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expertise 

Professional book editing services for aspiring and established fiction writers.

 

Let’s elevate your story, one page at a time.

Freelane editor Michelle Meade sitting in a large rattan eggshaped chair, reading a book. She is looking toward the camera while holding a novel open in her hands

WHERE IMAGINATION MEETS

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you're in the right place

You struggle to catch the attention of literary agents. Revising feels overwhelming. You’re tired of rejection, but unclear on how to improve your story.

SOUND FAMILIAR?
WHAT I DO

You’ve got dreams of publishing an incredible novel, and I’ve got the expertise to get you there.

I’m here to sharpen your story into something utterly captivating, tension-filled, and sellable. There’s nothing more satisfying than pinpointing the heart of a story and helping you flesh that out into a novel that has readers eagerly turning the pages. 
 

Woman reading a novel while sitting in a widowsill
Michelle Meade, structural editing, story outline, book coaching
Michelle Meade, book editor, developmental editing
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Michelle Meade Reads logo, a capital letter M with the image of an open book within it. Business name appears around it.
MY STORY

I’m Michelle Meade, your Professional Editor

I thrive on the excitement of discovering new voices in fiction and helping writers to reach new heights in their work. As an editor of bestselling and award-winning fiction, I’ve helped countless clients sharpen their narratives and get ready for submissions or self-publication. 

  • I come with a degree in publishing, as well as over a decade of in-house publishing experience, where in my role as editor I published not only debut writers, but also New York Times, USA TODAY, Globe & Mail and international bestsellers. 

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    I work in a variety of genres, with my specialties including:

     

    • Book club and Literary Fiction

    • Women’s Fiction

    • Thrillers/Suspense

    • Contemporary Romance

    • Horror

    • Science fiction/Fantasy

     

    I put extra emphasis on emotion, character arcs, and story structure, and my clients know that I’m supportive but honest, ensuring my feedback guides you through revisions that will bring out the very best version of your book.

PUBLISHERS I'VE WORKED WITH

I’ve worked with Michelle on 4 novels and am grateful for her eagle-eye editing skills and her ability to elevate the story, while still allowing the writer’s voice to shine through. Michelle is professional, enthusiastic, and so easy to work with– my books would not be the bestsellers they are without her feedback and valuable input!

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—KARMA BROWN bestselling author of COME AWAY WITH ME & RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE

HAPPY CLIENTS

“Michelle gave edits with smart, surgical precision: simple ways to tighten and tweak things that everyone prior had overlooked, from my agent to my award-winning critique partner. It made so much sense, yet she had the superpower to look on a level beyond everyone else — and she conveyed the logic so effectively that executing the edits was straightforward. I am forever indebted to her and recommend her brilliance to anyone.”

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—MIKE CHEN, NYT Bestselling author of HERE AND NOW AND THEN & STAR WARS:BROTHERHOOD

HAPPY CLIENTS

Insightful, whip-smart, highly imaginative and with stellar communication skills, Michelle is a dream editor who knows exactly how to make you get the best out of your manuscript. Collaborating with her has been a highlight of my writing career thus far, and I recommend her services without hesitation or reservation. If you want your story to shine and stand out from the rest, talk to Michelle now.

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—HANNAH MARY MCKINNON, author of THE NEIGHBORS & HER SECRET SON

HAPPY CLIENTS

I'm sure many writers such as myself struggle with feeling valid in their craft, and the first thing I felt with Michelle was how seriously and professionally she regarded my work. This confidence boost is only the start – from first draft to restructuring my outline and beyond, I'd be lost without an editor like Michelle. No question that I'll continue to work with her for the entirety of my first novel, and all that comes after!

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—RETT P.

HAPPY CLIENTS

Hiring Michelle is one of the best decisions I’ve made as an aspiring novelist. For too long, I thought I could edit and revise my work alone, but the feedback Michelle provided was entirely outside my skill set. She brings a wealth of great insight and professional expertise to her process. She’s easy to work with, clear and concise in her critique, and has a balanced way of offering advice that is encouraging, useful, and grounded in her years of experience. Michelle’s services are worth every penny.

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—SUSAN POOLE, Winner of the Woman’s Fiction Writers Association “Rising Star Award” 2023

HAPPY CLIENTS

The value of the insights, instincts, and positive inputs Michelle offered me as a rookie novelist cannot be overstated. She’s smart, and she’s efficient, and she’s mastered the art of being kind and encouraging while delivering advice that makes a difference. In short, she’s a pro.

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—DAVE MASON, author of EO-N

HAPPY CLIENTS

Hiring Michelle was hands down the best decision I could have made as a new author. Her insights during the developmental edit phase were instrumental, offering invaluable feedback that helped unlock my full writing potential. Her meticulous approach and dedication to excellence culminated in a polished manuscript that I'm proud to present to agents, and her willingness to share her immense industry knowledge has filled me with confidence to take on this new pursuit of my career. Highly recommend Michelle to anyone looking for an editor who is not only exceptional at their job, but who genuinely wants to see their clients succeed.

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—AUDREY A.

HAPPY CLIENTS
SOME OF THE NOVELS I'VE EDITED

Get answers to your most pressing writing, submission, and publishing questions—plus a review of sample pages or other background information—in an exclusive 1-hour call.

 

Whether you have story ideas to discuss, a beat sheet for me to review, or simply want the opportunity to “pick the brain” of a highly experienced industry professional, I’m here to be your sounding board and provide personalized, instant feedback on whatever concerns you’d like to focus on.

Perfect for…

  • Troubleshooting plot, pacing, or character issues

  • Strengthening your opening pages before submission

  • Discussing query strategy and agent targeting

  • Testing and refining your story concept

  • Getting expert insight on your next steps in writing or publishing

  • Get answers to your most pressing writing, submission, and publishing questions—plus a review of sample pages or other background information—in an exclusive 1-hour call.

     

    Whether you have story ideas to discuss, a beat sheet for me to review, or simply want the opportunity to “pick the brain” of a highly experienced industry professional, I’m here to be your sounding board and provide personalized, instant feedback on whatever concerns you’d like to focus on.

  • Clarity, direction, and expert insight—fast.

    Get direct, personalized guidance on your writing, submissions, or publishing strategy in a focused one-hour video call. This is your chance to work one-on-one with an experienced industry professional and get clear, actionable feedback that moves your project forward.

    How it works

    • Book the date and time that fits your schedule, and then select the amount of material you'd like me to review ahead of our call.

    • I'll review 5k, 10k, or 15k words (this can include written pages, an outline, your query, a synopsis, or any combination thereof.)

    • During our call, you’ll get verbal feedback only—no written notes or in-line edits—so we can focus on real-time discussion, problem-solving, and action steps.

    • This is your chance to ask any burning questions about your work and/or the publishing industry, so come prepared with specific notes and topics you’d like to address!

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1:1 Book Coaching

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Fiction editor Michelle Meade stands in a black button down shirt clasping a stack of books in her arms. She's about to choose the next novel to read.
Michelle Meade, editing, book editing, publishing a book, how to publish a novel, freelance book editor, query letter edit, substantive editing, story structure
APPLY TO WORK WITH ME
Genre

If you're clear on genre, select one here. Otherwise we can discuss it as we move forward.

This will allow me to give you an accurate quote for your project.

Which service are you interested in? Check all that apply.
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