A Freelance Novel Editor You Can Trust
Constructive feedback and guidance to strengthen your story.
Hello! I’m Stacy Juba, Freelance Fiction and Nonfiction Editor
You’ll find detailed editing packages, answers to common questions, and real client results below. But before we get to that, let me introduce myself.
I’m the founder of Shortcuts for Writers, and as the author of 10 published books and a former daily newspaper reporter, I know firsthand how overwhelming revisions can feel.
My book editing services support fiction and creative nonfiction authors at every stage.
As a freelance novel editor, I’ve worked with 200+ writers all over the world, from beginner authors writing their first books to USA Today bestselling authors with contracts at publishing houses.
After our time together, clients have gone on to land agents, self-publish confidently, and gain positive reviews.
From Everything’s Jake by Christina Greer
From Fated Memories by Joan Carney
Who My Developmental Editing Services Are (and Aren’t) For
I specialize in developmental editing and line editing for both fiction and creative nonfiction. I especially enjoy reading in these categories:
✅ Mystery and suspense
✅ Romance, chick lit, and women’s fiction
✅ Contemporary fiction
✅ Paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction
✅ Young adult and middle grade
✅ Self-help and creative nonfiction like memoirs or travel
Genres I Don’t Edit:
To provide the best possible feedback, I focus only on areas where I can add the most value. In other words, I stick to genres where I know I can make a real impact. That means I don’t offer book editing services for:
❌ Children’s picture books or early reader titles
❌ Poetry or verse-only projects
Why Work With a Book Editor Who’s Also an Author
I know that finding developmental editing services online can feel intimidating. As a fellow writer, I understand how important it is to hire someone who is reliable, creative, and knowledgeable about writing and publishing.
Here’s why authors choose me again and again. In fact, many of my clients return for multiple projects and drafts.
For Fiction:
I published my first novel with Avon Books at 18 and went on to write mysteries, chick lit, YA, and children’s books, with titles hitting #5 and #11 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List.
That experience sharpened my instincts for plot, character, and pacing. When I edit fiction, I don’t just point out problems. I help you brainstorm solutions and strengthen the heart of your story.
For Nonfiction:
As a journalist, I’ve written 3,000+ published articles and earned over a dozen awards, including honors from the New England Press Association and the American Cancer Society’s Sword of Hope Award. I bring that same eye for clarity and structure to nonfiction manuscripts, helping you turn complex ideas into engaging narratives that connect with readers.
Every project includes an in-depth editorial letter, margin notes, and in-line edits. As a result, you’ll have a roadmap for your next revision. Typical turnaround time is 1-2 weeks depending on the length of the project.
I offer a range of affordable book editing services to fit different stages of your project. Below, you can read about my editing packages, what to expect with an edit, and client testimonials.
I truly lucked out on my debut manuscript finding someone as qualified as Stacy Juba.
“When I finished my rough first draft, I was floundering on the next step. I met Stacy at a writing workshop, where she dissected a page of my manuscript.
With precision and care, Stacy reworked my one page and created a presentable piece of writing. I knew I found my editor after submitting 30 pages to see what she could do.
Now with completed manuscript in hand, Stacy has worked as both a development editor and a line editor for my women’s fiction manuscript. Her turnaround time was phenomenal, and her suggestions and edits tightened my mess into a full-fledged manuscript.” Sally Steinborn
At-a-Glance Developmental Editing Packages for Every Stage
1. Full Story Edit — $6/page standard (≈ $0.024/word). Need big-picture clarity on your entire manuscript? The Full Story Edit gives you a complete developmental review with a detailed editorial letter and margin notes that show you exactly what’s working and what to revise. In addition, you’ll receive line-level feedback to improve pacing, voice, and flow.
Author Advantage Rate: $4/page (≈ $0.016/word)
Best for: Authors ready for a full developmental review.
Typical turnaround: ~2 weeks
2. First Impressions Edit — $150 flat rate (25 pages). Not ready for a full manuscript edit? Instead, start with my First Impressions Package. This $150 developmental edit of your first 25 pages gives you clarity and direction before you commit to a larger package. You’ll receive an editorial letter, margin notes, and line-level feedback to improve pacing, voice, and flow.
Best for: Contest/agent prep or testing my editing style to see how my feedback fits your needs.
Typical turnaround: ~1 week
3. Pitch Perfect Package — $50 flat rate (blurb, query letter, synopsis). For authors who have already used my book editing services, the Pitch Perfect Edit is a great next step. Together, we’ll refine your blurb, query letter, and synopsis so your story makes the strongest possible impression with agents, publishers, or readers.
Optional add-on: +$25 website evaluation
Best for: Past clients preparing to pitch agents, publishers, or readers.
Typical turnaround: ~1 week
Explore My Book Editing Packages In-Depth
The Full Story Edit — In-Depth Developmental Feedback for Your Entire Manuscript
Rates:
- Standard Rate: $6 per page (≈ $0.024/word)
- Author Advantage Rate: $4 per page (≈ $0.016/word): For past editing clients, Book Editing Blueprint alumni, or seasoned authors looking for advanced-level feedback.
What’s Included:
- In-depth editorial letter: Typically 8-to-15 single-spaced pages) covering content, structure, pacing, dialogue, setting, POV, and technique.
- Track Changes notes with line editing, light copyediting, and editorial comments directly on your manuscript.
What’s Not Included:
- Ghostwriting or rewriting your book
- Full copyediting or proofreading (these are later-stage services that I don’t offer.)
- Heavy line edits if major structural changes are still needed. In that case, I’ll revise sentences here and there as examples.
Best for:
Authors seeking big-picture clarity on structure, pacing, character, and technique.
Writers preparing for agents, self-publishing, or their next revision.
Alumni, past clients, and seasoned writers ready for efficient, high-level feedback.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
- A clear revision roadmap, targeted margin notes, and sharper pages.
- Typical turnaround is about 2 weeks for a full manuscript edit. Larger or more complex projects may require additional time, but I’ll confirm your timeline before booking.
Want to Save Time and Money?
My course, Book Editing Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Plan to Making Your Novels Publishable, helps you to self-edit before submission. Graduates not only qualify for the Author Advantage Rate but also receive higher level, focused feedback.
First Impressions Edit — Test the Waters With a Professional 25-Page Review
Flat Rate: $150 for your first 25 pages
- Additional pages would be at the $4-$6 per page rate described in the Full Story Edit Package.
What’s Included:
3-to-5-page editorial letter with feedback on structure, pacing, characterization, dialogue, POV, and technique.
Track Changes notes with in-line examples and light line edits for clarity, voice, and flow.
A clear sense of your story’s strengths and areas to improve before moving forward.
What’s Not Included:
Ghostwriting or rewriting
Full copyediting or proofreading
Heavy line editing if major structural changes are still needed
Best for:
Writers preparing contest or agent submissions
Authors not ready for a full edit but seeking guidance
Writers wanting to test an editor before committing to a larger package
What You’ll Walk Away With:
Validation of what is and isn’t working
A professional eye on your opening pages
A next-step revision roadmap
Tools you can apply throughout your manuscript, since early pages usually reveal patterns that carry through the entire draft.
- Typical turnaround is about 1 week.
Pitch Perfect Package: $50 for Blurb, Query Letter & Synopsis (Past Clients Only)
Rates:
- $50: Exclusively for past clients whose books I have edited.
What’s Included:
- An editorial letter providing detailed feedback on your book blurb, query letter, and synopsis (up to 3 pages).
- Line editing and copyediting on your blurb, query, and synopsis.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
- Polished, professional pitch materials that showcase your story’s strengths and give you a competitive edge in today’s publishing market.
- Typical turnaround is about 1 week.
Optional Add-On:
- Website evaluation and written feedback on layout, design, and copy for another $25.
Want to get even more from this service?
- My $9 course, Book Blurbs Made Simple, helps you refine your blurb before submission so you can receive higher-level feedback.
What Authors Say About My Book Editing Services
Like opening Christmas presents!
“Whenever you return edits to me, the line edits especially add a ‘punch’ to the sentences. Most importantly, you don’t judge and you offer balanced insights. It’s very much like a child opening Christmas presents!” Nicole Kuruszko
everything I’d hoped for and more.
“What more could I ask for? I took a leap of faith on hiring an editor I found via social media, and you delivered beyond my expectations. I plan to book your editing services early for my next book.” Maureen Fisher
resources to grow as an author
“On the verge of self-publishing, I submitted my manuscript to Stacy Juba. She gave supportive and encouraging feedback in addition to an honest critique of my plot and characters. I look forward to working with her on future projects.” Anna Machova
Stacy is truly an incredible person and editor.
“Her feedback and attention to detail have greatly helped me spot errors, flaws, and inconsistencies. I look forward to continuing to work with Stacy on future manuscripts because of her professionalism, understanding, and compassion. If you are thinking about hiring Stacy for your manuscript, I highly recommend her! She is awesome, and you will not be disappointed.” Devin Devonne
Madison Michael
Frequently Asked Questions About My Editing Services
How do I qualify for the Book Editing Blueprint discount?
1. Complete the course and revise your manuscript before booking. This ensures you’ll get a more advanced, higher-level edit and the full value of my developmental editing services.
2. When you contact me, share the name and email you used for course enrollment.
3. The discount rewards the effort you put into self-editing and lets me focus on deeper elements of your story, saving you time and money.
How does the payment work and do clients sign a contract?
A $50 deposit reserves your developmental editing slot (unless your manuscript is ready right away).
Full payment is due before I begin reading.
Payment options:
• U.S. clients — PayPal, check, or money order
• International clients — PayPal
A small processing surcharge applies at the $4/page rate; already included at $6/page.
Your manuscript is always treated confidentially. While most projects are confirmed by email and invoice, I’m happy to provide or sign a formal contract and NDA on request.
How should I format the manuscript for submission?
Please format using standard guidelines:
- Double-spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman (or similar) font
- 1-inch margins
- First line indented 0.5”
- ~250 words per page (used for estimating cost)
Clear formatting helps me provide the most efficient developmental editing (and line editing) feedback. It’s okay for a chapter to end and a new one to begin on the same page.
Do you do free sample edits?
I don’t provide free sample edits due to my experience and time constraints. Instead, I recommend my First Impressions Package, a 25-page developmental edit for $150. It’s a low-risk way to see my editing style before committing to a full manuscript edit.
Note: If you’re an experienced writer inquiring about the lower Author Advantage rate, I may review a few pages to confirm eligibility, but this review won’t include editing.
Do you offer any repeat editing client discounts or perks?
Yes! Many authors return to me for multiple projects, and I value long-term relationships. Here are some ways I show my appreciation:
10% Discount: On the first edit of each new manuscript for authors who have previously completed a full manuscript edit with me, plus priority scheduling for my book editing services.
Referral Vouchers: 5% discount when a client books using your name (up to 25% off per project; vouchers can also be saved for future projects).
Affiliate Program: Earn up to 40% commission on course sales (apply earnings toward editing costs).
Promotion Perk — When you publish, I’ll celebrate your book by featuring it in my newsletter (4,500+ subscribers), my Facebook group (2,700+ members), and inviting you to guest post on my blog.
How do I reserve my spot for editing?
Contact me at stacy@stacyjuba.com with:
Blurb
Genre
Word count
How many pages you want me to read
If you’ve taken the Book Editing Blueprint self-editing course
If your project is a good fit, I’ll send an invoice and further instructions. A $50 deposit reserves your slot with me as your editor (unless your manuscript is ready right away). I can also schedule several months in advance.
Typical turnaround is about 2 weeks for a full manuscript edit and 1 week for partial packages or pitch materials. Larger or more complex projects may require additional time, but I’ll confirm your timeline before booking.
Scheduling Your Developmental Edit
If you’re seeking developmental editing from a book editor that provides both professional polish and compassionate support, I’d love to help you strengthen your story and feel more confident moving toward publication.
Ready to take the next step? If so, email me at stacy@stacyjuba.com to discuss your project.
Not sure which package fits your needs? That’s okay. I’ll help you decide.
Join 200+ authors worldwide who’ve trusted me with their manuscripts—and let’s make your book the strongest it can be.
Editing spots often book out months in advance. Reach out early to reserve your place.