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Work with a professional beta reader and developmental editor

  • Work with a genre specialist
  • Craft a story that captivates readers
  • Improve your manuscript
  • Achieve your writing goals

Work with a genre specialist

I specialise in editing stories in the romance genre:
  • contemporary romance
  • YA (Young Adult) romance
  • romantic suspense
  • paranormal romance
  • romantasy​
This means that you can trust your novel to a skilled editor who understands you.

Craft a story that captivates readers

I will help you improve the big-picture storytelling issues in your manuscript:
  • theme
  • story structure
  • characters (goals, motivations, conflict, character development)
  • point of view
  • pacing
  • setting
  • genre conventions/expectations
  • scene vs narrative summary (show vs tell)
  • dialogue
  • and more!
​"Maria provided beta reading of my contemporary romance novel, and her feedback was invaluable, especially after I had completed numerous revisions and was struggling to pinpoint where my plot issues were. I appreciated the chance to have a new and unbiased set of eyes on my manuscript. She pointed out an issue with a subplot that I had not considered before, which helped me to focus my revision efforts effectively. Her feedback was timely and thoughtful, and I'd recommend her to any fellow authors seeking beta reading feedback."
Kate Underwood, contemporary romance writer

Editing tips for authors

 Writing, editing and publishing your book can be challenging without guidance. Take a look at my blog and my resources library to learn all the information you need to know on how to write, edit and publish a compelling romance story.

We might be a great fit if

  • you are looking for a developmental editor or beta reader that specialises in romance stories (contemporary romance, YA romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantasy​)
  • you are willing to collaborate with a professional editor to improve your manuscript
  • you respect the editor and their hard work, schedule and services
  • you see the editing process as an investment and you are looking for quality editing 
  • you are looking for honest, encouraging feedback and you are open to the editor's suggestions​
"Maria offered me feedback on my YA coming-of-age romance novel. It was clear to me that Maria read my manuscript thoroughly, and she gave me thoughtful feedback based on her opinions as a reader. I found her feedback useful and would recommend her as a beta reader."
Sophie Bernbaum, YA romance writer

Services
  • For new writers, writers on a limited budget, or for writers who have no idea how to improve their story​​.
  • Get honest feedback from a reader's point of view in a reader's report.​
  • For writers that don't need thorough guidance, don’t have the budget for a full developmental editing service and/or have not received offers from publishers.
  • Get constructive feedback and suggestions in an editorial report.
  • Get follow-up support to discuss your story (email or Google Meet).
  • Free sample edit (1,000 words).
  • ​For writers that need detailed feedback and have no idea how to improve their manuscript.
  • Get constructive feedback in a marked-up manuscript with margin suggestions and an editorial report.
  • Get follow-up support to discuss your story (email or Google Meet).
  • Free sample edit (1,000 words).

Meet Maria

  • Developmental editor and beta reader for romance authors
  • Certificate of Completion in Developmental Editing of Fiction Program by ClubEdFreelancers.
  • Extensive fiction training
  • Member of the EFA and the ClubEdFreelancers
  • Previously worked as an English Language teacher
  • BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Cyprus