Vicky Haygood
Science Fiction, Fantasy
United States English (US)
About Vicky
I am a freelance editor and publishing professional with 7+ years of experience providing developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading, and book production support. I specialize in fiction and author services, with experience across romance, romantasy, fantasy, science fiction, horror, speculative fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, literary/upmarket fiction, memoir, and poetry. I am skilled at strengthening story structure, pacing, characterization, voice, continuity, clarity, and mechanics while preserving an author's unique voice. I am experienced in managing full-length manuscripts, detailed editorial reports and style sheets, client communication, deadlines, and manuscript-to-publication workflows.
I am passionate about elevating the quality of independently published works. With the rise of self-publishing, I've seen many promising stories fall short due to preventable errors in editing and design. I started my editing career because I believe good books deserve to be great—and I'm here to make sure they reach their full potential.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Services Prices in US dollars. Your written quote confirms the final price.
Beta Reading
A beta read is of an unrevised draft, giving you a general overview of what works and what does not in your novel. It is from a reader’s perspective and, while valuable, does not offer any specific structural advice. You will receive an editorial letter outlining what works and what doesn’t from a reader’s perspective, and giving you suggestions on what to do next from an editor’s perspective.
Manuscript Assessment
If you are unsure what level of editing your manuscript needs, you can have it assessed. Think of it as a light developmental edit that highlights your story’s strengths, uncovers its challenges, and reveals its full potential. This report gives you a clear sense of what’s needed next to bring your novel confidently to market.
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing focuses on the big picture: plot, setting, overall structure, character development, and the flow of scenes from introduction to ending. It’s about shaping your story so it resonates with readers and stands confidently in its genre. You will receive a book map, in-line edits, and a detailed editorial letter brimming with specific feedback and guidance for your revisions.
Line Editing
Line Editing focuses on voice and style: your word choice, phrasing, overall tone, and refining characterizations, dialogue, chapter hooks, and prompts. It also addresses overused dialogue tags, repetitive sentence structures, filler words, and overall consistency throughout your work, including a world-building continuity check. You will also receive a detailed editorial letter and style sheet.
Copy Editing
Copy Editing focuses on grammar, punctuation, spelling, fact-checking, and ensuring consistency throughout your manuscript—including tables of contents, footnotes, bibliographies, character actions, timelines, and repeated word usage, while emphasizing accuracy, clarity, and logical consistency. You will receive a detailed style sheet for your manuscript (or series) to reference your choices.
Formatting/Typesetting
There are both written and unwritten conventions for how a book should look on the inside, whether ebook or print, and many of these details change depending on the genre. I offer formatting and typesetting services but please contact me first. For example, a technical manual or cookbook is laid out very differently from a novel and requires a different amount of time or tools.
Cover Design
A striking cover draws readers in; a compelling synopsis convinces them to stay. Both play a vital role in connecting your story with its audience. every cover design is created with careful attention to genre-specific trends and market research. Just as importantly, we want your cover to feel like you. We’ll work together to shape your vision into something beautiful and true to your story.
Proofreading
Proofreading focuses on catching typos, double words (“the the,” “and and”), grammatical slips, punctuation errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. It takes place after your book has been fully formatted for print and/or ebook and reviews everything from page numbers and headers to punctuation, hyphenation, and cover text.
Experience
- Freelance, Editor2019-present
- Owner, Luminaria House, LLC2025-present
Education
Certificates and memberships
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