Manuscript Editor

Dawn Husted is the author of five books and has spent 10 years in the writing industry. In 2015, she grabbed her first editorial/journalism internship for a popular travel blog, A Backpacker's Tale. In 2017, she opened a small, independent press to publish her books and reach more readers. In 2019, she was asked to be a panelist for Teen BookFest by the Bay, allowing her the opportunity to showcase her books to hundreds of Corpus Christi students. Later that same year, she was elected to serve on the Board of Governors for the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). 

Dawn is a member of EFA, SCBWI, and other literary groups. She enjoys editing young-adult and adult fiction. Recently, her services expanded to middle-grade authors as well. Dawn's edited books in different genres, such as paranormal, magical realism, urban fantasy, cozy mysteries, women's fiction, contemporary, epic fantasy, science fiction, and more.
Developmental Editor
When editing, Dawn will analyze the scenes, chapters, characters, show vs. tell, and the overall plot. Her goal is to tighten the plot, flesh out your characters, and improve story structure. She will also include line-editing elements and is a fan of Oxford commas. Edit includes in-line comments. 
Line Editor
When editing, Dawn will check for consistency, sentence flow, punctuation, show vs. tell, and much more.  She will also point out ways to improve the plot and characters, if needed. She's a fan of Oxford commas and thoroughly enjoys fixing grammar mistakes. Edit includes in-line comments. 
Copy Editor
​When copyediting, Dawn will check for consistency regarding spelling, numerals, punctuation, etc. Use this type of edit when your book has already been thoroughly edited developmentally. This is for the manuscript that needs a more in-depth proofread. Edit includes in-line comments.
PRICES
My prices are consistent, whether you need a developmental edit, line edit, or a copy edit. I charge $0.006/per word (multiply the amount of words in your manuscript by $0.006). You'll be invoiced upon the completion of the edit, unless the manuscript is over 75K words; if your manuscript is longer than 75K, I'll invoice for half once I reach the halfway mark. 

I offer a free sample edit for the first chapter or up to 3000 words. 

Why work with Dawn?

"Thank you for the excellent job you did on editing my novel. Thanks to your eye for detail, the format is looking much better. But best of all, my characters are really coming to life. I’m just thrilled, and can’t wait to finish it up for the final edit. Thanks a million." -- Tommie, author of MG fiction
"I'm still working through my manuscript, but I want to thank you for all the work you did on it. You've really given me a lot of direction and I can already see how it's improving my story. You are a genius! Thanks again." -- Debbie, author of MG fiction
"​Dawn was light and hope for my story, as her name would suggest. She is kind and honest, and her excitement and great editions reminded me why I love to write so much. I’m more confident than ever about my manuscript. It was a great experience and I would love to work with her again in the future." --Julia Luiz, aspiring author and querying
"​Dawn provided invaluable feedback on my thriller manuscript. She gave suggestions to make all aspects of the novel better and included explanations for each comment and edit. Having her edit was not only helpful for the single manuscript, but her insight could easily be applied to future projects as well.  I would highly recommend Dawn's services to any writer looking for a professional, comprehensive, and thoughtful developmental edit. I can't wait for her to edit my next book!" --H.K. Christie, author of Where I'm Supposed to Be and We Can't Be Broken
"Dawn Husted is a gifted writer and editor.  It’s without reservation or hesitation that I recommend Dawn to anyone needing editing services.  She’s very friendly, helpful, and professional.  Her approach to helping her clients is user-friendly with compassion and flexibility.  She works with you on your schedule.  She always asks your opinion and seeks to understand your focus and vision.  If she needs help, she turns to other professionals who add their expertise and experience.  She has remained honest throughout the entire process.

It is an absolute joy and delight to work with Dawn.  She has helped me to launch my first children's book and will work with me to edit a biography and journal that are in the works." --Deana Bowyer, author of the Silly Pickle children's series

Some books Dawn's edited or critiqued

  • Adalta Volume III, Sherrill Nilson, Green Canoe LLC, 2019
  • Broken Wing, Sherelle Winters, Zenbi Press, 2019
  • How to Fetch a Felon, Cat Clayton, Pickle Juice Press, expected 2019
  • Change of Plans by HK Christie, HK Christie Publishing, HK Christie Publishing, 2019
  • Silly Pickle in a Hat, Deana Bowyer, self-published, 2018
  • A Wordy Woman’s Guide for Writing a Book, Dawn Husted, Yaupon Berry Press, 2018
  • How to Kennel a Killer, Cat Clayton, Pickle Juice Press, 2018
  • Keepers of Fate, Eleonor Oritz, Eden Elements Publishing 2018
  • Where I’m Supposed to Be, HK Christie, HK Christie Publishing, 2018
  • Girl Gone Ghost, Dawn Husted, Yaupon Berry Press, 2018
  • Scars Like Wings, CB Stagg, self-published, 2017
  • Scythe of Darkness, Dawn Husted, self-published, 2017
  • Touch of Darkness, Dawn Husted, self-published, 2017
  • Safe, Dawn Husted, self-published, 2013​