Deborah Hawkins
Writing Coach & Editor
Providing developmental editing that turns promising drafts into the novel of your dreams
Ready for Editing?
As a developmental editor, I work with authors on the foundational elements of storytelling — structure, character, pacing, and voice. My goal isn’t just a cleaner draft, but a stronger one: a manuscript ready for agents, publishers, or readers.
My approach…
I believe every manuscript contains the book it’s meant to become; it just needs some help getting there.
You’re in the driver’s seat. My job isn’t to impose my voice on your story or steer it toward what I’d write; it’s to ask the hard questions that help you see your manuscript clearly, and to help you find your own way to what it’s trying to become. Editing works best as a collaboration, not a one-way critique.
That collaboration takes time. I typically work with authors over the course of a year, moving through multiple rounds of revision together, giving us enough time to dig deep. Developmental editing is a relationship built on trust, honesty, and a shared commitment to the book you set out to write.
Give me your manuscript, a strong cup of coffee, and excitement about the work ahead, and we will have a great time developing your story.
A little about me…
I have 10 years of editing experience. My favorite thing to do as an editor and coach is to strengthen the author’s authentic voice. I provide a collaborative experience that leaves writers empowered and their writing refined. I’ve provided developmental editing, helped several authors successfully self-publish, and supported one author in earning a positive Kirkus review. My background spans both traditional and self-publishing. I especially enjoy working with debut novelists.
When I’m not editing, I enjoy reading across genres, regenerative farming, homeschooling, fitness, and coaching women on dietary wellness.
Specialities + Services
- Developmental Editing
- Manuscript Evaluations
- Beta Reads
- Line editing
- Proofreading
- Fact-checking
- Style guide
Software + Tools
- Pages
- Markup
- Microsoft Word
- Track Changes
- GoogleDocs
- Atticus
- Vellum
- Chicago Manual of Style
- Christian Writer’s Manual of Style
- Trello
Editing Investment
20k-50k words: $3600
50-100k words: $4500
100k words or more: $5400
What you get:
You’ll get a full calendar year of exclusive access to a dedicated editor for deep, big-picture development: brainstorming structure, form, and book outlines while refining your voice and style. These packages include at least three full manuscript passes, each with detailed notes on structure, character, plot, and style. By the end, you’ll have a completed manuscript that’s ready to pitch to agents, hand to beta readers, or send to copy edit.
Ready for Editing?
Past Projects
J.S. Furlong – Tattooed Angel, Magick Squared, Meredith at the Met, Meredith for Congress
Lisa Dorfmeister – Coming Soon
William Lieblien – Sabotage of Flight 433: A Chamberlain Novel
Debi Pryde – The Faces of Friendship
Michelle Brock – Parenting with Mercy, Topical Bible for Children
Charlie St. Cyr-Paul – The Brave Knight