Coaching and Editing Services
Story coaching, developmental editing, substantive and line editing, copy editing, my work portfolio and author reviews, and some FAQs. Come work with me!
Who I am:
Fallon Clark: Hybrid Publisher at The Novel Nest, Managing Editor at MetaStellar Magazine, Freelance Editor, and Author
I’m a Vermont-based story developer and revision guide with more than a dozen years of experience in story coaching, book doctoring, and developmental, substantive, line, and copy editing of fiction, memoir, academic, and creative non-fiction works for hybrid and independent publishers and independent authors. I’m also the managing editor of MetaStellar Magazine, which became the second most popular science fiction and fantasy magazine on the internet in 2023. My fiction has been published in Flash Fiction Magazine and The MicroZine, and I’ve a new story coming in 2026 that I can’t wait to share with you all. I also like drawing monsters and putting them on stuff.
If you’d like editorial help developing your stories, whether fiction or non-fiction, email me at FallonClark@protonmail.com.
Who I work with:
Fiction is my first love, and I still have my copy of Dinotopia Lost, purchased at age 9 with a fist full of birthday money, for a reason. But I’m a literary omnivore, and variety is the spice of life, so I work with fiction and nonfiction authors of many kinds.
Frankly, it’s easier to tell you what kinds of books I avoid (poetry, erotica, pornography, and carnography) than give you my list of dream books. But here are a few clues as to what really trips my bookish trigger:
pushing against established systems in pursuit of health, wellness, or happiness
powerful humans who take charge of their stations and situations for change
underdogs who push forward despite their obstacles and limitations
social re-imagining in celebration of real liberty and diversity
seizing power by leaning into the spirituality of planet Earth
heroes who learn to love living even as they face destruction
philosophical musings on individualism and collectivism
heart-thumping psychological horror and thriller
helpful people helping other people
What We’ll Do Together:
Editing begins with vision: What do you want your book to be? What do you want it to do for your future reader? How do you want your reader to feel?
Story development is a rather holistic process and one I’ve been refining for the past 20 years of my life—as a former corporate stooge, as an early freelancer, and as a human being. I won’t prescribe to you a set of literary standards or (gah!) templates that feel inappropriate or unaligned with your writing, style, and intention. Rather, your vision directly affects how and what I choose to focus on when coaching, analyzing, and editing because I believe every book you write represents a piece of your soul, becomes a mark of your art in the world.
When we work together, I’ll help you identify your voice and style, recognize how you apply—and break—grammar rules, how you introduce and unpack your themes, and how you structure your narrative storytelling to keep readers interested, immersed, and in for the long haul.
Anything I contribute to your work is but an invisible highlighter, showcasing the great work you’ve done and are doing.
If you don’t know what type of editing help is best suited to your manuscript but you want to work with me to develop and revise your book or story:
Send me a sample of your manuscript — up to about 5,000 words or wherever there is a natural break — and I’ll give you my professional opinion about where to start with editing.
Email: FallonClark@protonmail.com
Quick Links
Novel Nest Writers Group on Element
Fiction authors who join the Novel Nest Writers group on Element receive special rates for coaching and editing services, as well as opportunities to publish stories or excerpts in The Novel Nest Quarterly, our homegrown lit mag.
To join our group on Element for twice weekly write-ins (Tuesdays at 9 a.m. ET and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET), please do the following:
Create your Matrix ID here: https://app.element.io/#/welcome
(Keep hosting at Matrix.org when asked)Send me your Matrix ID directly. Once received, I’ll send you a private invitation to our group.
As a note, you can use Element on the web, as a smart phone app, or as a desktop app. There’s no fee to join the group.
Manuscript Development Coaching
Whether you’re looking for a one-off brainstorming session to work out a particularly difficult part of your book, a deep-dive session to help you fill in and refine your book’s outline, or ongoing coaching for support as you write and revise, I’ll help you conceptualize your book, work through the sticky issues, and get on your way.
We’ll meet over video (I use Jitsi Meet), talk through the issues, and address them together.
Single brainstorm session (up to 75 minutes): $100
Deep-Dive session (usually 2 to 2 1/2 hours): $250
Ongoing coaching (billed monthly for one or two sessions):
$150 per month for one session
$275 per month for two sessions
Manuscript Evaluation
You’ve finished, or almost finished, drafting your manuscript but you’re worried the story or narrative is a little lackluster, a little blah, a little why-would-anyone-care? I’ll read your draft manuscript and help you uncover the strengths of your story, highlight areas to improve your writing, and tackle any issues that may cause readers to stumble, falter, or grow bored. I’ll also share with you feedback for story development and language craft, help you identify your ideal readers, research comp titles, and help you prepare for pitching or publishing.
Verbal Feedback
A one-hour video chat (up to 75 minutes) after I’ve read your complete manuscript. You bring your questions and hang-ups; I’ll bring marketing and reading insights, narrative and story craft advice, and best practices.
Sliding fees based on word count ($.007/wd) with a $100 minimum fee:
Up to 25,000 words: $175
Up to 50,000 words: $350
Up to 80,000 words: $560
Up to 110,000 words: $770
Written Feedback
A customized editorial assessment letter prepared in alignment with your vision, story, and style that describes what’s working well and what could use some help, asks reader-focused questions to help you conceptualize key revisions, and includes suggestions to improve your writing and prepare your book for readers.
Sliding fees based on word count ($.015/wd) with a $250 minimum fee:
Up to 25,000 words: $375
Up to 50,000 words: $750
Up to 80,000 words: $1,200
Up to 110,000 words: $1,650
If your novel is longer than 110,000 words, please contact me directly for special pricing. If your manuscript is 6,250 words or fewer, scroll down to Flash Fiction and Short Stories/Essays.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of your manuscript. However, developmental edits provide an intense and scrutinizing view of the depths of your story, where a manuscript evaluation merely touches the glassy surface. During a developmental edit, I provide feedback like a breadcrumb trail from beginning to end, helping you retain control of your revision even as big things are moving and changing in service of your book and future readers.
Sliding fees based on word count ($.04/wd) with a $250 minimum fee:
Up to 25,000 words: $1,000
Up to 50,000 words: $2,000
Up to 80,000 words: $3,200
Up to 110,000 words: $4,400
Substantive or Line Editing
Substantive or line editing is a sentence-by-sentence analysis of your manuscript from front to back, which addresses fine language details, including voice development, style, word choice, tone, and pacing.
I help you smooth cadence and pace, correct some grammar and punctuation, and punch up your intentional creative rule-breaking to enhance descriptions, dialogue, and more, and all suggested changes are provided as redline text (i.e. Track Changes) in your manuscript.
Sliding fees based on word count ($.04/wd) with a $250 minimum fee:
Up to 25,000 words: $1,000
Up to 50,000 words: $2,000
Up to 80,000 words: $3,200
Up to 110,000 words: $4,400
Copy Editing
Copy editing is a sentence-by-sentence analysis of your manuscript from front to back, which looks primarily at the four Cs: correctness of grammar and punctuation, clarity of intent and meaning, consistency of traits and ideas, and conciseness of information delivery. During copy edits, I comb through your manuscript, fact-checking as I work, while reviewing your story through your future reader’s eyes, enhancing your language without upsetting your voice or message, and using the Chicago Manual of Style as a guide.
Sliding fees based on word count ($.03/wd) with a $200 minimum fee:
Up to 25,000 words: $750
Up to 50,000 words: $1,500
Up to 80,000 words: $2,400
Up to 110,000 words: $3,300
Flash Fiction and Short Stories/Essays
For flash fiction and other short stories, I perform two editing passes of your writing, both of which include track changes and margin comments where necessary:
The first pass is for big-picture developmental and substantive edits: Does this make sense for the reader, and can they follow it and is it believable? You will have an opportunity to revise before sending back your story for the second editing pass.
The second pass is for granular line and copy edits for grammar, language mechanics, and usage.
Fee: $0.04/word (minimum fee of $50) for stories up to 6,250 words.
Up to 2,000 words: $80
Up to 4,000 words: $160
Up to 6,250 words: $250
How to Get Started
Let’s talk through the kind of support you need, whether it’s in building a healthy writing habit, getting feedback as you write (so you feel confident you’re headed in the right direction), brainstorming issues holding your story back, or revising that partial or finished draft to make sure your story is ready for your readers.
Come on, now; don’t be shy. I won’t bite. But I will encourage you. I’ll champion your work and story and push you to get through the tough stuff to the end so you can say you did it! You wrote that damned dream book!
Only you can tell your story your way. I’ll be your confidence until you find it within yourself.
Email: FallonClark@protonmail.com
Book Portfolio and Author Reviews
So far, I’ve helped more than four dozen authors with their books on their paths to publication and have written, edited, or revised more than three million words.
Publisher collaborations (current)
As a note, due to publisher privacy agreements, I’m unable to share the specific authors with whom, or the specific titles on which, I’ve worked. However, you may come across my name in a book or two.
Independent author publications (most recent):
The Novel Nest Quarterly Fiction Magazine for short stories and excerpts
Lisa Rogers, The Weaver Awakes (Book 1), a fantasy novel (2024)
Bob Skaleski, Stories From Charleston Street, a memoir (2023)
Catherine Tiffner, Survivor By Choice, a self-help book (2022)
Joey Alan, Confessions of a Clown, a memoir (2022)
Independent author publications (past):
Heidi McLaughlin (USA & NYT Bestselling Author),
S. Moose
Bill Vandiver
Jamie Brook Thompson
Toni Aleo
Rachel Sharp
Holly Stephens
What some of my author-clients have said:
(I’m notoriously bad at remembering to request testimonials. Still, I’ve managed to scrape together a few kind words shared by kind people writing cool stories.)
“Chapters that had been gathering dust were completed within days after Fallon’s manuscript evaluation and our follow-up phone call.” — Lisa Rogers, fiction author and ghostwriter
“I am very satisfied, very impressed, with her editing. She is skillful and intelligent and has captured my spirit and feeling in the edited version. I want to compliment her on her thorough approach. I feel grateful.” — Bob Skaleski, writer and memoirist
“The best part of the collaborative relationship was the feeling that I was talking to a friend. Fallon gave me critical feedback and was always available for me to bounce ideas or thoughts off of.” — Catherine Tiffner, non-fiction author
“Since book one, Fallon has gone from editor to teacher to friend. She has taught me so much about writing, formatting, and publishing. I feel so lucky to have her!” — Bill Vandiver, author
Some author recommendations also shared on LinkedIn:
And a few other LinkedIn recommendations, copied and pasted:
“Fallon is a wonderful ghostwriter! She listened, got to know me, and captured my personality when she wrote for me. She’s kind, understanding, and thoughtful. I’m thrilled by her work and will hire her again.” — Kristin Noland, editor and ghostwriter
“Fallon Clark is an extremely talented and knowledgeable professional editor. Her ability to capture the essence of raw material and guide a writer to a polished book ready for publishing is very impressive. She is easy to work with and is always available to provide honest feedback. I highly recommend Fallon for all your editing needs.” — Catherine Tiffner, author and teacher
“Fallon is a thoughtful, heart-led editor. Through her collaborative working process, Fallon offers clients a deep consideration of their writing as well as strategies to improve their craft. Plus, she’s just a joy to be around! I highly recommend her for coaching, ghostwriting, and editorial services.” — Emily Price-Soli, poetry and nonfiction editor
Ready for your own warm-and-fuzzy experience?
My Writing and Appearances
Published Fiction
Teeth (MicroZine, 2024)
The Witch (Flash Fiction Magazine, 2023)
Other original fiction (Books & Bullshit, ongoing)
Published Non-Fiction
Point of View: master the five viewpoint perspectives and write immersive stories that satisfy (micro-book)
MetaStellar Magazine’s Writing Advice (columnist)
Writer’s Fun Zone (blog contributor)
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres will you accept/not accept?
I'm generally unbounded by genre or topics such that discussing which books I won't accept (poetry, erotica, pornography, carnography) is much easier than detailing what I will accept.
But since you're here and curious, know that if your manuscript is about the power of following your dreams, tapping into your expertise, or seizing your own power, I am all ears. I like books that are reflective, informative, possibly a little dark, and medium paced. My tastes span from literary fiction to science fiction, thrillers to fantasy, classics to contemporary. My literary tastes are content, style, and mood dependent.
I have a type, difficult to describe as it may be. And if you want to know whether your book is my type, we should talk.
ONE MAJOR CAVEAT: I do not work with any manuscript that has been prompted using generative AI tools or Large Language Models (LLMs). Human art and creativity is important. Do better.
Can you guarantee my book will be marketable or that it will sell?
Marketability and salability are fickle things that rely on market saturation, publishing and reading trends, and how well you establish yourself as a writer and connect with your readers.
As such, I can guarantee neither the marketability nor the salability of your work. Any editor who guarantees you a bestseller is probably a fraud. I said what I said.
Do you use AI tools during edits?
It is unethical for me (or anyone else) to upload your work to these data-driven generative-AI tools without your explicit consent. Use of generative-AI tools can also render your book un-copyrightable, and readers sniff out generated text when they encounter it.
I respect your work enough that I don't use OtterAI, Claude AI, ChatGPT, OpenAI, or other generative-AI software when editing your work. I also choose not to use advanced grammar tools like ProWritingAid, Grammarly, and Hemingway, as these tools water down authenticity and voice when you have a solid command of grammar rules and are making conscious choices to skirt those rules. You know, practicing creativity.
While we're not at the point where the robots can overtake humanity, there is a deep need to reserve space for uncorrupted authenticity and the imperfections of being perfectly human. Please respect me enough not to send me generative-AI slop.
Do you require a contract?
No, I don’t generally require contracts for editing services. Instead, I retain our email exchanges as a written record of our communications and include contract language on the service invoice.
Your payment = your acceptance of the contract. No muss, no fuss.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, I require a non-refundable deposit to secure your time on my calendar, which applies to your total project balance.
Do you offer payment plans?
For coaching and for certain editing work, I may structure invoices into payment plans upon request, though a payment plan is not guaranteed. Regardless, the full balance of your project must be paid before I release your manuscript back to you or otherwise share with you the agreed-upon deliverables.
Do you offer rush services?
If you’re in need of rapid editing, please contact me directly. I may offer rush edits as time and space permit. There is a 20 percent surcharge on the total project balance for all rush services.
How do you take payments?
I accept payments via Stripe for major credit/debit cards and ACH transfers. I may make arrangements to use PayPal only upon request.
Do you have professional qualifications?
I graduated from Saint Michael's College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and completed a minor of study in philosophy.
Beyond my formal degree, I've completed many courses for growth and ongoing learning:
Digital Economics (Dan Koe, 2024)
Editing Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense (ClubEd, 2024)
Copyediting Fiction (EFA, 2023);
Working with Indie Authors (EFA, 2023);
How to Write Flash Fiction (Flash Fiction Magazine, 2022);
Developmental Editing Fiction (Noland Editing Academy, 2022);
The Keys to Effective Editing (Ed2Go, 2022)
And, as I tell the authors with whom I work, reading is an important part of professional development, so check out my Storygraph page to see what I'm currently reading and have recently read.
