Whether your book is still just a spark of an idea or you’re holding a full manuscript draft, it can be hard to know what comes next. As an author whose self-published debut was acquired by a traditional publisher—and who’s now published four books traditionally—I understand every step of that uncertainty. As an editor, I’ve worked across all publishing models and specialize in developmental guidance that helps you clarify your message, strengthen your structure, and tell your story in the most powerful way possible. No matter where you’re starting, I can help you shape a book that aligns with your voice, your vision, and your publishing goals.
Book Consulting, Book Development, and Developmental Editing
As an author, editor, and experienced coach, I meet you wherever you are—at the starting line, deep in the writing process, or ready for a deep-dive developmental edit that brings your manuscript into focus and prepares it for its next step.
Book Consult
Do you have a book idea stuck in your head but you don’t know how to go about developing it?
Are you unsure if you want to pursue self-publishing, traditional publishing, or hybrid options?
Do you have a partial manuscript written, but you feel stuck because you don’t have a plan for it?
Are you unsure of the questions you should even be asking right now to figure it out?
I can help with that. With many years in marketing and development, I can talk you through your options and make sure you leave the consult with clear next steps. I know the benefits and drawbacks of varying types of publishing, and can help you make your decision based on your individual goals and strengths. I can talk you through how to proceed with your idea or manuscript, from what professionals you’ll need to how to market your book yourself.
This is the perfect session for someone who doesn’t quite know what the future of their book holds, but they know it needs to be out there.
$225/90min
"Ora was extremely knowledgeable and supportive. She helped me understand next steps toward publishing, gave valuable feedback on my writing, and helped me see the bigger picture for my book and author brand. The session left me feeling motivated, focused, and excited to keep going."
— Romantasy author Ravenna Snow
Book Development
(before you write it)
Before you even sit down to write a single chapter, we build the foundation your book needs to succeed — creatively, emotionally, and commercially. Book Development is a collaborative, guided process where we shape your concept, your voice, and your outline with intention, clarity, and market awareness.
This is the stage where we transform your idea from “something I want to write someday” into a fully developed book blueprint that feels aligned, meaningful, and built to sell.
Most writers skip this step, which is why they get stuck halfway through their draft, end up rewriting entire sections later, or having no idea what to do with their manuscript once they’ve written it. Book Development ensures you start with deep clarity: who the book is for, why it matters, how it stands out, and how to write it in a way that is both creatively fulfilling and strategically positioned for the marketplace.
Through a blend of editorial insight, narrative and story architecture, emotional attunement, and market strategy, we craft the soul and the spine of your book at the same time. Together, we’ll identify your ideal reader, carve out your place in the market, shape your narrative or teaching arc, and calibrate your author voice so that it resonates authentically while meeting your genre’s expectations. By the end, you’ll have a complete chapter-by-chapter outline, specific marketing guidance, and a clear, doable writing plan — a roadmap that makes drafting intuitive instead of overwhelming.
Full package ranges from $2,800-$4,200 depending on manuscript type, scope, and chosen add-ons. Expect a timeline of 8-10 weeks of guided work.
*Book Proposal Assistance for non-fiction genres also available.
“Working with Ora was such a breath of fresh air—what she offers is different from any other business coach I’ve encountered. Instead of trying to squeeze me into some random biz dev framework, she helped me create a plan to reach my goals that was based on my own unique gifts and challenges as a sensitive wild soul.
Ora has a special gift for cutting through analysis paralysis with a joyfully clear sword of insight. And while there are few reliable shortcuts to success, I can’t deny that her no-BS approach delivers results. With her support I was able to make the pivot that I needed, so I could hold an even stronger container for the high-level transformation and creative flow of my clients. I was frequently surprised by the genius of her intuitive and emotional intelligence, but also her savvy when it comes down to more practical business matters. It's been a lot of fun, and I've also been able to preserve more of my own energy so that I can keep showing up strong every day. I’m grateful beyond words…I’d work with her again in a heartbeat.”
— Satya Colombo, author and transformational coach
Developmental Editing
(after you’ve written your manuscript)
This is a full deep-dive manuscript review and developmental edit (sometimes also called a content edit). This is a necessary step for every manuscript as you need professional eyes outside of your story to make sure your narrative works, whether you’re getting ready to self-publish or pitch to agents and publishers. My specialty genres are self-help, how-tos, and memoirs, but I love reading and editing fiction as well.
Things I am looking at:
· The arc and narrative of your manuscript. Are you closing loops that you introduced? Are you developing and unfolding the elements of your book that your reader is invested in?
· Your writing style and consistency, your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and when and how to address both.
· The actual structure of the book. Does it make sense? Does it bring the reader on a naturally evolving journey?
· Your relationship to your ideal reader in your book. Are you hitting the marketing points that your ideal reader will respond to? Are you staying consistent and faithful to your readers? Are you delivering on your promises?
· Are you starting and ending your chapters in an engaging way? Are you utilizing formatting and storytelling devices?
· Overall, what works? What doesn’t work? How can you change what doesn’t work into what does?
I will be using track changes and making comments throughout in the margins of your document as well as providing 8-10 pages of high-level feedback and notes.
*While I do make note of some grammar patterns and other issues (you’ll see these kinds of edits made in track changes), this is not a copyedit. The developmental edit is big picture and content-focused. If you’re not sure about the types of editing you need, check out my blog here to learn more.
Price varies—starts at $1,800 for a 50K word manuscript and goes up based on length and scope of manuscript.
[Contact me if you’re a publisher or service provider looking to add contractor editors to your team, as different terms and rates apply for long-term clients.]
“Ora is an exceptional developmental editor, and the depth of her thinking consistently elevates the manuscripts she works on. She has a sharp instinct for narrative and structure—she sees where a book is flowing naturally, where it loses momentum, and what needs to be strengthened so the reader stays fully engaged from beginning to end. She’s especially skilled at helping authors clarify their voice, tighten their message, and ensure the book delivers on what it promises to the reader.
One thing I really value about Ora’s work is how holistic her feedback is. She is excellent at breaking down how the book functions as a whole, including its arc, its structure, its relationship with the ideal reader, and its long-term impact. Her guidance is thoughtful, honest, and deeply respectful of the author’s vision, while still holding the work to a high standard. Our authors report feeling seen, supported, and challenged by her feedback. She’s a trusted partner in shaping books that are not only well written, but purposeful, cohesive, and genuinely compelling. Ora is a top-notch developmental editor and an awesome human, and I would recommend her for any project without hesitation.”
— Elissa Graeser, Head of Books and Author Impact at Book Launchers