Editorial Consulting

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Editorial Consulting ✳︎

Do you need a beta reader for your finished novel? Are you stuck on a plot or character problem and need advice on your draft? Ready for a spell-check? Whatever stage of your project, Flannery can help!

Known for her attention to detail, powerful understanding of narrative and structure, and author care that feels like mentorship—not micromanagement, Flannery offers full-service editorial assistance that is custom-tailored to every manuscript and writer. This tailoring is a result of her author-first editorial philosophy, which focuses on meeting writers where they are with compassion and enthusiasm, honoring their unique vision and goals for their story, and acting as their advocate throughout its creative development and beyond. As a writer herself, she's been in your shoes: She knows how scary it can be to take the next step in your creative journey and to trust someone else with the care and keeping of your brainchild, as well as how confusing the path to publication can be, whatever your level of experience with it. She strives to make the editorial process as easy and rewarding as possible while ensuring the end product is the best possible version of itself.

What You'll Get

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What You'll Get ✳︎ ✳︎ ✳︎

Flannery's rate is $65 USD per hour; the total price will vary based on the scope of the work requested and the manuscript's word count. Please reach out to discuss your project and obtain a quote.

Interested in a combination of the services listed here? Have a different question or issue? She'd love to learn more and see how she might be able to help—let's chat! You can also connect with her on Reedsy.

Services

Please Note

Flannery may not be a good fit for content that includes:

AI-generated material (please disclose usage)
Love triangles
Sexual violence
Gratuitous / unnecessary violence against women
Stories where disability drives the plot or is something to be "overcome"
True / gritty crime
Erotica
Novels in verse

Developmental Edits

Following an introductory call to discuss the project and specific questions or elements you want evaluated, Flannery will read your material and provide a thorough editorial letter containing high-level feedback on what's working, what's not, and ways to improve.

Line Edits

Following an introductory call to discuss the project and specific questions or elements you want evaluated, Flannery will read your material and provide thorough in-text edits that address the specific execution of the story and writing through things like word choice, sentence/paragraph/chapter structure, continuity, and grammar.

Art Notes / Layout Review

If applicable, in conjunction with either of these other services, Flannery will review your illustrated/graphic material and provide thorough in-line edits that address the way the visuals are working with the text.

Let's Connect!

Select List of Titles Flannery Has Edited

Testimonials

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Testimonials ✳︎ ✳︎ ✳︎

I had the pleasure of working with Flannery on my pop-culture fan guide to Law & Order: SVU. It was a massive undertaking watching over 25 seasons of a TV show and figuring out what exactly to put in the book. I wanted to please die-hard fans and entice those checking it out for the first time. I got stuck when I had too much material and I was too close to the project to be objective. Flannery was invaluable in helping me not only figure out what to keep and what to cut, but with her experience and talented eye, was able to help me organize it all into something I'm immensely proud of. Without her guidance and thoughtful questions, comments, and notes, the book wouldn't be the same. Even more importantly though, Flannery is just a good person. If you're going to spend weeks or months with someone agonizing over sentences, words, and design, it better be with someone who brightens your day and pushes you to create the best work possible while being a constant source of encouragement. I'd happily work with Flannery again and encourage anyone reading this to put her on speed dial.

—Neal E. Fischer, award-winning author & filmmaker
Flannery Wiest raises the bar, and would make an amazing addition to any project. I’ve worked with her on multiple books, and it’s always been a joyful, productive experience. Her keen editorial insight, creativity, passion, and boundless enthusiasm always make the end result something truly special. Any team would be lucky to have her.

—Steve Behling, author
I had the opportunity to consult with Flannery while developing a publishing strategy for an international children's book series entering the US market. She quickly grasped the nuances of the project and shared thoughtful insight into the US publishing landscape. She also generously connected me with a relevant industry contact. Flannery is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and a pleasure to work with.

—Erica Starks, IP entrepreneur
I'll so miss working with Flannery. She is amazing.

–Selena Fragassi, music journalist & author
Flannery Wiest was very helpful in an editorial and advisory role for our self-published picture book. She listened to the author's needs and was able to polish the book and the rhyming text without losing the voice of the writer or the spirit of the book. Also, her experience provided us insight into the children's book market and was able to answer bonus questions beyond editing. I plan to use her for the next book!

—Katelyn Goldstein, illustrator
Working with Flannery Wiest on Monsters Celebrate Christmas Too! was a great experience. Her editorial insight brought a thoughtful perspective to the process and helped strengthen key moments without taking away from the original voice of the book. What I loved most about working with Flannery as an author is that she understood the importance of balancing whimsy with warmth, allowing my message of inclusivity and celebration to shine through in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. I am very happy with how everything came together. Thank you, Flannery!

—Carolina Alvarez, self-published picture book author