Services for Writers
Helping fiction writers turn promising manuscripts into novels they're proud to publish—with compassionate coaching, honest feedback, and an editor's eye for emotionally compelling stories.
My Approach
Writing a novel is hard. Revising one on your own is daunting.
You know your story has potential, but after reading it dozens of times, it's difficult to see what needs to change—or to know which changes will make the biggest difference.
That's where I come in.
As an indie author and certified book coach, I help writers step back from their manuscripts, see them through a reader's eyes, and make confident revision decisions. I won't rewrite your story. I'll help you discover the strongest version of the story you already want to tell.
You'll get honest feedback delivered with kindness, practical guidance instead of vague criticism, and someone who's genuinely invested in helping you reach the finish line.
My goal isn't just to help you write a better book. It's to help you become a stronger, more confident indie author.
I have an idea and I'm ready to write!

Blueprint for a Book Review
This is for you if:
You have worked your way through Blueprint for a Book, either on your own or with the #amwriting podcast. Now you're ready for a professional evaluation.
What it includes:
- Inline comments on the completed Blueprint
- An editorial letter discussing strengths, areas to develop, and next steps
- A 45-minute Zoom call to discuss the feedback and answer your questions
Investment: $199
Want a little more?
Revision Add-on, $149
- Includes a second round of inline comments on the Blueprint and your first ten pages (2500 words).
- An additional 45 minute private zoom call to discuss.

ongoing Coaching
This is for you if:
You would like ongoing support as you draft your manuscript.
You need accountability.
You are looking for guidance and encouragement.
What it includes:
- 6 submissions, up to 20 pages/5000 words each
- Inline comments on submission
- 45 minute Zoom meeting per deadline to discuss feedback, next steps, and brainstorming
- Flexible deadlines and scheduling, but must complete within six months
Investment: $1200
I have a draft. Now what?

First Fifty Pages (12,500 words)
This is for you if:
You've finished a draft (or a partial draft) and you want to know if it's working.
You've been submitting to agents and getting requests, but getting rejected.
Something in your opening isn't resonating, and you need professional eyes on it.
What's included:
- A complete read-through of your first 50 pages/12,500 words
- In-line comments throughout the document
- An editorial letter
- A 20 minute Zoom call to discuss feedback and next steps
Investment: $500

full developmental edit
This is for you if:
You have a complete manuscript that has been through at least one round of self-editing.
You are ready for a deep dive into your work and are fully prepared to receive feedback.
What's included:
- A complete read-through of your entire manuscript
- Inline comments throughout the entire document
- A comprehensive editorial letter evaluating the big and small picture issues
- A 45 minute Zoom call to discuss feedback and next steps
- One follow-up on up to 25 pages (6,250 words) of a rewrite, with inline comments and a 15 minute Zoom call
Investment: $0.0375/word
Example: 80,000 words = $3000

manuscript evaluation
This is a final developmental pass before you send your manuscript out for line edits.
This is for you if:
You are an experienced writer with a polished draft that has been through critiques.
Or
You’ve previously had a developmental edit done (by me or someone else) and you want to make sure your changes are working.
What's included:
- A complete read-through of your entire manuscript
- Inline comments on the first 50 pages
- An editorial letter evaluating the big picture issues: plot, pacing, character development, stakes, conflict, and any inconsistencies
- A 30 minute Zoom call to discuss feedback and next steps
Investment: $0.02/word
Example: 80,000 words = $1600
I'm ready to publish...please help!

Indie publishing consultation
This is for you if:
You are trying to decide whether you should indie publish and would like to discuss your options.
You are currently in the process of publishing and are stuck or have some questions.
You need specific guidance on a particular aspect of indie publishing.
What's included:
- A 45 minute Zoom consultation (you are encouraged to send your questions in advance)
- Consultation may include the option to share your screen so I can troubleshoot any publishing issues
- A follow up email providing resources discussed during the consultation
Investment: $99

Full Indie publishing assistance package
Details coming soon!
FAQ
What genres do you work with?
I love working with women’s fiction, contemporary romance (any steam level), and thrillers, especially female-led domestic thrillers.
I love multi-POV, dual timelines, unreliable narrators, and dark secrets.
I’m not a good fit for sci-fi or fantasy, but I can refer you to another coach.
I’m also not a good fit for projects that are heavily religious or include anti-LGBTQ themes.
Do you use AI?
No! I do use AI. All feedback comes directly from me, from my mind to my keyboard.
I promise I will never upload your work into AI.
What's the difference between a developmental edit and a manuscript evaluation?
Great question! If you check a dozen websites, you'll get a dozen different answers. I can only tell you the difference between them in the services I offer.
A manuscript evaluation is less detailed than a developmental edit. I offer manuscript evaluations to people who believe they are nearly done, who have had other critiques or are experienced authors.
My developmental edits are for writers who are not quite sure if they’re heading in the right direction, writers who need strong guidance and a deep comprehensive analysis of their work.
Do I have to have publishing as an end goal?
No. While I enjoy working with authors who are pursuing a publishing path, I also love working with hobbyists. Here’s a secret: you can write a book for fun. You don’t have to publish, and if you do publish, you don’t have to market. This can be something you’re doing for yourself.
sara@saralafontain.com
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