Hiring Developmental/Content Editor: Apply Within

I am just short of 30,000 words on The Conduit and searching for a content editor who is familiar with both crime fiction and paranormal. I’m particular about this as I am not looking for copy editing or line editing or proofreading yet. I would like developmental editing and I would like to get started with an editor before I get too deeply into this novel.

With a couple of trunk novels under my belt, I feel my skills and technique have improved. I know how I want this story to develop and, having read over it a few times from chapter one to chapter thirteen, realize I am at a critical point.

It would be really easy to blaze forward like a wildfire and tell my story, but there are conventions. I’ve read many, many books in both crime fiction and the paranormal, but only a handful that combine the two elements.

I have a forensics adviser, and even though my protagonist has a background as a crime scene specialist, crime scene matters are well covered.

I have been all over the web searching for a qualified freelance developmental editor who has the time right now to work with me. A few have read the ms, but we differed too greatly on the direction of the novel. So far, no luck. I am hoping not to have to wait two or three months.

This is not comic book crime fiction with super heroes. This is a story that involves real crime scenarios from both past and present, real life people, two of which have paranormal skills, a mentor and her protégé. The magical comes from metaphysical components that are not necessarily pseudoscience, but grounded in psychological theory. So a science background in psychology/sociology (even neurology) might be helpful. Knowledge of ancient cultures and history (Indian/Hindu and Native American/First Nation Peoples) may be helpful. Medical background may also be helpful, particularly psychiatry/forensics, but not absolutely necessary.

The implied spirituality in the work in progress is NOT religious or theological. If that would conflict with your own personal belief system, we might not be a good match. I’m not looking for an omnipotent God to be introduced who converts everybody to the Christian faith. It’s NOT that kind of story.

I have experience in psychiatry, forensics, and the medical background and have studied Hindu mythology and Native American lore. It is the background of my paranormal mentor. The story is set in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

The conflicts: “Jillian wants to be free from the torment of her nightmares, but she may have to give up someone important to her to get there.”
Jillian, a main character, is an adult, but for a year in her childhood she suffered clairvoyant nightmares about a notorious serial killer. Now divorced, with an eighteen year old son and a twelve year old daughter, a love interest has come out of her past, a dog goes missing, and the nightmares have started again.
Bill, another main character, is a semi-retired G.B.I. Liaison, and former crime scene specialist. A three year old case still haunts him and is part of why he retired in the aftermath of some serious personal issues that challenge his belief in the justice system.

If you are an editor, or know someone who is, with references and qualifications that you feel are suitable and the story interests you, please use the info on my contact page to inquire. Feel free to share a link to this page with others.

UP FRONT: I will tell you that I am not prepared to pay more than $3.00 per page (250-350 wpp).

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you all for reading.

Filed under: Writing Process/WIPs