With my Christian book editing services and Christian book coaching, you can transform your manuscript into a masterpiece.

You’ve poured countless hours into crafting the story on your heart. Now it’s time to take the next step in your writing journey:

Editing.

Perhaps you’ve heard horror stories about harsh editors who tore apart manuscripts—and along with them, an author’s dreams.

But that doesn’t need to be your experience.

My heart as an editor is not to destroy your dreams but to help them come to life. In today’s publishing world, hiring an editor is a vital step to prepare your manuscript for publication, whether you pursue traditional publishing or indie publishing.

As a Christian book editor, I am here to help transform your fiction or nonfiction manuscript into a polished, compelling masterpiece.

That way, you will be one step closer to watching those author dreams become a reality.


“I loved working with Tessa. She provided valuable insight into the structure of my book. She believed in the project, and her time and attention in reviewing it have helped me make it stronger. I thank God for bringing me to this kind and knowledgeable woman who uses her gifts to also bless the gifts of others.”

Elizabeth Wilson


My goal as a Christian manuscript editor is to honor your publishing dreams while preserving your unique author voice.

Christian book editor
 

As an author myself, I know how daunting it can feel to hand your precious manuscript over to someone else.

Will they understand your vision? Will your manuscript come back unrecognizable?


Don’t worry … I know the feeling.

That’s why, as a Christian book editor, I approach editing with care—and pink ink instead of red (because it’s far less intimidating).

My goal is to enhance your voice, strengthen your craft, and clear away clutter so your message shines.

I want you to fall even more in love with your manuscript—and I hope your dream agent or publisher will too.

My name is Tessa.

I’m a Christian manuscript editor and book coach with a heart for helping authors launch their writing careers.

For over a decade, I’ve worked in publishing as an author, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and freelance editor for publishing houses. I’ve also taught writing classes at conferences across the country.

This experience has given me a unique perspective: I respect your vision, but I also help shape your manuscript into a marketable product that can stand out in today’s publishing landscape.

Because let’s face it:

You’ve invested hours upon hours (upon hours) into your book.

So let’s give it the best chance to connect with readers and shine in the 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.

Explore my Christian book editing and coaching services below to discover how we can take your manuscript—and your writing career—to the next level.

PLEASE NOTE: I do not accept manuscripts in the following genres: fantasy, children’s picture/board books, erotica, horror, or poetry. My specialty is contemporary fiction, particularly in the YA and MG markets.

Christian Manuscript Editing Services

Editorial Assessment

$0.03 per word

This is the perfect option if you want a clear roadmap for revision. You will receive a comprehensive critique letter covering big-picture elements such as plot, pacing, character development, and overall structure (or narrative flow and organization for nonfiction). I will also include in-manuscript margin comments with targeted suggestions to improve word choice, dialogue, scene execution, and other small-scale details.

 

In-Depth Line Edit

$0.04 per word

You’ve done the hard work of writing—now let me help your manuscript shine. This line-by-line edit covers grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, point of view, dialogue, description, and other smalle-scale elements. For nonfiction, I also check for clarity, wordiness, trite expressions, and tone. (Recommended after content edits. Please note this is not a proofread.)

Proofreading 

$0.04 per word

A final proofread is essential before submitting your manuscript or sending it to publication. This step helps catch lingering typos, punctuation errors, and formatting issues that may have slipped through during earlier rounds of editing. I recommend adding proofreading after all other edits are complete. (While I don’t offer proofreading services myself, I partner with a trusted proofreader who provides this service at a discounted rate when bundled with my edits. See the “Bundle Package” below.)

Content Edits

$0.06 per word

Before publication, it’s crucial to ensure the big-picture elements are solid. You’ll receive a detailed editorial letter covering story structure, character development, theme, scene structure, and conflict resolution. For nonfiction, I review tone, clarity, organization, creativity, manuscript structure, etc. This edit is recommended before a line edit.

 

Substantive Edit

$0.08 - $0.10 per word 

Is your nonfiction manuscript still a work in progress? If it needs hands-on support to fully bring your vision to life, a substantive edit may be just what you're looking for. In this edit, I will offer in-depth guidance on structure, clarity, and presentation, along with support in reshaping or reorganizing your content for maximum impact. This type of edit goes beyond surface-level suggestions. I will work closely with your material to help strengthen your message, flow, and overall readability—rewriting sections if necessary to improve clarity and engagement. Please note that I currently offer substantive edits for nonfiction manuscripts only. Final pricing is based on the complexity of the project and the level of editorial involvement required.

Bundle Package:
All-in-One Edit
Content Editing, Line Editing, & Proofreading

This all-in-one editing bundle weaves together structure, style, and polish—ensuring your book is clear, compelling, and ready for the market.

  • Short manuscripts (under 40,000 words): $0.12/word

  • Full-length manuscripts (40,000 words or more): $0.11/word

Additional Editing Services:

Query/Cover Letter Critique: $100 per 250 words

Book Proposal Critique (excluding sample chapters and query/cover letter): $300

Query + Proposal Critique (excluding sample chapters): $350

Story Synopsis: $150 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 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start or what to do next, I’d love to help guide you.

My coaching calls include a personalized plan to help you reach your next milestone and overcome setbacks. Each session is conducted via Zoom and tailored to your needs.

 
 

Career Jumpstart

$200 for a 2-hour video call

Writing a book is just the beginning. In this session, you will learn how to position your book and author brand for marketability—whether pitching to an agent, publisher, or directly to readers.

Sharpen Your Craft

$500 for 4 one-hour video calls

Transform your manuscript from first-draft quality to professional. We will review your opening chapters, identify your unique strengths as a writer, and explore personalized techniques, such as showing vs. telling, crafting engaging openings, and writing vivid descriptions that maintain pace.

Conference Ready

$150 for a 1-hour video call

Writing conferences are valuable opportunities to pitch your work and build connections. Learn how to prepare, approach appointments, and overcome nerves to maximize your conference experience and investment.

Build Your Own
Coaching Call

$150 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 session to address your specific goals and challenges on your writing journey.

 

“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

Author Marketing Copy

You’ve done the hard part—writing the book. Now it’s time to share it with the world. But to truly connect with your target readers, you need more than just a finished manuscript; you need the right words to present it well.

As a certified copywriter with experience writing marketing copy for both publishers and self-published authors, I would love to help you position your book in a way that captures attention and sparks interest.

 

Back Cover Blurb
(Most Popular)

 A great story can go unnoticed if the blurb doesn’t do it justice. Whether you're self-publishing or submitting to agents, a strong back cover blurb is one of the most important pieces of your book’s success.

Let me help you craft a concise, compelling summary that draws in your target reader—without giving away spoilers—and highlights exactly why they need to read your book. Available for both fiction and nonfiction projects.

I also offer marketing copy for:

  • Author Ads

  • Email Sequences

  • Book Sales Pages

Please reach out for pricing or to discuss a custom package that fits your marketing needs.

 

“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.”

Kay Em Ellis

“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

“Working with Tessa has been an absolute pleasure! Tessa is a very professional, authentic and talented editor. She was able to help me refine my thoughts and how I conveyed them; she challenged me to become a better writer.  Her guidance and experience was just what I needed for my project. I am eternally grateful to have worked with Tessa.”

Mary Coleman


"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

“Thank you, Tessa, for doing an outstanding job of editing my children’s chapter book, UFO February, in a concise and timely manner. You had remarkable insight into the storyline and characters. I was pleased with your editing skills and was able to take your edits and make the book so much better in every way.”

C.A. Hartnell


 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not necessarily. While I prefer to work with manuscripts that are clean and align with values I support, I am open to discussing projects that fit within that framework. Please contact me for more details.

  • I do not accept manuscripts in fantasy, children’s picture or board books, erotica, horror, or poetry. My specialty lies in nonfiction and contemporary fiction, especially within the Young Adult (YA) and Middle Grade (MG) markets.

  • Absolutely! My preferred plan is half the payment due upon signing the contract and the remaining half at the project midpoint. However, I am happy to work with authors to create a payment schedule that fits their needs.

  • I generally book projects 1 - 2 months in advance, sometimes longer during busy seasons. Please contact me to discuss current availability and timelines.

  • Yes! I offer a discount on the all-in-one editing bundle, plus a 10% discount for returning clients.

  • Because of the volume of projects I take on, I typically book 1 - 2 months ahead. I encourage you to reach out early to secure your spot. For some projects, I may offer a rush option with an additional fee, depending on the edit type and workload. Please contact me to discuss.

  • Yes, I offer sample line edits up to 1,000 words. Reach out for more information.

  • Yes, a $300 deposit is required to secure your spot on my editing calendar. This deposit is credited toward your final invoice.

  • Payments are processed through HoneyBook. Exceptions can be made for international clients—please contact me if that applies to you.

  • Absolutely. You will have at least two weeks to apply content edits before we move to line edits, and additional time after line edits before the proofreading stage.

  • Editing is a detailed, thoughtful process that requires adequate time to ensure high-quality feedback. I want to provide more than just corrections—I aim to help you grow as a writer. Rushing compromises quality, so I prioritize careful, attentive work over speed.

  • I can help format manuscripts for publisher submissions but do not currently offer self-publishing formatting services. I recommend hiring a professional for that stage.

  • I no longer offer free phone consultations prior to booking. While I enjoy connecting with authors, phone calls can take significant time away from editing. I am always happy to answer questions via email, and I offer free sample line edits (up to 1,000 words) to help you evaluate my work.

  • I’m happy to review and edit back cover blurbs if that service is included in your package. However, I do not provide professional feedback on visual marketing materials like cover art. Regarding publishing advice, I enjoy supporting authors with resources and guidance, but my primary focus as an editor is on shaping your manuscript rather than serving as an agent or author coach.

  • If my services are beyond your budget, you might consider freelance platforms like Fiverr for more affordable options. I set my rates based on my experience and the time I devote to each project to ensure quality results. Lowering my rates would force me to take on more work than I can carefully manage, which could compromise the quality you deserve. Returning clients do receive a 10% discount as a thank-you for their loyalty.

  • Once you fill out the inquiry form, I will respond within 1 - 3 business days. We will discuss your project, your editing needs, my availability, and provide an estimate. Then we can move forward from there!

 
 
 

“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

“Working with Tessa Hall was a joy and very easy, as she worked with me and was a pleasure to talk to.”

CHRISTIAN DUBOSE

“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!

My editing calendar is typically booked one to two months in advance; however, feel free to reach out about availability. If you need a fast turnaround, I also offer a rush rate for select projects.

Please note that I do not offer free phone consultations at this time. If you would like, I am happy to provide a free sample edit of your manuscript before we move forward.

Let me know your editing or coaching needs, and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!