
Developmental Editing
Writing books isn’t easy. It requires a combination of paying attention to a lot of detail while keeping a big picture in mind. Most of us read, reread, and reread our work again and again. By the time a first (or second or third) draft is finished, we’ve often lost the ability to see if a story is working or not.​
That’s where I can help. With 18 novels of my own out there and my experience guiding students as they finish their work in pursuit of their Masters’ degrees, I have developed a strong sense of how to make a story work for myself and for others.I can help you finetune your plot, pacing, setting, theme, point of view, and character development by providing inline comments on your manuscript along with an editorial letter looking at global issues. While I do not provide proofreading services, I will note any errors I see along the way.​
A fresh set of experienced and discerning eyes on your manuscript can transform it from good to great and can make a huge difference whether you’re planning on submitting to an agent or editor at a traditional publishing house or going indie.​
Eileen Rendahl is my go-to developmental editor. I love her insightful comments for both my fiction and non-fiction. Eileen is the first editor who makes me excited about the story development process. She is compassionate and astute in her work. She encourages me to think more deeply about my current project. My trust in Eileen helps me dig deeper into my work because I can count on her to check my logic and clarity. She is prompt and professional- a joy to work with. I highly recommend Eileen. She is a true gem!
USA Today Bestselling Author of the
Trope Thesaurus series
Eileen is an amazing developmental editor. She always helps make my story better, and I honestly wouldn’t want to work with anyone else.
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Author of the Rocky Nelson Boxing mysteries
Eileen was terrific to work with. Though she took on my project on a rush basis, she still delivered a comprehensive, well thought-out developmental edit. She was kind in how she approached my manuscript, but didn’t sugarcoat what she thought would improve it. Her insights enabled me to retain my personal writing style and voice, while streamlining the plot to keep it moving quickly and helping me to focus on the characters that really mattered. I think the contract I now have from a New York-based publisher for this work is in no small part due to Eileen's expert guidance.
-- Kris Calvin
Award-winning mystery author
ghostwriting
Do you have a great idea, but can’t get it down on the page? I can help with that, too! I’ve taken books from concept to well-reviewed published book for traditional publishing houses and for indie authors. I’ve written everything from middle grade to steamy romance and would be happy to collaborate with you to get your special story out into the world.
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I thoroughly enjoyed working with Eileen. Right from the start she was honest with her feedback of my manuscript and where she felt it needed to go, but at the same time, keeping in mind my vision and voice. I would work with Eileen again in the future.
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Kahlani S.
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It was a joy to work with Eileen, it's like she could read my mind. She took my ideas listened to my needs and wants for the project and put her spin on it to make it fabulous. ​
Lisa O.
Eileen was an exceptional ghostwriter! She listened to every detail of my personal story, and she and I worked to create an amazing fictional novel. I absolutely recommend her to anyone who wants quality and creative writing with a gift to grasp the attention of the reader!! ​
Tina L.