her understanding of overall structure as well granular detail will bless experienced and inexperienced writers alike. While some editors give muddled and confusing suggestions, Tessa’s feedback is clear and helpful.”
Kaitlyn Donihue
I look forward to helping you launch your author dreams!
Let me know your editing and/or coaching needs and I will be sure to get back to you ASAP. Thanks!