Do you have a fabulous book idea inside you? Are you a professional who dreams of signing books after a speaking engagement or having that orange Amazon #1 bestseller flag next to your book to elevate your personal brand in your industry? Are you an author who lacks time to produce promotional stories? Are you dissuaded from your publishing dreams because you've heard the apprenticeship period for authors is nine years and a million words?

If you're trying to build the message of your heart and share it with the world, we'll make a great team.

I specialize but am not exclusive to the following genres: romance, mainstream, literary, thriller/suspense, fantasy, memoir and select self-help and business. Word counts range from short stories to epic multi-book series. I typically do not take on projects where I must match an author's voice within the same project. 

Fees are flat rate, usually with payable milestones upon delivery. Rates are calculated based upon estimated hours to completion at $75/hr. I typically remain booked 3-6 months or more in advance.

Are you looking for an editor who can bring out the best in your manuscript? I’ve spent 16 years helping writers like you—both seasoned pros and emerging voices—transform their stories into truly compelling books. With a knack for developmental edits, I specialize in finding what’s missing on the page, deconstructing plots that aren’t quite there yet, and shaping your work into a seamless narrative. Whether your project needs a top-down plot evaluation, a deeper character dive, or focused line edits and proofreading, my approach is warm, friendly, and thorough, guiding your book to its full potential.

Though I will edit all genres, I tend to focus on a handful of publishing lanes that allow me to bring my best insights and strengths to your work: romance, women’s fiction, suspense and thriller, business nonfiction, and memoir. These are areas I know deeply, with a strong sense of what makes each genre captivating for readers. I understand the subtle nuances of these genres - from the emotional stakes in a romance or women’s fiction novel to the gripping tension in a thriller to the structured impact of a business nonfiction book. With this expertise, I’ll help you refine your manuscript to resonate with your target audience.

I offer flat-rate fees based on word count or project, ensuring there are no surprises for your budget. 

Developmental Edits:

Under 40,000 words - $ 500

40,000 - 75,000 words - $ 700

75,000 - 100,000 words - $ 900

Over 100,000 words - $ 1100

Line Edits:

Under 40,000 words - $ 450

40,000 - 75,000 words - $ 650

75,000 - 100,000 words - $ 850

Over 100,000 words - $ 1000

I also offer partial edits if you want to focus on specific sections or try my services without committing to a full project right away. My services range from developmental edits to line editing and proofreading, so you can get targeted feedback exactly where it’s needed, whether it’s fine-tuning certain plot points or polishing your prose. All edits include two passes plus an extensive editorial letter and a 1-hour video chat for follow up, Q&A, or coaching on techniques or craft.

For those looking for a comprehensive yet affordable option, a manuscript evaluation might be the right fit for you. With this option, I read your entire manuscript without Track change redlining or comment bubbles but deliver an intensive editorial letter highlighting the narrative's strengths, areas for growth, and overall feedback. You'll also have a follow-up call to discuss my insights and clarify any questions you may have. It's a perfect, low-cost way to ensure we're a great team.

All word count lengths: $300

***FREE sample edits of a manuscript's first 5 pages available upon request***

Are you ready to discuss your project? Fill out my contact form, and I'll be in touch soon!

Need help beyond words? No time to take your project from manuscript to release?

I have assembled a top-notch team of professionals to do the heavy lifting of self-publishing for you. As your project lead, I'll work closely with you on essential, impactful decisions. Those thousand-and-one tiny decisions that creep up with self-publishing? I'll tackle those with my expert team so your valuable time is protected. Whether you need editing, proofreading, cover art, formatting, uploading, cover copy, inside book matter, or market strategizing using the latest Amazon data, I will ensure your book is in great hands, conception to publication, so that you're free to go out into the world and be your brilliant self.

For clients who want to learn to self-publish, Amazon or wide, and need that one-on-one instruction, a 3-hour session is the perfect length of time together. We'll talk goals, your target market, then go over a personalized checklist tailored to your project's needs, and some shared-screen help. Client is responsible for executing item lists, uploading, and publishing when instruction ends. $199.

For clients who want a book loaded onto one or more platforms but don't have the time or inclination to tackle the hundreds of decisions inherent to self-publishing, we'll talk goals and marketing and you're free to move on with the other important tasks of life and career. Look forward to periodic meetings and emailed progress, live assistance as you upload, as well as critical decision support about your project brought to you in a timely manner in this full-service offering. $995.

Why audio?

The more important question is why not?

Audiobooks are the next-level barrier to entry in self-publishing. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is saturated with thousands of uploads each day. You've already done the hard work of releasing a book. Without an audiobook, you're leaving cash on the table. Audiobooks help you reach a new and more affluent audience where there's less competition for their purchasing power. And there's nothing quite like the personal, private narration from author to listener to increase your fan base. Not everyone has the equipment or wishes to learn this side of publishing, and hiring a voice actor is cost-prohibitive for most writers.

Personalized Narrative Sessions include specialized training on how to narrate your content effectively, recording sessions, full audio edits, adaptation of cover art for audiobook by a graphic artist, and live assistance as you upload to your desired audio platform. Let me come to you. Domestic US -$2999.00. International additional fee.

Are you interested in a group discount? Let's have a narration retreat! I'll come to a location of your choice. Everything in the personalized narrative sessions is included. Up to four authors. $2000.00 per author. Email me (la-mitchell@la-mitchell.com) for additional information.

One-on-one writing coaching available (and affordable!) through my Buy me a coffee platform's shop button.