- Writer's block? I'll ask targeted questions designed to spark your muse.
- Saggy middle? We'll crack open your characters and dig into their true fears and needs.
- Decision paralysis? Let's talk about what you want from your story and how you want your readers to feel.
- Stuck on story design? A combo of character and story structure analysis can open up some seriously delightful possibilities.
- Need a gentle nudge? As creatives, we sometimes need to push our boundaries. I can help you identify your trouble spots and raise your personal bar.
Is a Story Consultation right for you?
We can do a Story Consult at any stage in your manuscript's development. Earlier is often better, but sometimes you don't see problems until they hit the page and screw up your flow.
Pantsers might use a Story Consult as a way to shave a draft cycle or two off your usual write-rewrite-repeat process—imagine how much extra energy and time you could dedicate to line-level nuances!
Plotters might take advantage of the deep-story possibilities a Story Consult can reveal and inject that extra bit of oomph that will hit your audience right in the feels.
However...
A Story Consultation is not an edit.
Looking for a full edit? Read this section (click) to find out if I'm currently taking on new projects.
In your Story Consultation, we'll talk about your (and your story's) needs. I'll tailor the experience to your unique situation.
Does investing one hour to potentially save dozens sound like what you need? Schedule your Story Consult below to save your spot in my schedule.
Here's what authors are saying...
“
My hour with Sue was literally the best way I could have spent my money. I'm so grateful I met with Sue.”
Kat Ryan
Author of small-town romance
“
I’ve never worked with a more tuned-in, savvy, or humbling creative. Sue can see through to the very heart of a story, then weaves pure magic to draw the very best from your words.
Evie Drae
2019 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist
“
Can’t say enough good things about editor @davincikittie! Kickass insight & suggestions. #HireHer #EditingSkillz
Asa Maria BRadley
PNR and UF bestselling author
What to expect from your Story Consultation
The format for the Story Consult is simple: We'll identify your problems, and then I'll guide the conversation to spark Aha! moments and uncover new possibilities. This is a Q&A session, so bring your most pressing story or character questions.
- I do not review any documents before our chat. So if your questions require a lot of backstory or additional information I need to know, come prepared to succinctly state those must-know details.
- I do not line edit, analyze scene flows, or audit any story documents like outlines, synopses, or blurbs during our chat. The focus of a Story Consult is high-level problem solving or story planning in a Q&A format.
- You can provide short summary or info documents (500 words or less) for me to read while we're on the call, but be aware that this will take away from your Q&A time.
The best way to prepare for a Story Consult is to make a list of your concerns and questions in advance (you're welcome to email them to me once the meeting is scheduled) and craft a 30-second story pitch you can read to me at the start of the Consult to introduce me to your story.
Our meeting will take place through video chat. You can leave your camera off if you're uncomfortable being on video.
A Story Consultation costs $175 and lasts one hour. I usually have calendar openings within 2-3 weeks, if not sooner. The Consult fee is not refundable.
Got more questions? Fill out the email form below and we'll chat about whether my Story Consultation is a good fit for your needs.
A few important details...
I am primarily a developmental editor and specialize in storysmithing romantic fiction. So if your story doesn't involve a primary romance plot—including an HEA or HFN—I may not be the best fit for you. I also work with Urban Fantasy authors, as long as the series has a strong romance element. We can use your Story Consult to look at a single book or your larger series arc.
I don't review any story documents in advance or provide any line-level editing before, during, or after the meeting. So while I'm happy to advise you on how to improve your prose and story through line- and copyediting techniques, I won't focus on that during our session or give explicit in-line editing suggestions. A Story Consultation is all about the story, character, or series arc.
My passion is teaching and my current focus is on developing transformational at-home courses for romance writers of every experience level (for example). So unless you're already one of my authors, I can't offer editing services beyond a Story (or Career) Consult. But we can schedule as many Q&A-style Consults as you need for your story or series. If you're looking for freelance editing services, grab my free Master Guide: Build Your Editing Dream Team (click).
Let's schedule your Story Consultation!
Questions? Send me an email.
Drop me an email and we'll chat about your story or career needs. After you hit Send Message below, you should get a message at the email you enter below within 5 minutes, subject line "Got your email about Story Consults!". If you don't see it, search your Spam folder. I'll try to be in touch within 48 business hours (weekdays). Be sure to whitelist this domain (@suebrownmoore.com) and pull my messages over into your main inbox so our conversations don't get lost in your inbox.
PS - Filling out the form above will not subscribe you to my mailing list. Your email will only be used for discussion about your inquiry. If you're not already on my list and do want to start receiving all the free guides and advice I send to romance writers, you can opt in here.