FAQs

Additional details about services, process, scheduling, and working together.

  • I can help you prepare your work for the next stage of its journey—whether that’s querying literary agents, pursuing independent or web-based publishing, strengthening submission materials, and/or developing the story itself to a more submission-ready level.

    That includes support with:

    • developmental and structural revision

    • manuscript evaluations

    • query letters and submission materials

    • story positioning and narrative clarity

    • long-term project development

    What I cannot do is guarantee publication.

    Publishing is influenced by many factors beyond the quality of the work alone, including market timing, editorial trends, reader demand, and subjective fit.

    What I can do is help strengthen the story as fully and thoughtfully as possible—so the work is positioned with clarity, intention, and a deeper understanding of how it functions on the page and in the market.

    My role is not simply to correct a manuscript, but to support the development of the strongest version of the story you’re trying to tell.

  • The best place to begin is through the inquiry form on the Contact page.

    From there, I’ll reach out to learn more about your project, where you are in the process, and what kind of support you’re looking for.

    Depending on the project, I may ask for sample pages, a synopsis, or additional information before scheduling a consultation call.

    The goal of this process isn’t simply to book a service—it’s to determine whether the project, the timing, and the type of support are the right fit for both of us.

    If you’re unsure what you need yet, that’s completely okay. Most writers don’t come in with a perfectly defined plan.

    For general questions, you’re also welcome to reach out directly at mallory@houseofbraus.com .

    Let’s Talk Story.

  • Each project is priced individually based on the scope of the work, the stage of the story, timeline considerations, and the level of support involved.

    For manuscript-based work, pricing is typically structured per word and aligned with industry standards, including Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) guidelines.

    Consultation and ongoing story development work may be structured hourly or as project-based support, depending on the nature of the work and the level of collaboration involved.

    I understand that editorial work is a significant investment, particularly for long-form projects or authors balancing multiple stages of the publishing process.

    That’s part of why the introductory process is intentionally thorough. We take the time to look at the story, discuss goals, and determine what type of support will actually be most useful before moving forward.

    I never want concerns about cost to stop someone from starting the conversation.

    Payment plans are available in many cases, and I’m always happy to talk through options when possible.

  • Availability varies throughout the year, and projects are booked in advance.

    I intentionally take on a limited number of projects at a time so each story receives the level of attention, collaboration, and development it deserves throughout the process.

    My work is intentionally detailed and in-depth rather than quick or surface-level, and timelines are structured to allow the space that kind of work requires.

    If you’re working toward a specific timeline—such as querying, submission, release planning, serialization schedules, or a personal deadline—it’s always best to reach out early so we can discuss availability and the kind of support your project may need.

    Early conversations are always welcome, even if your project is still taking shape.

    If my schedule is currently full, signing up for email updates is the best way to hear about future openings, availability changes, and upcoming consultation spots.

  • Communication is built into the structure of the work itself.

    Projects begin with an introductory consultation so we can discuss the story, your goals, and the kind of support that will be most useful moving forward.

    Major stages of the process also include follow-up conversation and discussion around editorial feedback, revisions, or next steps—so you’re never left trying to interpret substantial edits entirely on your own.

    Depending on the project, communication may also include ongoing email discussion, clarification during revision, collaborative notes, or conversations that continue as the story develops over time.

  • Finding the right editor can feel overwhelming—especially in a space where there’s so much advice, so many approaches, and no clear way to compare them.

    Most authors aren’t just looking for feedback. They’re looking for someone who understands what they’re trying to build—someone who can act as a sounding board, a second perspective, and at times, a gut check.

    I believe that strong stories are often shaped through strong partnerships.

    Fit matters—not just in terms of skill, but in how we communicate, how we approach the work, and how we think about story.

    That’s part of why I put so much care into the introductory process. Before we move into an edit or ongoing work, we take the time to understand the story itself, what kind of support will actually be useful, and whether the project is the right fit for both of us.

    If we work together, that’s the goal: not just to “edit” the work, but to engage with it in a way that helps it become what it’s meant to be.

  • You don’t need to have everything perfectly organized before making contact.

    Typically, it’s helpful to have:

    • a brief description of the project

    • the current stage of the manuscript

    • approximate word count

    • and a sense of what kind of support you may be looking for

    If you’re unsure about any of those things, that’s completely okay—we can figure it out together during the initial conversation.

  • Depending on the project, support may include editorial letters, guided notes, craft references, revision tracking documents, shared working files, or structured worksheets designed to support the planning and revision process over time.

    The goal is not simply to point out issues on the page, but to create a process that helps you understand what’s happening in the story and continue building your own craft toolkit moving forward.

    Because every project functions differently, the exact structure of support is tailored to the needs of the story and the author.