Hi! This page is out-of-date and does not yet include my new editorial services (line edits, copyedits, and proofreads) and has old services still on the page. This will be updated soon. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I can walk you through these steps and help figure out where you are.
💖 My 11-Step Romance Writing Plan
The roadmap I use—and recommend—to take your story from outline to release.
Not writing romance? No problem! This can still apply to your story!
✨ Why I Built This Plan
Before I write a single word of a new romance novel, I sit down and map out my path—deadlines, revision phases, editing stages, and even my ideal release timeline.
This 11-step plan is how I bring structure and momentum to each book I write. It’s the same system I use when supporting authors through their own manuscripts—whether they’re preparing to self-publish or query.
It’s not about rules. It’s about clarity.
And while every author’s journey looks a little different, this plan offers a flexible but proven framework to guide your process from story spark to satisfying release.
📅 Want help planning your own timeline?
Start with my [Manuscript Milestone Planning →] service to create a personalized calendar.
🪜 My 11-Step Romance Writing Plan
- Outline
- First Draft
- Alpha Readers
- Manuscript Evaluation
- Beta Readers
- Developmental Editing
- Line Editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
- ARC Readers
- Release
🛠️ Between each step, I revise. That might mean smoothing character arcs, fixing pacing, sharpening dialogue, or clarifying stakes. Every phase builds toward a more emotionally satisfying, structurally sound book.
And while authors sometimes swap steps around (for example, doing a beta read before a manuscript evaluation or after developmental edits), this order reflects what I’ve found to be the most effective, reliable path for romance novels.
💗 Loyalty Pricing That Grows with Your Manuscript
As your manuscript evolves through each stage of my 11-step writing process, you’ll unlock increasing savings with my Manuscript Loyalty Pricing program. Each time you complete a unique editorial service for the same story, you earn a growing discount—plus credits from previous services—up to 20% off your future bookings.
It’s built to support long-term storytelling and reward authors who take their books through each thoughtful revision phase.
👉 See full Loyalty Pricing breakdown →
🔧 How My 11 Editing Services Fit Into This Plan
Here’s how each of my editorial services fits into one of the writing stages above—giving you targeted support from idea to polished draft.
🧭 Before You Begin
📅 Service #1: Manuscript Milestone Planning
Plan your entire writing and editing process with a custom Google Calendar and ongoing email support.
We’ll map out your timeline, adjust it as needed, and build in space for revisions, edits, and prep for publishing or querying.
→ [Learn More]
Step 1: Outline
Build the emotional and structural foundation of your novel.
Services that support this step:
- Service #2: Premise & Hook Strategy
Evaluate the emotional appeal and market fit of your story idea.
→ [Learn More] - Service #3: Conflict, Chemistry, & Clarity Check
Ensure your concept has enough romantic tension and clarity to carry a full novel.
→ [Learn More] - Service #4: Brainstorming & Plot Development Session
Expand your spark into a full plot direction with help on arcs, tropes, and subplots.
→ [Learn More] - Service #5: Outlines, Romance Beats, & Plot Feats
Submit your outline or beat sheet for detailed structural and pacing feedback.
→ [Learn More]
Step 2: First Draft
Write your manuscript scene by scene, chapter by chapter.
Services that support this step:
- Service #6: First Draft, First Reader
Receive in-line comments and encouragement one chapter at a time as you write.
→ [Learn More] - Service #7: First Draft Deep Dive
A high-level editorial report after a full read-through of your messy first draft.
→ [Learn More]
Step 3: Alpha Readers
Gather early big-picture feedback after your initial revision.
Service that supports this step:
- Service #8: Professional Alpha Reader
A 22-question story report plus personalized responses based on your concerns.
→ [Learn More]
Step 4: Manuscript Evaluation
Receive a detailed editorial assessment across all craft areas.
Service that supports this step:
- Service #9: Manuscript Evaluation
A multi-page report covering structure, character arcs, romance beats, pacing, and more.
→ [Learn More]
Step 5: Beta Readers
See how your self-edited story lands with a reader.
Service that supports this step:
- Service #10: Professional Beta Reader
In-depth answers to 80+ story questions, plus a personal “as-is” star rating.
→ [Learn More]
Step 6: Developmental Editing
Deep, story-level revision guided by targeted feedback.
Service that supports this step:
- Service #11: Developmental Editing
Includes two read-throughs, in-line Track Changes, a focused editorial letter, and chapter-by-chapter breakdowns.
→ [Learn More]
Steps 7–11: Final Polish, Readers, and Release
While I don’t offer these services, they’re essential for publishing.
- Step 7: Line Editing
- Step 8: Copyediting
- Step 9: Proofreading
- Step 10: ARC Readers
- Step 11: Release
You can schedule these in your Manuscript Milestone calendar, and I’m happy to offer guidance on when to pursue them.
💬 Not Sure Where You Are in the Process?
I can help you figure it out.
📩 [Contact Me →] and we’ll talk about your goals, your current draft, and the next best step for your manuscript.
Let’s build your best romance novel—one intentional stage at a time.