Developmental Editing Services for Writers & Dreamers

Book Coaching & Editing Services for those with stories to share

A. Manternach

WRITER | EDITOR | COACH

Adam is a Midwest based fiction and non-fiction editor and writer.His preferred fiction genres include contemporary (real world, military thrillers), speculative (alternative history, dystopian or Sci-fi), and fantasy (epic quests and heroic shenanigans). He's been known to read a romance on occasion.If an author can mix are few of them together into an urban fantasy or romantasy -- even better!He enjoys reading and thinking about the quiet things with characters showing how connected we are along with the feelings that make us a little uncomfortable.In high school, he was told he should write instead of going to college. Three schools and five years later, Adam graduated with a degree in English Education in a flooded teaching market.

His passion for teaching, led him to listening and nudging his students to adapt their own education across disciplines to succeed in their terms.After a few years of subbing, he shuffled into office work, and dabbled in retail, before enlisting in the Army as public relations soldier.As a soldier, he was tasked with seeking out to tell the Army and the Soldier's story.These experiences-- teaching, Soldiering, retail-- allowed him the opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, serving others and listening to stories.Teaching, training, and mentoring people again, Adam regained a desire to help others write and perfect their own stories.Let him help you show that your story is Worth the Ink!

Editing Service & Support for Writers

The hardest part is done. You decided to write -- To do the thing.Whether you're starting to scribble your ideas on some scrap paper, organizing your sticky notes on a wall, or looking at your "Really ACTUAL Final_Draft Vol.7" and wondering 'What's next?' -- I'm here to help you find out what you need to do next.

Have an outline? | Nice!
First Draft? | Strong Start! LAST.Final.FINAL.Draft
Awesome! I got you!

The rates and fees below reflect current average prices posted by the Editorial Freelance Association.
You can read more about this here.

Writer coaching

Not sure where to start or have a deadline to meet?From scene coaching to outlining a draft or accountability calls, Writer Coaching has options for those wanting support to meet their writing goals.

Read & Review

Not sure what you need or how to keep going?Read & Review gives you choices of manuscript evaluation or a beta read to give you clear, honest direction on what's working and what needs a little more focus next time.

Developmental Editing

You've workshopped a draft or two. You did your own self-edit. Now you want to ensure everything still works.Developmental Editing is an in-depth look at your story -- Character arcs, pacing, plot and all the rest.

Other Services

Working on an idea with specific needs not listed?Reach out for other services: Ghostwriting,
Military Edit,
Academic Edit, Memoirs, formatting or something else.

Writer Coaching

What is a Writer Coaching?

Writer Coaching is a personalized, goal-focused approach designed to improve the writer. Instead of looking at a whole draft or completed manuscript, Writer Coaching sessions look at individual scenes or specific craft skills.

This is a great option for writers looking to grow craft skills, learn to self-edit, or just have someone check-in along the way.

Every writer is different and has different needs.Below are two highly customizable options to help bridge and support those needs: Writer Accountability or Writer Coaching.

Writer Accountability

INCLUDES:

  • A 30-min. writer focused session

  • One time (or re-occurring) call

  • Discuss projects, brainstorm, break writer's block, or organize thoughts

Price: $50 per session

Writer Coaching

INCLUDES:

  • One time (or re-occurring) focused sessions

  • scene feedback on up to 1,000 words

  • Feedback can be Recorded or Live

Price: $100 per session

Read & Review

What is a Manuscript Evaluation?

A Manuscript Evaluation is a "big-picture" critique of your story. It's editorial report highlights what's working and what might need some more development within your global story.

Writers use a manuscript evaluation to check that their work is heading in the right direction as they finish drafting.

What is a Beta Read?

A Beta Read provides the writer with a "Reader's Perspective" of their story. Beta readers highlight a range of story inconsistencies, plot holes, or missing elements. These readers serve as your target audience and can be another initial test for a nearly finished draft.

Many authors use Beta Readers as part of their initial feedback to get a reader's perspective of their work.

Beta Read

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.005 per word

  • One full read of your manuscript

  • Reader Report or Author's own Beta Reader Questionnaire

  • One 30-min. call focused on manuscript

Manuscript Evaluation

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.015 per word

  • One full manuscript read

  • Detailed Editorial Report focused on global story

  • In-line companion comments on manuscript

  • One 60-min. call focused on manuscript

  • 30 days of email support

Developmental Editing

What is a Developmental Editing?

A Developmental Edit is still a "big-picture" edit, but more in-depth with a focus on the global story, character arcs, pacing, and plotting. It's editorial report is to further refine your overall story, your characters, the pacing, and help to fine-tune the specific details of the story.

Many writers opt for this option as a deep dive editorial review heading into revisions of their novel.

Baseline Developmental Edit

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.020

  • Two full reads of your manuscript

  • Detailed editorial report detailing global story, structure, and character arcs

  • Suggestions for revision with resources for identified issues

  • Two 60-minute call to discuss your manuscript and report

  • 30 days of email support

Comprehensive Developmental Edit

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.030

  • Two full manuscript reads

  • Detailed editorial report detailing global story, structure, and character arcs

  • Suggestions for revision with resources for identified issues

  • In-line companion notes on each chapter

  • Customized manuscript style guide

  • Two 60-minute calls to discuss your manuscript and report

  • 30 days of email support

Ghostwriting

What is a Ghostwriting?

Ghostwriting is for when you have a story to tell, but just don't have the skills, time, or ability to put them into print alone. A ghostwriter collaborates with you to use your voice and tone to help you get your story down.

Writers choose to work with ghostwriters for various reasons as diverse as their stories they want to tell. Ghostwriters might start with an outline or maybe the author's notes. They might do extended interviews or have focused touchpoints along the the way.If that sounds like you, reach out to discuss your project and make a plan to get your story on the page.

Ghostwriting
(Example Memoir)

INCLUDES:

Price: TBD

  • Initial meeting to define scope

  • Review of notes or drafts

  • Second meeting to Outline, define foundational story focus

  • up to 10 sessions of recorded interviews about manuscript topic

  • Check-in on drafting with email support

  • Manuscript formatting

  • Final manuscript approval

Academic Editing

What is a Manuscript Evaluation?

A Manuscript Evaluation is a "big-picture," overall critique of your story. It's editorial report highlights what's working and what might need some more development within your global story.

Many writers will use this as one of their initial editorial reviews as they work to finish their draft.

Draft Planning

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.005 per word

  • One full read of your manuscript

  • Reader Report or Author's own Beta Reader Questionnaire

  • One 30-min. call focused on manuscript

Copyedit with GUM & Citations

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.010 per word

  • One full manuscript read

  • Detailed Editorial Report focused on global story

  • One 60-min. call focused on manuscript

  • 30 days of email support

Manuscript Evaluation

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.015 per word

  • One full manuscript read

  • Detailed Editorial Report focused on global story

  • One 60-min. call focused on manuscript

  • 30 days of email support

Military Editing

What is Military Editing?

Military Editing can mean a few things.In non-fiction, it can mean fact checking the historical record or breaking down military jargon.In fiction, it can be digging into a field manual to get the right tactical terminology or verifying the right equipment nomenclature.

With my experience as an Army Public Affairs soldier, I've had the privilege to serve and network with many other service members across various jobs and military services.As a Public Affairs solider, I was tasked to tell the Army's Story. That meant, not only reporting on and explaining Army events and processes, but finding the story AROUND the story.Those experiences gave me a unique perspective and allows me to collaborate with Veterans and other Military Writers to make sure we get your story right.

Memoir

What is Military Editing?

Military Editing can mean a few things.In non-fiction, it can mean fact checking the historical record or breaking down military jargon.In fiction, it can be digging into a field manual to get the right tactical terminology or verifying the right equipment nomenclature.

With my experience as an Army Public Affairs soldier, I've had the privilege to serve and network with many other service members across various jobs and military services.As a Public Affairs solider, I was tasked to tell the Army's Story. That meant, not only reporting on and explaining Army events and processes, but finding the story AROUND the story.Those experiences gave me a unique perspective and allows me to collaborate with Veterans and other Military Writers to make sure we get your story right.

Draft Planning

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.005 per word

  • One full read of your manuscript

  • Reader Report or Author's own Beta Reader Questionnaire

  • One 30-min. call focused on manuscript

Copyedit with GUM & Citations

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.010 per word

  • One full manuscript read

  • Detailed Editorial Report focused on global story

  • One 60-min. call focused on manuscript

  • 30 days of email support

Manuscript Evaluation

INCLUDES:

Price: $0.015 per word

  • One full manuscript read

  • Detailed Editorial Report focused on global story

  • One 60-min. call focused on manuscript

  • 30 days of email support

Blog

First Post --
Date 2026

For this text, I’ll be able to share current events and happenings for what I’m reading or writing.This space is for "updates" and education or resources that will help clients and readers.

First Post --
Date 2026

1:1 Coaching:Session services are conducted in person or remotely via email, telephone, or Discord.Customized, personal sessions are focused on both the writer and the text.After an initial 1/2 hour consult, we can work together to determine the best services package and way forward.If I'm not a good fit, I'll try to help and hand you off to someone who may be better suited to your needs.

Second Post-
Date 2026

Again, this space will be for updates and things of interest, but more fluid updates similar to a newsletter function.

Services and fees:o Basic Coaching
o Manuscript Evaluation
o Developmental Editing
o Line Editing
o Accountability CallBook me for a virtual or in-person workshop or writer retreat.Check my calendar for upcoming events and appearances.

Book a Call