Developmental Editing Services

Celebrating & Elevating Writers’ Voices

My Services

Ready to work together? Reach out to me and we can discuss the next steps in your story’s unique journey.

  • Client Testimonial

    “Recently I worked with Cara Dossett on a brand new project, never having worked together before. Cara was able to join in and work alongside me on this project like we’ve been working together for years. She effortlessly jumped in editing, adapting and inspiring me along the entire process. Cara was phenomenal every step of the way, and truthfully made this book and project a thousand times better. She was a dream to work with and I’m already counting down the days till we can start our next project together.” — Meggan C.

  • Client Testimonial

    "Working with Cara is a dream. Between her insight and professional nature, I found projects flying by easily with her. Communication was always clear, and she brought a nice touch of humanity to what can be a very discouraging field." — Alanaleilani C.

  • Client Testimonial

    “I turned to Cara Dossett for the first time with a short story, Roll the Credits. As a developmental editor myself, I have a keen eye for detail and big picture, but as a writer, parts of the story can sit unseen in my blind side. I couldn't have been more pleased with Cara's work. She is detailed and encouraging with her feedback. Just what I needed. Roll the Credits came out a much stronger story with satisfying humor. I will definitely turn to Cara again for future stories.” — Mackenzie L.

  • Client Testimonial

    “My first time working with Cara was when she beta read the second book in my romantic fantasy series (no small feat because she had to read book one first!) Cara didn’t balk or deliberate, didn’t give excuses or shift timeframes, she rolled up her sleeves and got stuck in.

    The feedback was thorough and on time. What I really appreciated though, was that Cara pulled out strengths and not just weaknesses. She challenged my motivations behind including certain scenes or dialogue exchanges in a way that really made me dig in to the ‘why’ of what I had included. But she phrased it all in a way that left me feeling motivated and enthused to make changes/corrections.

    Even a little while later, after I had processed her words and went back to discuss them, Cara was open and honest - but also friendly and passionate. She really wanted me to produce the best story that I could, and that kind of support is rare, and infectious.

    I loved working with her. In fact, I loved it so much that I’ve partnered with her at a much earlier stage in the development of an entirely new series. So would I recommend Cara? Absolutely!" — Sam N.

  • Client Testimonial

    “Such a great experience with Cara! Cara provided helpful advice and suggestions that pointed out issues in my story. I appreciate her candour on what worked and what needed a bit more. I would recommend Cara if you need someone who goes above and beyond to understand your story and give you commentary that gets to the heart of things. Would work with her in the future.” — Esther K.

  • Client Testimonial

    “Cara is an absolute pleasure to work with. She communicates well, does a fantastic job editing, and is very timely. I highly recommend her!” — Chaminda G.

  • Client Testimonial

    “I had a wonderful time working with Cara. She was clear and was always open to listening to my ideas and helping me tweak them. She cared about my work and always tried to give me the best feedback. Will be using her again in the future!” — K. Laudel

  • Client Testimonial

    "Cara is terrific. She is impeccably professional and does top-quality work at a fast pace. She provides excellent value for your money. During our short project, she demonstrated a keen grasp of the subject matter and exceptional attention to detail. I recommend her highly." — Patricia K.

Professionalism • Reliability • Privacy • Empowerment • Growth • Learning • Transparency • Respect

Dear Writer,

These are the ethics that guide me in my work as a developmental editor. I celebrate and respect authors, and recognize the incredible accomplishment finishing a manuscript is, whether your piece is a short story or lengthy tome. Writing is the act of creating something from nothing. It is adding one word after another to a blank page. Through writing, new worlds are created. New ideas are brought forth to others. Hearts and minds are connected through stories, truths revealed, adventures had without ever leaving one’s chair.

Just as there is a near infinite number of stories to be told, there are just as many ways to tell a single story. Your voice as an author is unique and important, and it shapes the story you are telling. It’s my job—and my honor—to help ensure your voice shines in your manuscript and that your story is told through its most effective means possible to resonate with your readers. I would love to work with you and your story, whether it’s through editing, assessing an outline, providing learning materials, or extensive author coaching.

Your story matters. Your voice matters. Your work is in good hands. I have a decade of celebrating authors and working with them in myriad ways. Whether you are an indie author looking to self-publish, or an author aspiring to earn an agent and traditional contract, let’s work toward those goals together.

Thanks for stopping by. My list of services is available here, and you can learn more about the editor behind Read the Stars, as well as find blog posts dedicated to tackling problematic subjects in writing, and other resources. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

 

Read the Stars is the end result of a decade of working alongside and advocating for authors and creators by editor Cara Dossett.