Madonna Evans

Writing and publishing a book is a deeply personal, creative journey. Good editing isn't just corrections and imposing rigid rules —it is a supportive partnership designed to honor your vision, amplify your voice, and give your work the thoughtful care it deserves.As an experienced production editor, developmental editor, copyeditor, and proofreader, I work closely with creators and publishers at every stage of the writing process. Whether you are an independent author shaping your early draft or a publisher looking for a trusted editor who respects tight deadlines, I am here to support you.

About Me

Behind every manuscript is a creator who cares deeply about their work—and my favorite part of this industry has always been partnering directly with authors to help them realize their vision.I have a Master’s Degree in English: Professional Writing and years of extensive experience working directly with authors through every stage of the editorial lifecycle.(You can explore a selection of some of the published books I've worked on in the gallery below!)Much of my professional editorial background is in educational, non-fiction, and technical editing—areas where I thrive on managing complexity, organizing structure, and bringing clarity to dense material.But my lifelong passion lies in story. My first literary love was the historical romance novels I found at my local library after school. That love has grown into studying the craft of the genre—attending Romance Writers of America conferences, taking classes on character-building, plotting, and tension, and editing romance manuscripts. I approach all my interests with the same dedication and curiosity. I'm also in love with sprawling, immersive fantasy (you’ll currently find me lost in Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders series).Whether you are producing a scholarly text, a narrative non-fiction work, or a sweeping genre fiction novel, I provide the level of care, depth, and hands-on involvement your project requires.

Editorial Services and Rates

Every manuscript is unique, and so is every editorial partnership.The services and rates below represent standard starting estimates for individual authors (in line with current EFA rates). In most cases, I work directly with you to customize a package tailored to your manuscript goals and project timeline.
If you aren't sure which service level you need, don't worry—reach out via email to start a conversation, and we’ll figure out the best path forward for your book.Author Consultation Call:
One-on-One Editorial Guidance and Project Strategy
Need a professional sounding board for your manuscript? Whether you are stuck on a plot point, organizing your writing workflow, or deciding which level of editing your draft needs next, a consultation call offers dedicated, personalized clarity.
• Best for: Real-time story brainstorming, manuscript planning, or targeted guidance on your immediate editorial steps. (Note: Does not include manuscript review.)
• Includes: 30-minute video or phone session, plus a follow-up email summarizing key takeaways and action steps.
• Rate: $100 for 30 minutesEditorial Assessment:
High-Level Evaluation
An assessment of your book’s overall structure, narrative pacing, character arcs, tone, and so on. You’ll receive a comprehensive editorial assessment identifying key strengths and areas for structural revision—giving you a clear, confident roadmap to guide your next rewrite.
• Best for: Self-directed authors seeking big-picture feedback before revising, or authors testing their draft before querying.
• Includes: Complete read-through and a detailed assessment email.
• Starting Rate: 1.5¢ per word (e.g., ~$1,200 for an 80,000-word manuscript)
• Evaluation Credit: 50% of your Editorial Assessment fee can be applied directly toward a full Developmental Edit if booked within 30 days of receiving your memo.Developmental Edit:
Comprehensive, Big-Picture Work on Structure, Organization, and Ideas
Whether you are building a sprawling fantasy world, crafting a historical romance, or organizing a complex non-fiction manuscript, developmental editing addresses the full story arc. We’ll work collaboratively, in multiple back-and-forth passes if needed.
• Best for: Early-to-mid draft manuscripts, structural overhauls, or authors seeking hands-on, scene-by-scene story and content guidance.
• Includes: Full read-through with margin comments and high-level edits, with tracked changes.
• Starting Rate: 3¢ per word (e.g., ~$2,400 for an 80,000-word manuscript)Copyedit:
Line-by-Line Refinement
Copyediting polishes phrasing, enhances clarity and flow, and ensures consistency in grammar, punctuation, and style—all while preserving your unique voice. This service is for nearly-finished work that doesn't need any restructuring. I will make corrections and suggestions and ask questions (using track changes in Word). I adhere to style guides (Chicago Manual of Style, unless specified otherwise) while checking for consistency in tone, voice, and terminology.
• Best for: Completed drafts (ready for refinement, language polishing, and consistency checks).
• Includes: Tracked changes manuscript markup and, if needed, a project style sheet.
• Starting Rate: 2.5¢ per word (e.g., ~$2,000 for an 80,000-word manuscript). Additional features such as references, extensive fact checking, complex tables and figures, and footnotes will be more.Proofread:
Final Review for Minor Errors in a Finished Manuscript
A proofread may be available upon request, depending on such factors as project type, file type, etc.Custom Packages:
Build the Right Service for You
Need a hybrid service—like a light copyedit combined with a final proofread, or an assessment followed by a developmental edit? Every author’s path is different. I am happy to create a personalized proposal tailored specifically to your goals.For Publishing Houses and Academic Presses: I'm available for a variety of services. Reach out anytime to discuss scheduling and project guidelines.

Let's Work Together

Taking the next step with your manuscript shouldn't feel overwhelming! Here is what working together looks like from start to finish:Step 1: Reach out and share your vision. Send me an email with a brief summary of your project, current word count, genre, desired timeline, and the type of support you're looking for. If needed, I'll schedule a call so we can go over details.Step 2: Review and tailored proposal. I’ll review a sample of your manuscript. Then, I’ll send you a customized proposal with a clear project scope, transparent quote, and proposed timeline—no surprises.Step 3: Agreement and booking. Once we settle on the details, I will send a contract and invoice with pre-discussed payment schedule.Step 4: Editing and collaborative polish. The work begins! I’ll dive into your manuscript with care and attention to detail. Throughout the process, we'll stay in touch so you feel fully supported every step of the way toward a polished, publication-ready draft.You can reach me at [email protected]