EDITING AND CONSULTING
Do you have questions? I have answers!
I want to pass on the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired over two decades as an author, editor and teacher, whether it’s planning your writing project, writing your best essay or story, finding a publisher, refining your work, and finding balance in the wacky world of publishing.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
IT’S MORE THAN FEEDBACK—IT’S A PRIVATE MASTER CLASS
I provide sharp and compassionate developmental editing to help bring out the best in your short stories, creative nonfiction essays, novellas and query letters. I’ll help identify: What is your work’s main concerns, what is the voice, and does the structure, narrative stance and pacing serve the story YOU want to tell?
I’ll give your work several in-depth reads, and offer constructive feedback on the macro level (structure, plot, characters, narrative stance, etc.), and the micro level (sentences and language). You’ll receive both a comprehensive summary letter and numerous helpful comments on your pages, and I’m happy to answer follow-up questions and continue the conversation about your work.
SPECIALIZING IN SHORT STORIES, ESSAYS, NOVELLAS & QUERY LETTERS
EDITING RATES FOR PROSE
Up to 5,000 words: $150
Up to 7,000 words: $225
More than that: Let’s talk.
Query Letter Review: $100
* no book-length projects *
To get started, fill out the contact form HERE
VIRTUAL CONSULTING
My style is heart-centered, practical, and sprinkled with humor. A one-hour Zoom consultation will increase your confidence, get you psyched, and also save countless hours (and stress) down the line. For authors at any stage in their careers.
IT’S A CONVERSATION
SOME OF MY MOST POPULAR OFFERINGS ARE:
How to Find & Submit to Small Presses
How to Find & Submit to Literary Agents
Book Events: How to set up and create fun events for your book
Working with Indie Bookstores: Everything you need to know about partnering with local bookstores to promote & carry your book
How to Write Book Proposal
How to Submit to Literary Journals
I’ve Got an Idea for a Book. . . Now What Do I Do?
Do you want advice on a topic I haven’t mentioned? Just ask, and I bet I can help!
Cost: $100 for a one-hour consult
Send me a message on my CONTACT page
Testimonials
"Liz Prato is a true gift of an editor. She read my stories with enthusiasm and care, offering clear-eyed feedback each and every time. An added bonus of working with her is the breadth of her experience in publishing. She is an invaluable source of information and support for writers looking to place their short fiction in literary journals." —Angela Ajayi, Winner of the 2017 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers.
"The feedback and insight I received from Liz blew me away. She mapped my stories out in ways that I hadn't even seen, helping me eliminate clutter and bring the most resonant themes, images, and characters to the fore. I recommend Liz to any writer looking not just for help with their stories, but for a model in how to read their own work and the work of others." —Daniel Elder, Facilitator at Corporeal Writing
"I'm impressed with Liz’s passion and knowledge of the craft of writing, and her ability to give feedback that is specific, objective, and yet encouraging. She respects a writer's individuality and can help take you to another level of writing." —Valerie Wagner
"It sometimes happens that when you spend a long time in a story, things become muddy in the writing. Liz Prato saw what my story was becoming, asked questions whose answers had been left off the page, and others I hadn't thought to ask. Her feedback provided a focus the story so badly wanted. Liz reads with her whole heart and a remarkable knowledge of craft. I am forever grateful to have had my work in front of her." —Matthew Robinson, author of The Horse Latitudes
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: My work as a freelance Editor and Consultant is separate from my editorial position at Forest Avenue Press. Booking a consult or developmental edit with me is not a way to get your work considered by the Press.