Currently accepting new clients for August–September 2026. Limited editorial openings available.

Editorial Strategy for Commercial Fiction Writers

Clear, actionable insight into what is working in your manuscript, what is not, and how readers are actually experiencing the story on the page.

USA Today Bestselling Author • Former Associate Literary Agent • 20+ Years in Publishing • Developmental Fiction Specialist

Explore Editorial Services

I work with fiction writers who want precise, structural feedback that goes beyond surface-level critique. My focus is helping you understand how your manuscript functions for the reader and where changes will improve clarity, pacing, tension, and narrative impact.

Genres I Work With

Mystery and suspense

Thrillers

Romance (all subgenres)

Women’s fiction

Upmarket commercial fiction

Editorial Services

Services are structured from entry-level diagnostic feedback through full developmental editing. Each tier is designed to match where you are in your revision process.

Reader Experience Audit

Big-picture assessment of pacing, clarity, emotional engagement, and narrative momentum across your manuscript.

$450 – $850

Based on manuscript length

Editorial Manuscript Critique

Structural analysis of plot progression, character motivation, escalation, and reader trust.

$950 – $1,550

Based on manuscript length

Developmental Editing

Scene-level editorial feedback with a full revision roadmap tailored to your manuscript.

$0.04 per word

Example: 80,000 words = $3,200

Novel Coaching

Ongoing support for drafting and revision with structured editorial guidance and accountability.

$225 – $375 / month

Minimum 3-month commitment

What My Editorial Feedback Looks Like

My feedback focuses on how readers experience your story, not just what is happening on the page, but how meaning, tension, and clarity are constructed across scenes.

“The manuscript reads like a procedural for most of its length, but shifts in tone later create a disconnect in reader expectation.”
“Genre expectations are established early. When they shift later in the narrative, readers need preparation or the transition feels abrupt.”
“The goal is not to reveal outcomes early, but to sustain tension through escalation and consequence in every scene.”

What Clients Say

“My work is exponentially better because of Alexa’s input.” Carol Potenza — Tony Hillerman Prize Winner
“She preserves voice while strengthening structure and emotional impact.” Michael Gorton — #1 Bestselling Author
“Her feedback is clear, precise, and immediately actionable.” Tracey Mitchell

Who This Is For

Strong fit if you:

Have a completed manuscript draft

Are ready for revision-level editorial feedback

Write commercial fiction for readers

Not a fit if you:

Need proofreading or copyediting

Want guaranteed publication or representation

Are not prepared to revise your manuscript

How It Works

Inquiry

Fit assessment

Booking

Editorial review

Revision roadmap

Availability

I take on a limited number of editorial clients each month to ensure focused, high-quality feedback.

August–September 2026 openings are currently available.

Email: alexa@alexapadgett.com

Start Your Inquiry