Rachel Cook
Writer, Editor, Owner, Tapestry Writing Support
I've been writing, reading, editing, and supporting other writers for 20 years.
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I hold a BA in Creative Writing from Chester College of New England, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. I have participated in countless writing workshops and have been a beta reader many times over.
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Prior to starting freelance work, I was previously the Writing Center Manager at Hillsborough Community College, and have worked as a writing tutor, literary magazine editor, copywriter, and beta reader. My short stories have been published in several magazines.
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I'm an avid reader, particularly drawn to dark fantasy and romantasy with and without spice, and anything offbeat or out-of-the box.
FAQ
Why should I hire an editor?
My goal is to be a partner in your writing journey. Writing can be an isolating task, but it is almost always improved by getting feedback and support from others. When you work with me, you'll gain the benefits of decades of experience as a writer, editor, and all-around lover of stories and the written word. The right partner can empower you to be a more effective communicator, and a more dynamic storyteller. After a brief consultation and/or a sample edit, both of us should have a better idea of whether our particular partnership would be a fruitful one.
What kinds of manuscripts do you edit?
I've worked with authors on both novels and short stories, as well as creative nonfiction, and I've read stories for audiences ranging from middle grade to adult. I'm open to reading all kinds of work, but I'd be a particularly good fit for speculative fiction, and I love stories that delve into darker or more offbeat themes. If in doubt, just ask! For reference, some of my favorite authors are Terry Pratchett, Holly Black, and Anne Rice.
What types of editing do you offer?
I provide both developmental and copy editing. Developmental editing is typically done after a couple of drafts, and looks at the "big picture" of the manuscript. What's working, what's not working, and any major changes I recommend for things like structure, character, and pacing. A developmental edit will include edits on the manuscript itself using suggestions or Track Changes, as well as an extensive editorial letter with broader recommendations.
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Copy editing is one of the final stages of editing, and looks at the manuscript on a line-by-line basis. Suggestions are more geared towards dialog, word choice, and errors related to things like blocking and action within a scene. Proofreading is also provided at this stage. Edits are made on the manuscript itself as suggestions or Track Changes. I also include a comprehensive style guide, which contains references for my proofreading suggestions, as well as important details regarding your story for both the editor and writer's reference.
If you're not sure what your manuscript needs, that's okay too. We can come up with a custom plan to suit your needs. You can book a consult or complimentary sample edit at any time.
Do you provide sample edits?
Yes. I provide a complimentary sample edit of the first five pages (up to 1,500 words). You can submit your pages for a sample edit here. When submitting, please let me know what type of editing you're looking for (proofreading, copy editing, developmental, etc), and the total length of the work. If you would like a sample edit for a longer section of your work, I can do that for a reduced rate. Please contact me with the word count so I can provide a personalized quote.
Editing for a full novel can definitely add up, and many authors find that when they have their earlier pages examined by a professional editor, they know how to proceed with self-editing the remainder of their novel. Aside from very flexible payment plans on the author's schedule, I also offer a service called The Launching Pad, which provides comprehensive editing for a portion of your manuscript. My Launching Pad services are designed to be budget-friendly without sacrificing the thoroughness of a professional edit. Additionally, if you decide to purchase a Launching Pad service and later would like to hire my services for the rest of the novel, I'll roll that cost into the full estimate. Click here to learn more.
What are your rates?
I require either a complimentary sample edit or consultation meeting for all projects, to help me gauge your needs, goals, concerns, and other factors. From there, I charge a sliding fee of $35-50 per 2,500 words. The rate will be determined by the amount of work your manuscript will need overall, ranging from simple proofreading to more intensive developmental edits. I will also keep in mind your budget and what I can do within the amount you have.​
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For all services, I provide a scope of work document that includes exactly what will be worked on, how many rounds, the agreed-upon rate, and other factors.
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I am transparent in how I calculate my quotes, and I do offer discounts for writers from marginalized communities, as well as students paying for their own tutoring services. Payment plans are more than welcome with a signed quote. I'm also open to negotiation of rates and will do my best to work within your budget. Your stories and words matter and deserve to be heard, and I will do my best to help.
What is your stance on AI-created work?
When used well, AI programs can be another good tool in a writer's workbox. For example, grammar and spelling check are an AI program! That said, I do not condone the use of generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT) as a substitute for the writing process. I believe that your voice is a unique one that deserves to be nurtured, and if you want to improve as a writer, you need to be willing to write.
Likewise, I do not use AI for any of my communications with clients, and believe that AI is not a substitute for a good reader and editor, and cannot recreate the experience of meaningful rapport with a tutor or reviewer. I ask that anyone looking to work with me agree to not submit works that were created all or in part by generative AI.