✍️ First Draft, First Reader
Chapter-by-chapter encouragement and feedback while you draft your novel—like having a story coach and cheerleader in your corner.
🎉 NaNoWriMo & Novel November Special
My editorial rates are deeply lowered to support authors during NaNoWriMo and Novel November, helping you finish, revise, and polish your story with professional guidance. Rates may increase throughout November depending on interest and availability, so booking early (pre-November) is the best way to lock in this special pricing before spots fill.
💰 $0.003 USD per word
🧾 Minimum Project Fee: $100 USD
✨ Covers the first 33,333 words submitted during your draft.
📌 For authors actively writing their first draft who want chapter-by-chapter support, encouragement, and early feedback to stay motivated and on track.
💬 Not sure if this is the right service for you? Let’s talk about where you are in your process, and I’ll help you find your best next step.
✨ What Is This?
First Draft, First Reader is a supportive, chapter-by-chapter service where I read your novel as you write it, offering light feedback, encouragement, and early reader reactions along the way.
It’s part emotional check-in, part story companion, and part editorial safety net. I’ll help you stay motivated and gently guide your narrative so you don’t veer off course.
This is not a critique or editing service—it’s meant to support your creative momentum and help you build a better first draft in real time.
💡 Think of it as: writing buddy meets story coach—here to read as you write and cheer you forward with thoughtful insight.
💬 What Authors Are Saying
“I’ve always loved reading romance but never thought I could actually write one until now. Natasha’s feedback made me feel supported every step of the way. She cheered me on, helped me understand my characters better, and gave me confidence I didn’t know I had. Thanks to her, I actually finished my first draft… and now I’m hooked on writing.”
—Jessica, Aspiring Romance Author
“I’ve written before, but I always stall out halfway through. With this service, I stayed motivated the whole time. Knowing Natasha was waiting to read my next chapter kept me writing—and her thoughtful feedback gave me clarity on what was working and what needed a nudge. This was exactly the kind of accountability and encouragement I needed to finish strong.”
—C.
📌 Who This Is For
- Authors actively writing their first draft
- Writers who want light accountability and motivational feedback
- Authors who get stuck mid-draft or lose sight of their story’s core
- Anyone who wants professional eyes on their chapters while they’re still in progress
🧾 What You’ll Provide
You’ll send me your draft one chapter at a time in .docx format. Along with each chapter, you’ll fill out a short check-in form that includes:
- Optional context (“this is a turning point,” “I’m not sure this scene works”)
- Whether it’s a new chapter or a revision
- Any specific things you’d like me to keep in mind
If you revise a chapter and want me to reread it, that’s totally fine—revised chapters still count toward your word count.
📘 What You’ll Get
- Track Changes comments within each chapter—light reactions, encouragement, and questions
- Commentary on emotional pacing, character arc progression, and clarity
- Gentle flagging of any issues that could affect later chapters (pacing, tone shifts, confusing dynamics)
- A brief end-of-chapter summary with thoughts, encouragement, and light suggestions
You can choose how we work:
- 📅 Scheduled deliveries — set deadlines for chapter submission and return (great for staying accountable), or
- 🌊 Flexible flow — submit when ready, and I’ll respond as chapters arrive (perfect for relaxed timelines)
📄 Submission Requirements
- Chapters must be submitted in .docx format
- You’ll send one chapter at a time, unless we’ve agreed otherwise
- Please wait until I’ve returned feedback on the current chapter before submitting the next one
- Chapters must be numbered clearly and follow a consistent format (font, spacing, etc.)
- Revised chapters must be clearly labeled as revisions
- Feedback is provided via Track Changes comments and a short chapter summary
- This service does not include full professional edits, manuscript critique, developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, or proofreading
💵 Payment Terms
NaNoWriMo & Novel November Discount Rate (Rate subject to availability)
$0.003 USD per word
🧾 Minimum Project Fee: $100 USD
✨ Covers your first 33,333 words
To begin, a non-refundable minimum payment of $100 USD is required. This serves as your project deposit and unlocks chapter-by-chapter support as you draft.
After the initial word count is used:
• You’ll be invoiced per chapter based on the word count of each submission
• Invoices must be paid before feedback is returned
• You’ll receive a clear, simple invoice each time you submit material beyond the prepaid word count
💡 Example Pricing Breakdown:
You book this service with a $100 deposit, which covers up to 33,333 words.
If you send a new chapter that pushes you over the prepaid limit—let’s say 3,000 words—you’ll be invoiced $9.00 (3,000 × $0.003).
Once the invoice is paid, I’ll review and return the chapter with feedback.
You’ll also receive a professional service contract and invoice before we begin.
🧠 Plot Point Problem-Solver (Optional Add-On)
$30 flat | Available anytime during your draft
Stuck on a scene? Not sure how to get your characters from here to there? This optional add-on gives you access to a focused, one-time brainstorming session to help you move forward.
You’ll tell me:
- Where you’re stuck
- Where you’re trying to go (plot-wise or emotionally)
- And if available, share your outline or notes
We’ll have a quick back-and-forth to talk through your options, and I’ll help you find a path forward that feels true to your story and characters.
📌 Only available as part of an active First Draft, First Reader project and can be purchased as-needed during your draft.
💸 Manuscript Loyalty Pricing Applies
This service qualifies for my Manuscript Loyalty Pricing program. When you complete more than one editorial service for the same manuscript, you’ll unlock growing discounts (2.5% per service) and earn retroactive credit—up to a total of 20% off.
👉 See how Loyalty Pricing works →
🪜 Need Help Planning Your Writing Journey?
Each of my services fits into a structured, author-tested 11-step writing process designed to take your novel from concept to polished manuscript.
👉 Explore my 11-Step Writing Process →
📄 Confidentiality & Professional Agreements
Every work-in-progress is treated with care and professionalism. This service includes:
- A signed confidentiality agreement to protect your draft and ideas
- A service contract outlining expectations, payment terms, and scheduling options
You’ll receive both before we begin, so you can feel fully secure as you share your work.
🔍 Genre & Content Guidelines
This service is available for fiction manuscripts of any genre, including romance, fantasy, mystery, women’s fiction, sci-fi, and beyond. I welcome stories focusing on character development, emotional arcs, and narrative structure, regardless of subgenre or tone.
I do not read manuscripts that include rape as an active plot element. If the event occurred off-page prior to the story and is only referenced, we can discuss comfort levels in advance.
If your manuscript will include dark, graphic, or taboo elements, please include relevant trigger warnings so I can confirm that the story is within my comfort zone before booking.
🛠️ Why Work With Me?
As a romance author and editor, I understand how lonely and overwhelming a first draft can feel. You’re writing blind without feedback, without clarity, and often without confidence.
This service gives you a warm, professional presence who’s with you every step of the way. I’ll cheer for your characters, point out small course corrections, and help you keep your emotional arcs on track—without overwhelming you during your most vulnerable writing phase.
💌 Ready to Book?
Let’s get your first draft written—with clarity, support, and encouragement built in.
💰 $0.003 per word (Pricing while it lasts)
🧾 Minimum Project Fee: $100 USD (covers first 33,333 words)
📩 Head over to my contact form and let’s get started! (I reply fast!)
Not sure if this is the right fit? I’d love to talk it through—just ask!