If you’re an author staring at your finished (or almost-finished) draft and wondering, “What now?”—you’re not alone.
At this stage, many writers discover a service called a manuscript evaluation—sometimes called an editorial assessment, manuscript assessment, or editorial evaluation (amongst other things). But what exactly is it? And is it worth paying for?
Let’s break it down.
✨ What Is a Manuscript Evaluation?
A manuscript evaluation is a big-picture analysis of your novel. Instead of correcting grammar or line-level issues, this type of edit focuses on story structure, character development, pacing, voice, conflict, emotional arc, and more.
Think of it as a professional, in-depth reaction to your story. It is designed to help you understand what’s working, what isn’t, and how to make your next revision count.
That said, the exact details can vary depending on the editor. Some evaluations are just a one-page overview. Others (like mine) include a multi-page report broken into categories, offering clear, actionable feedback tailored to your goals and genre.
✨ Note: A manuscript evaluation is not as in-depth as a developmental edit. It typically won’t include margin comments, scene-by-scene analysis, or detailed line-level suggestions. Instead, it gives you a bird’s-eye view of your story’s strengths and weaknesses—so you know what to focus on before moving into deeper editorial work like a full developmental edit.
After spending so much time with your own story, it’s almost impossible to view it objectively. A manuscript evaluation gives you:
A fresh, professional perspective
Insight into what’s working
Encouraging but honest feedback on what needs improvement
A revision roadmap tailored to your specific story
Confidence that your time and effort are being spent where they matter most
It’s not about pointing out every little flaw—it’s about helping you bring out the strongest version of the story you want to tell.
🛠️ How Can a Manuscript Evaluation Help Me?
A strong evaluation can save you time, money, and frustration by:
Preventing unnecessary rewrites
Helping you focus your revisions
Identifying blind spots in structure, emotion, or clarity
Clarifying your next steps
Giving you a better sense of how your story reads to a real audience (albeit an editor, in this case)
For indie authors, especially, it’s a smart move before investing in further editing stages. It ensures you’re polishing the right version of your story—not an early draft full of fixable issues.
🕒 When Should You Get a Manuscript Evaluation?
The best time to get a manuscript evaluation is after you’ve finished a full draft and completed at least one round of self-edits.
That part is key: you’ll get the most value out of the evaluation if you’ve already made changes you know need to happen—tightened the plot, refined the pacing, filled in emotional beats, etc. You don’t want to pay for feedback on things you already plan to fix.
I also personally recommend waiting until after feedback from alpha readers, if you use them. While many writers skip this stage, those who do often find they get even more out of their evaluation because the manuscript has already gone through early external eyes. (If alpha readers point out a potential flaw, I can either fix it, or bring it to my editor’s attention to have them focus on it.)
Bottom line: don’t send in your messy first draft. Give it one good round of revision first, then invest in a manuscript evaluation that can dig deeper.
If you’re not sure whether your story is ready yet, I offer a free sample evaluation so you can test the waters first.
💬 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what your story needs next, a manuscript evaluation can be a game-changer.
It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. It’s about taking the next step with clarity, purpose, and the support of someone who sees your story’s potential.
A manuscript evaluation, although an expense, can actually save you money in the long-run. For example, a manuscript evaluation can catch big-picture issues that should be fixed before a developmental edit. The last thing you want to do is put a large investment into a developmental edit, just to realize that many of the problems could have been found with a manuscript evaluation then a developmental edit to polish off the content of your book. Instead, you may find yourself having to do another developmental edit instead.
As both a published author and a professional editor, I know how easy it is to get lost in your own words. A manuscript evaluation bridges the gap, giving you confidence that your book is on the right track before investing further in editing or publication.
Have you ever stared at a blank page and wondered how people write entire books in just a few weeks—or even a few days?
Here’s the truth: writing a book in 30 days is possible, and it doesn’t have to feel like chaos. Whether you’re a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, with the right mindset and tools, your first draft can go from idea to “The End” faster than you think. (Does anyone actually write “The End” though?)
As a published romance author and professional editor, I’ve written a short first draft in under a week—and I’ve had several days where I wrote over 10,000 words. So yes, it can happen.
But writing fast isn’t about chasing some magic speed record. It’s about momentum, focus, and trusting that your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be written.
🧠 Step 1: Decide on Your Planning Style
(Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser)
Before you type a single word, figure out how you work best.
Plotters love structure and often outline scenes, character arcs, and major plot beats before they begin.
Pantsers jump in and discover the story as they go.
Plantsers fall somewhere in the middle—planning just enough to stay on track, while leaving space for inspiration.
There’s no wrong way. But if your goal is speed, having some structure can help avoid stalling.
I’m definitely a plantser and enjoy a loose outline with the bare necessities or as a place to jot down any ideas that come to me. I highly recommend having some sort of bare structure so you know when you’re going off-course.
📋 Step 2: Use a Beat Sheet (Optional, But Powerful)
Beat sheets give you a roadmap. Especially helpful for genre fiction, they can keep your story on pace and prevent common pitfalls like saggy middles or abrupt endings.
Some popular choices:
Romancing the Beat (perfect for romance!)
Save the Cat Writes a Novel
The classic Three-Act Structure
Even if you don’t follow every beat to the letter, having story checkpoints can help you write faster and with more confidence.
✍️ Step 3: Set a Realistic Daily Word Count Goal
To write a full book draft in 30 days, aim for 1,667 words per day. If you want to break it up into parts during the day, that’s about one to two focused writing sessions daily—very doable with consistency.
Try:
Timed sprints (15–30 minutes)
Word count trackers or spreadsheets
Accountability groups or social media check-ins
And yes—some writers go well beyond that. I’ve personally written 10,000+ words in a day on more than a few occasions. But it’s not about speed for speed’s sake—it’s about writing when the words are flowing and giving yourself permission to write messy.
You’ll find that what works for you may not work for other people, just like what works for other people may not work for you. I like having a word tracker (which is built into Scrivener). I don’t find timed sprints or accountability groups/check-ins very helpful; I actually feel pressured and have a ‘deer-in-headlights’ moment. So I stick with what I know works for me. (Although I have been doing a 5-minute sprint a day!)
This is really what makes a novel or book come together in a month: being able to have a reasonable word output. This can become difficult if you get hung up with writer’s block, but sometimes you need to force your way through it, even if it is messy. (This is a first draft, after all! They aren’t perfect!)
🔥 But What If I Want to Write a Book in Less Than 30 Days?
You absolutely can. I’ve done it.
If you’ve cleared time in your schedule and have a strong concept, fast-drafting a book in a week or two is possible.
That said, your first draft might not be novel-length—and that’s okay. My own first drafts are often “barebones”—lean, stripped-down versions of the story. A recent one came in at just under 31,000 words. It still counts and I did it in under a week. Because the first draft isn’t your finished book—it’s the blueprint for what comes next.
Whether you write 80K or 25K, if you’re telling the bones of the story, you’re on the right track.
🛠️ What Comes After the First Draft?
You did it. You finished your first draft—messy or not. So… what now?
But right now, you’re only looking a little bit ahead. So after your draft is done, here’s what I recommend:
✨ Step One: Self-Edited Revisions
Take some time away from your draft, then come back with fresh eyes. This is your chance to clean up plot holes, awkward pacing, or anything that needs smoothing before other eyes see it. It allows you to enhance scenes, add new ones, etc. and bulk up your story (for me it is adding meat on the (bare)bones of my first draft).
👥 Step Two: Consider Alpha Readers
After revisions, you’ll want some eyes on your story. A second draft is a great time to get early feedback—or better yet, schedule alpha readers now and give them a timeline. You can also start lining up beta readers for a few edits down the road.
✏️ Step Three: Start Looking for Editors
Even if you’re not ready to book yet, now is the perfect time to research editors, ask about availability, and find someone who gets your story. There are so many different types of editing that can be done for a book, so finding what you need is crucial. Not only that, but sometimes editors book out weeks or months in advance, so getting on their schedule early is important. (Other times you may luck out and find a good editor with the perfect availability for your project!)
💼 Need Help with Your First Draft?
I’m both a published author and a professional editor—so I get how tough this part can be. Whether you need cheerleading or constructive feedback, I have two services made just for you:
📝 First Draft, First Reader: Chapter-by-chapter support and light feedback while you’re still drafting. Stay motivated, stay accountable, and get insights as you go.
🔍 First Draft Deep Dive: Once you finish your draft, I’ll read the whole thing and give you a detailed report to help shape your second draft with confidence.
I have several different types of editing available, so I’m more than happy to help you find what works for your book, exactly where it is! You can view all my editorial services here. Whether you need an alpha reader or beta reader, manuscript evaluation or developmental edit, or some line-by-line edits (line editing, copyediting, or proofreading), I’m here to help.
💌 Have questions or want to chat about your project? Reach out here. I’d love to help.
💡 Final Thoughts
Writing a book in 30 days—or even faster—isn’t about rushing for the sake of it. It’s about momentum, motivation, and proving to yourself that you can.
Start where you are. Use the time you have. And remember: your first draft doesn’t have to be long, or perfect. It just has to be written.
If you’re an author trying to figure out how much editing your novel will cost, you’ve probably seen some wide—and confusing—price ranges. I get it. As both a romance author and a professional editor, I’ve been on both sides of this equation.
The truth? Editing is one of the biggest (and best) investments you’ll make in your book. But costs vary a lot, depending on what kind of editing you need, who you’re working with, and how far along your manuscript is. I go through all these levels of professional editing for my own books and see it as a solid investment on making sure each of my books is the best it can be.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the five most common types of editing for novels, what each one includes, and what you can expect to pay—based on typical industry rates and personal experience.
💡 Note: These are general ranges. Editors set their rates based on experience, availability, specialization, and how much work your manuscript needs. Always check what’s included in the service before you book.
📚 The 5 Main Types of Editing for Novels
Before we dive into pricing, here are the main types of editing you’ll hear about:
Manuscript Evaluation (also called Manuscript Assessment or Critique among other names)
Developmental Editing
Line Editing
Copyediting
Proofreading
Each one serves a unique purpose in the revision process. They’re not interchangeable—though some terms do get used loosely (more on that below).
✨ Manuscript Evaluation (aka Manuscript Critique or Assessment)
What it is: This is high-level feedback meant to help you shape your next revision. You’ll get a written report that looks at plot, structure, pacing, character development, emotional resonance, tone, and voice.
You won’t get: In-line comments or direct edits—this is about the big picture, not the nitty-gritty.
Typical rate: 💸 $0.01–$0.03 per word 📌 Or a flat rate of $300–$1,000+, depending on manuscript length and depth of feedback.
I’m continuing my lowered NaNoWriMo rates into early 2026. My Manuscript Evaluation is priced at $0.005/word during this special.
📝 A lot of editors price this service as a flat fee rather than per word. It’s worth checking how they bill—and how detailed the evaluation will be.
Best for: Authors who’ve done a round or two of self-edits and want direction before diving into their next round of revisions.
💬 Heads up: This service varies widely. Some editors send a 2–3 page summary. Others provide a 10+ page editorial report. Always ask what’s included so you know what to expect.
👋 This is one of my favorite services to offer, especially for indie authors. I focus on your story’s big-picture elements: structure, character arcs, tension, pacing, voice, and more.See what’s included.
🧠 Developmental Editing
What it is: A story-level edit that dives deep into structure, pacing, plot arcs, character motivation, conflict, tension, and emotional payoff. You’ll usually get a combination of an editorial letter and margin comments inside the manuscript.
You won’t get: Polished prose—this is about what you’re saying, not how it’s worded (that comes later).
Typical rate: 💸 $0.02–$0.08 per word
I’m continuing my lowered NaNoWriMo rates into early 2026. My Developmental Edit is priced at $0.01/word during this special.
Best for: Authors who are ready to revise and want help strengthening the story itself—not just polishing the surface.
🧩 From experience: I’ve received developmental edits that came with hundreds of tracked comments in Word… and others that included just a few pages of general notes. Neither is wrong, but the expectations were completely different. Always ask how your editor delivers feedback—and how hands-on they’ll be.
✍️ I offer developmental editing that includes an editorial letter, in-line comments, and chapter-by-chapter insights—designed specifically for novels.More details here.
✍️ Line Editing
What it is: A sentence-level edit that focuses on how the story is told. This is where your voice, tone, rhythm, emotional resonance, and clarity are refined. Line editors help make your prose stronger without changing your style.
You won’t get: Grammar correction alone (that’s copyediting) or major story feedback (that’s developmental).
Typical rate: 💸 $0.02–$0.06 per word
I’m continuing my lowered NaNoWriMo rates into early 2026. My Line Editing is priced at $0.01/word during this special.
Best for: Authors with a solid draft who want to elevate their prose and make each sentence shine. This should only be done after your story is complete and you are looking to polish things at line-level, not making changes to the story (like plot).
✨ Line editing is creative work. It’s where the writing gets elevated—not corrected. I offer line editing to help you tell your story even better!
🛠️ Copyediting
What it is: A technical clean-up. Copyediting focuses on grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, consistency, word usage, and clarity. It makes sure everything is accurate and reads cleanly.
You won’t get: Rewritten sentences or structural notes—this is a rules-based, detail-oriented polish.
Typical rate: 💸 $0.01–$0.04 per word
I’m continuing my lowered NaNoWriMo rates into early 2026. My Copyediting is priced at $0.007/word during this special.
Best for: Authors whose story and prose are solid, and who are ready to prep for publication.
🔍 Copyediting also checks for consistency—like making sure your character’s eye color doesn’t change halfway through the book or that you’re not accidentally switching tenses. My copyediting service will clean up your book so it will read clean and clear.
🔍 Proofreading
What it is: The final polish. Proofreading happens when you’re ready to publish, and it catches typos, minor punctuation issues, and leftover errors that slipped through previous rounds.
You won’t get: Rewrites, feedback, or major changes. This is the very last step.
Typical rate: 💸 $0.005–$0.02 per word
I’m continuing my lowered NaNoWriMo rates into early 2026. My Proofreading is priced at $0.004/word during this special.
Best for: Final manuscripts that have already been professionally edited and are ready for publication.
🧼 This isn’t where you fix plot holes. This is your last editing stop before the book is ready for publication. My proofreading service will do a final polish on your manuscript prior to publication.
🤔 What About Combo Line Edits & Copyedits?
This is a common question: Can I hire someone to do both line editing and copyediting at once?
Short answer: Sometimes. But proceed with caution.
Some editors offer a combo line + copy edit to save you time and money. And that can work—especially if your manuscript is clean and the editor is experienced. But here’s the catch:
Line editing and copyediting are two different skill sets. One is creative and interpretive. The other is technical and rule-bound.
When an editor tries to do both at once, there’s a higher risk of missing things. It’s hard to zoom in and out at the same time. Even excellent editors will tell you: a second pass catches what the first missed.
If you do go for a combo edit, ask whether the editor offers a quick follow-up proofread or discounted second pass. Sometimes editors will do one pass as a line edit and then a separate pass as a copyedit; always ask questions if you aren’t sure and have a preference. Many combo edits are done in one pass, often saving time for both the editor and the author.
I’ve used editors that do combos like this, but I always make sure to go through two rounds of these edits, just to be certain. Either a line edit and then a combo, two combos, or a combo and then a copyedit. (I always follow it up with a proofread.) This ensures nothing is missed.
As an editor, I prefer to not perform these as a single service, but as separate services. Clients are encouraged to book both services, of course, but I prefer to pass the manuscript back after a line edit so the author can make changes and then send it back to me for a copyedit. Very recently in early 2026, I did decide to offer a combo service for clients who are on a tighter deadline and wish to have both services completed in one pass.
💰 Summary of Typical Editing Rates for Novels
Editing Type
Rate (Per Word)
Flat Rate Example
Manuscript Evaluation
$0.01–$0.03
$300–$1,000+ (flat possible)
Developmental Editing
$0.02–$0.08
—
Line Editing
$0.02–$0.06
—
Copyediting
$0.01–$0.04
—
Proofreading
$0.005–$0.02
—
📝 Editors price based on manuscript length, depth of edit, schedule, experience, and sometimes even genre. You’ll see rates higher and lower than the above, and that’s okay! Don’t be afraid to ask for a quote that fits your project.
📊 According to the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): Their posted average rates (as of 2024) fall within these ranges:
Developmental editing: $0.03–$0.07/word
Line editing: $0.03–$0.06/word
Copyediting: $0.02–$0.04/word
Proofreading: $0.01–$0.029/word
Manuscript critique: Often billed hourly at $45–$80/hr (which often translates to $0.01–$0.025/word depending on length and depth)
📝 Of course, many freelance editors charge outside those ranges—especially if they’re highly experienced, specialize in a genre, or include extras like chapter-by-chapter notes or email follow-ups. Always ask for a breakdown of what’s included.
👩💻 What I Offer as an Editor (In Case You’re Curious)
I work with fiction authors at every stage—whether you’re writing a first draft, polishing a messy draft, ready for in-depth edits, or looking at line-by-line edits. Here’s the full breakdown of my 9 services, listed in the order they appear on my site:
📝 First Draft, First Reader – Chapter-by-chapter support while you draft, including in-line comments and quick reactions to keep you motivated and on track.
🧠 First Draft Deep Dive – A one-time full-manuscript read with a concise, high-level editorial report to help guide your next round of revisions.
📘 Professional Alpha Reader – A structured story-level report with answers to 22 core questions (plus custom insights based on your manuscript).
📊 Manuscript Evaluation – A multi-page editorial critique analyzing your story’s structure, character arcs, pacing, and emotional payoff.
👀 Professional Beta Reader – Reader-style feedback with 80+ story questions covering emotional resonance, pacing, and reader satisfaction.
🔨 Developmental Editing – Scene-level editing with tracked comments, a focused editorial letter, and chapter-by-chapter notes. This in-depth service helps you refine structure, emotion, and character growth.
🖋️ Line Edit – Sentence-level editing to improve clarity, rhythm, tone, and flow—strengthening your voice while preserving your style.
✏️ Copyedit – A technical polish focused on grammar, punctuation, and consistency. Includes a personalized Style Sheet documenting all editorial choices for your manuscript.
🔍 Proofread – A final surface-level pass to catch lingering typos, punctuation slips, and minor inconsistencies. Perfect for clean, edited manuscripts that are ready for publication.
Plus, I offer Manuscript Loyalty Pricing—up to 20% off when you book multiple services for the same manuscript. (The services can be booked at any time, no commitment, no pre-paying for several services in advance.)
🗺️ My 11-Step Novel Writing Plan (That Works Across Genres)
I also use—and encourage—an 11-Step Novel Writing Plan that helps me write my own books. It’s flexible and effective for any genre. You’ll find where each of my services fits into the writing and revision process, from outline to release. Explore the full plan here: My 11-Step Novel Writing Plan →
✨ Final Thoughts
Hiring an editor is a big, and often smart, step forward. But it’s not just about finding someone to revise your words; it’s about getting the right kind of help at the right time. That’s why I’ve designed each of these services to fit into a larger roadmap—so you can get support exactly when you need it, and benefit from discounts as you go.
Authors, Writers, and Novelists: Want to work with someone who gets it as a published author, voracious reader, and professional editor?
💌 Contact me to talk through where you are, what you need, and how I can help your story flourish.
✨ Good editing isn’t about rewriting your story—it’s about helping you tell it better.
Happy reading, writing, and editing, Natasha Dubois
You’ve read a hundred love stories. You’ve highlighted your favorite quotes. You’ve sighed at perfect endings and stayed up way too late whispering, “Just one more chapter.”
But lately… you’ve been wondering: What if you wrote your own romance novel?
Maybe you have a story idea tugging at your heart. Or maybe you’re just tired of waiting for someone else to write the exact story you want to read.
If that’s you? This summer might be the perfect time to try.
💖 Romance Reader to Romance Writer? Yes, You Can
You don’t need a creative writing degree. You don’t need a perfect outline or flawless grammar. You just need one thing: a willingness to start.
Writing a romance novel can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a plan.
That’s why I created my 11-Step Romance Writing Plan—the exact roadmap I use to take every one of my books from idea to release. Whether you’re an avid reader ready to try writing or a writer looking for structure, this plan will guide you one intentional step at a time.
Imagine this: You start writing your romance novel this summer. You revise and polish through fall and winter. By next summer, you could be holding your finished book in your hands.
🕒 “Can I Really Go from Idea to Published Book in a Year?”
Yes, you can!
In fact, I take most of my romance novels from outline to publication in just 3 to 4 months. (Yeah, those pre-orders that I set up a year in advance? Not even outlined yet.) That includes every step of my 11-Step Romance Writing Plan: drafting, revising, alpha reading, beta feedback, developmental edits, and final polish. Yes, that includes 5 rounds of professional edits, too.
Of course, not everyone writes at the same pace—and you don’t have to rush. But with structure, support, and a little consistency? One year is absolutely enough time to write, revise, and publish a romance novel you’re proud of.
And I’d love to help you do it. I even have a Manuscript Milestone Planning service where I work with you to create reasonable, reachable deadlines for your book.
🪜 From Story Spark to Satisfying Ending
Here’s a glimpse of the writing path I follow—and help other authors walk through, too:
And in between every step? Revisions. Growth. Deeper characters. More swoon. More spice. More heart.
Whether you’re writing for fun, self-publishing your first book, or chasing the story that just won’t leave you alone—there’s room for you here.
✨ I’m Here to Help (Wherever You’re Starting)
I’m a romance author and a professional editor who works with indie romance writers or writers looking to query. Whether you’re just starting to outline, midway through a messy draft, or unsure what comes next, I’ve built affordable, flexible editorial services to support you every step of the way. Whether all you know is that you want to write a romance novel but don’t know where to start, or if you’re gearing up for an in-depth developmental edit, I’ll help you get sorted out.
💌 I offer free consultations, too—so we can figure out your next step together.
And right now, I’m offering a special June sale across all editorial services. (It’s seriously a deep discount and I’m so sorry if I close it early since I only have limited slots available for editing.)
💬 Ready to Write the Love Story You Want to Read?
This might be your summer to finally start writing. Not for perfection. Not for pressure. Just for you.
Because if you can’t find the exact romance you want to read… maybe it’s because you’re meant to write it.
If you’ve ever read a romance novel, you probably know the feeling. (And, if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? May I nudge you towards my books?)
That swoony sigh when the couple finally admits their love. The smile you can’t hold back when the last chapter wraps with a kiss, a promise, a future. The warm, giddy satisfaction of knowing everything is going to be okay. They’re overcome their obstacles and now everything is dreamy and… perfect.
Whether you’re a diehard romance reader or a writer working on your own love story, one thing is clear: A romance novel needs a happily-ever-after (HEA) or happy-for-now (HFN) to actually be a romance. No exceptions.
Let me say this again for the people in the back that want to come at me with a ‘but’: A ROMANCE NOVEL NEEDS A HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER OR HAPPY-FOR-NOW ENDING.
No, there really aren’t any exceptions. A ‘love story’ and ‘romance’ aren’t necessarily synonymous. A love story may be a romance novel, or it may be women’s fiction. Yet a romance novel will always be a love story. For example: a pair of shoes may be sandals, but not always, yet a pair of sandals will always be shoes.
Let’s talk about why that matters—for readers who crave emotional payoff and for writers who want to deliver it.
💞 The Promise of Romance: What Readers Expect (and Deserve)
Romance is the only genre where readers know exactly what they’re signing up for—and that’s part of the magic.
While the setting, heat level, tropes, and characters may vary wildly, the core promise stays the same: Two people will fall in love, and by the end, they’ll be okay. Together.
(Okay, maybe more than two depending on what you’re reading. But we’re keeping it simple here.)
That emotional certainty is why so many people turn to romance. Whether you’re escaping a stressful day or diving into your favorite trope at midnight, romance novels offer comfort, hope, and emotional satisfaction.
A romance reader knows that when they pick up the book, there is going to be a happy ending where the couple overcomes their obstacles, where everything comes together, where there is no heartbreak and only love. In that way, romances are often generally predictable because romance readers can rest assured that everything is going to get sorted out. That fight the couple had? It’ll be overcome. Their opposing goals? It’ll be figured out! Heroine can’t stay with the hero? Yes, she can! Hero doesn’t want to fall in love? Too bad… it’s happening!
I love to explain that romance novels are a safe way to experience the highs and lows of a romantic relationship because you know that everything is going to work out in the end and be okay.
If a book ends in heartbreak or separation, it might still be a compelling love story—but it isn’t romance. And calling it one risks leaving readers feeling betrayed. (Titanic may be a love story, but it isn’t a romance. Now if Rose let Jack get on that door…)
✍️ For Writers: The HEA Isn’t Optional—It’s the Genre Standard
If you’re a romance author (or aspiring to be one or just want to get into an author’s head), it’s important to understand that the HEA or HFN is non-negotiable. It’s not just a tradition—it’s the definition of the genre.
When a reader picks up your book expecting a love story with a satisfying ending, you’ve made an emotional promise. You can break their hearts along the way (in fact, please do—readers love the angst!), but by the final page, they want to feel restored.
If you give them that? They’ll come back. Romance readers are some of the most loyal readers in publishing, and once they trust you to deliver the emotional payoff they love, you’ve earned a reader for life.
❤️ What’s the Difference Between HEA and HFN?
Here’s a quick breakdown for readers and authors:
HEA (Happily Ever After): The couple ends up in a committed, lasting relationship—often married, engaged, or clearly building a life together.
HFN (Happy For Now): The couple is together and happy, but their long-term future is implied rather than explicitly locked in.
Both provide emotional closure and are required for a story to qualify as a true romance. The right choice depends on your subgenre, your characters, or whether the story is part of a series.
Whether you’re a reader or a writer, knowing which one you’re aiming for makes a huge difference in emotional tone and story structure.
In many cases, a HEA ending will include something that makes the reader believe the couple’s future is guaranteed. This often comes across (usually in an Epilogue) as an engagement, marriage, pregnancy, or a big step like buying a home together (or even an Epilogue that looks at their life years from now, showing the reader the couple is still happy and together).
A HFN ending is sometimes preferred if the author doesn’t want to go for the good ole ‘married and pregnant’ angle (I’m joking, kind of, but also not really). It needs to be implied that the couple is happy, together, and it is a relationship that will last.
🚫 Not All Love Stories Are Romance
I already dipped my foot in this pool, but let’s at least lower our body into the water here. Let’s clear up one of the most common misunderstandings—especially for newer writers or casual readers:
Not every story with a romantic arc is a romance novel.
Some beautiful, emotional, or even heartbreaking stories focus on love but don’t end in an HEA or HFN. These are often classified as:
Women’s fiction
Literary fiction
Romantic tragedies
General fiction with romantic elements
Books like these can still be powerful, but they’re not romance—and labeling them as such can lead to disappointed readers and low reviews.
Like I said, Titanic is a love story, but not a romance. If Jack and Rose were both rescued, we’d be looking more into romance territory! Nicholas Sparks books aren’t necessarily romance because there is no guaranteed happy ending; sure, they pull at your heartstrings but do they give a happy ending and follow the structure of a romance novel (yes there is a structure)?
So whether you’re reading or writing, it’s important to know what qualifies as a romance novel: love and an emotionally satisfying ending.
🎯 Why This Matters—for Everyone
If you’re a romance reader, you choose to read this genre because you want to feel. You want the butterflies, the tension, the “oh no, what now?” moments—but most of all, you want the resolution that leaves you smiling as you close the book.
If you’re a romance author, understanding this expectation isn’t restrictive—it’s empowering. Delivering a satisfying ending is what turns a compelling draft into a story that resonates, one that gets bookmarked, reread, and recommended.
Curious how to take your romance novel from “I want to write a romance novel” to publication? 👉 Check out my 11-Step Romance Writing Plan for indie authors. It’s the exact process I use in my own novels. I’ve also mapped out the different editing services I offer and how they fit into my 11-steps.
📚 Love Happy Endings? You’re in the Right Place.
As both a romance author and romance editor, I care deeply about the emotional power of a satisfying ending. (And a romance reader, that’s what I want!) That’s why every one of my novels includes a guaranteed HEA or HFN—because I write for readers who want that full-heart feeling.
When I first started writing romance, I was lucky to have professional editors, alpha readers, and beta readers who helped me shape my stories into something stronger. That feedback didn’t just polish my prose—it sharpened my structure, deepened my emotional arcs, and showed me how to create a more satisfying reader experience.
It made all the difference. And it’s part of why I now offer the same kind of support to other romance authors.
As a published romance author myself, I understand the nuance of this genre—how it thrives on emotional payoff, believable chemistry, satisfying conflict, and structure that delivers a well-earned happily-ever-after. Whether you’re just sketching your idea or heading into your final revision, it helps to have someone in your corner who gets it.
💥 And here’s the exciting part…
Today Is the Final Day of My Memorial Day Editorial Sale!
For Memorial Day—and to fill a few unexpected gaps in my schedule—I’ve opened up a small number of last-minute editing slots for romance manuscripts that are ready to begin between now and June 9.
These are the steepest discounts I’ve offered yet, and they’re available only through today (May 28) or until the final spots are filled.
You’ll find sale prices across all 11 of my romance-specific editorial services, including:
Whether you’re outlining or polishing your final draft, there’s something here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
🧾 View the full sale and discounted prices here →[Click Me!]
📌 Note: Prices are only updated on the sale page, not individual service pages.
🕓 Last chance! This sale ends tonight (May 28) at 11:59 PM ET or as soon as slots are filled.
Can’t Book Right Now?
If your manuscript won’t be ready in time or this week isn’t the right fit for your schedule, don’t worry—I’m still offering limited-time Introductory Pricing across all services for a little while longer. You can always check out my Editorial Services Overview to see what’s available.
✨ Want writing tips, special offers, or first dibs on last-minute availability? Subscribe to my writer-focused newsletter to stay in the loop.
A Note for My Readers 💌
Writing is still my primary focus—and always will be. These editorial services are something I offer on the side of my own books, because I genuinely love helping other romance writers shape their stories. My editing calendar is small by design so I can keep writing what you love, while also helping others bring their own love stories to life.
So if there’s a romance story dancing in your heart, maybe this is your sign to finally start—or take that next step.
I’m pleased to announce that I reached out to the winner today to congratulate her and share Chapter One of the story!
Our winner was Dottie and the beautiful name she suggested was Olivia (Livy for short)! Congratulations, Dottie!
In just over a month, everyone will be able to get their hands on Brienne and Daxton’s story, complete with little Olivia. I absolutely love this story and cannot wait for you to read it.
If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, you’re already aware of this naming contest I started in January! If you’re not subscribed, let me tell you about this exciting opportunity.
In Starting Over with Her One-Night Mistake, our swoon-worthy hero, Daxton, is a single dad to an adorable two-year-old daughter. In this naming contest, I’m taking suggestions from newsletter subscribers on what the name of Daxton’s little girl should be!
How to Enter:
Become a newsletter subscriber. You must be subscribed to my main newsletter to enter, as this is an exclusive contest for newsletter subscribers. You can join my newsletter in one of two ways: – Head on over to this page to sign up for my newsletter. – The best option is to head to the back of one of my books. Usually, you will fit it at the end of the epilogue or the last chapter. There will be a note to sign up for my newsletter and a link to a specific page on my website. That link is specifically for that book. Each book allows you to sign up to receive exclusive bonus content for that book. (You’ll still only be on the list once, not multiple times! But you’ll be able to get exclusive content each time you use a link in the back of each unique book.)
You can reply back to any of the emails you receive from my newsletter. You can also wait until you receive an automated email after sign-up that will be about this contest.
Need to Know:
Please only submit up to 3 names.
The contest ends May 9th, 2025. The automated sign-up email that alerts you to this contest will no longer be sent for sign-ups after May 1st or 2nd.
I will choose the most fitting name of those suggested to me. If many are suggested and it is too hard to choose, I may pick a few and allow newsletter subscribers to vote.
What you Win:
Your suggested name will be featured continuously throughout the story as Daxton’s little girl plays a big part in this story!
You will also receive a section in the Acknowledgements page for Starting Over with Her One-Night Mistake. This is where I will thank you for suggesting the name. (You’ll get to choose how you are addressed, such as first name only, first and last name, initials, etc. If your name suggestion is in memory of someone or as a tribute, I can also include that information by request.)
You’ll receive a sneak peek at the first chapter of the book! Please note that depending on when I send it, you’ll receive it pre-editing. You may receive it before or after line editing; it may be before or after copyediting. When exactly I send the preview to you is not yet set, but I’ll ask you when you would like to receive it! (Just note that if it is before editing, it may be quite raw!)
This is a great opportunity to pay homage to someone dear to you, see your name in a book, or even put your favorite girl name into a book!
Get those names in because suggestions will be closed at 11:59pm EDT on May 9th, 2025!
Are you ready to jump into a new, small-town romance series? Enter into the small town of Wild Emerald Hills, where the grass is vibrantly green and wildflowers grow freely. If you love small town dynamics, this is the series for you! Coming 2026, we’ll start off with the first novel in the series, Beneath Emerald Skies.
Burned-out investigative journalist Alaina escapes to the picturesque town of Wild Emerald Hills to recover her lost creativity and work remotely on an environmental exposé. What she expects to be a peaceful retreat becomes complicated when she meets Liam, the charismatic owner of Emerald Trails hiking company, whose outdoor excursions and intimate knowledge of the local wilderness capture her interest, albeit reluctantly.
As Alaina explores the lush landscape under Liam’s guidance, she uncovers a threat to the town’s beloved wildflower meadows that could alter the natural beauty that defines Wild Emerald Hills forever. Using her investigative skills alongside Liam’s deep community connections, they race to save the endangered land before the annual Wildflower Festival. But their collaboration is complicated by undeniable chemistry and conflicting priorities.
With the deadline for her story looming, Alaina faces an impossible choice: publish a career-reviving exposé that might bring unwanted attention to this hidden paradise, or protect the town—and the man—she’s unexpectedly come to love. Beneath the emerald skies of the Pacific Northwest, she’ll discover that sometimes the most important stories are the ones closest to the heart.
Beneath Emerald Skies is a romance novel that features no cheating and promises a happily-ever-after ending. As this is part of a series, some characters may overlap. Readers are advised that this novel may contain intimate scenes and strong language.
Heat Level: To Be Determined
Author’s Note: Details are subject to change as this novel is still in the early stages of writing and editing.
I am so excited to share the cover for my upcoming novel, Rescued by Her Ex. This is a standalone novel featuring a second chance, some hardworking dogs, and enough lovin’ to warm those cold nights in the cabin.
Rescued by Her Ex by Natasha Dubois, Coming September 30th, 2025
Rescued by Her Ex will be released on September 30th, 2025. The eBook is available for pre-order now.
