Development Edit
and Formatting Services
Hi, I'm Havelah McLat, an indie author and freelance development editor and book formatter. I have published three novels and a couple of short stories in anthologies. I have loved writing since I was thirteen. Writing a story is a wonderful feeling of showing your creativity and imagination, but I understand the fear of having someone read a book and thinking it is all bad. I get it. I was in your shoes, but over time I learned how valuable development editing can be. It can be challenging to find the right one to work with who understands your story. I want support you and your story to best version as it can be. I read lot of books, beta read manuscripts and learned how to provide honest constructive feedback to improve the story even more. I have worked with clients in both development editing and book formatting. They successfully published their books to the world.
What kind of edits you do?
I offer development edit means I would read through the mansucript and provide construtive feedback where you can improve the story. I go through two rounds. First time read the manuscript to understand the story and then go back and leave comments. I look for character arcs, where lacking emotions, world building and story overall.
What kind of genres you do?
I like working with children’s books, middle grade and young adults and new adults. Genres: I like contemporary, clean romance, historical fiction, devotional, and light/whimsical fantasy, Christian fiction, and short stories and Christian fantasy. I don't work with sci-fi, poetry, horror, or anything involving heavy steamy romance.
Do you do free sample edit?
I do. You can send me one sample chapter (1k words) and I will development for free to see if we are the right team for each other. This is where I offer my flat rate (depending on which service you want) and let you decide what to do next.
What kind of formats you do?
I do paperbacks and ebooks. I would take the completed final edited manuscript and turn it into a professional looking book. I use Word for paperbacks and Kindle Create for ebooks. I charge both for one flat rate. If you want one over the other then it will be less. You provide me images or interiors to match the font on the cover or I can create one for free.
How much do you charge for the service?
It depends on the length of the novel. I charge by flat rate. I am willing to work on your author's budget. Book formatting I do both types for one flat rate at $50. If you want paperback and not ebook, or ebook over the other, it will be $25. I only accept PayPal and work on your flexibility in terms of payment.
If you need development editor or formatter, or have any questions about the services, please feel free to reach out to me. I'd love to be of assistance.
Endorsments from the clients
Havelah helped guide me in everything down to the nitty gritty on how to ensure everything was perfect and ready for the world to see. She listens, she ensures your words stay true to you, while also helping point things out to make your book be stronger. If you ever need someone to help showcase your work to the world, she is it. I promise you, you will not regret it! - Jamie Montey, Author of Slowing Down for Christ Devotional.
This is the first time I have worked with an editor, and I'm happy I was lucky enough to collaborate with Havelah McLat. I really enjoyed implementing all the suggestions concerning the writing style. She feels and respects all the aspects and nuances of the author's unique peculiarities of writing style. She succeeded in guiding me in the right direction to improve my writing style and make it enjoyable to readers. - Ellen Khodakivska, Author of The White Water.
Havelah did a beautiful job formatting my book. It came out exactly how I pictured and she gave me several options for graphics to choose from to make the book more visually appealing. She also proofread my book, making sure it was free of spelling and grammar errors. Both services were prompt, affordable and well executed. I highly recommend her to any indie author! - Kristyn Landau, Author of Favorite Secret.
I have a desire to write a story targeting both middle-school children and adults who love them. But composing a book was only one step. I had no idea how to format and publish my book. That’s when I hired Havelah McLat. She patiently helped me through the process. Her quick response allowed me to go forward on my project swiftly. If you need your book formatted for publishing, I highly recommend Havelah McLat. - Cynthia Seawell Horsfall, Author of Hinges: Finding Stability When Life Swings (Lizzie's Life-Launching Hardware Book 1).
Havelah McLat is exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable, and her formatting is highly-satisfactory. It was such a pleasure to work with her! - Naomi McCullough, Author of The Nutcracker Spell and Hidden Currents.
Havelah kindly reached out to me and offered her formatting services after I posted on SM about the painstaking issues I was having with trying to format my own ebook. Not only was she very knowledgeable, she did a fantastic job and she was very, very fast! I am so appreciative of her in helping me get my debut novel out the door. I highly recommend Havelah's services! - Mandy Casto, Author of Return to Jade Island.
Havelah was a joy to work with. Not only did she do a fantastic job formatting my book, but she was always kind and professional and responded to messages promptly. I highly recommend Havelah for all formatting needs. - Joy Oival, Author of the Wasp Queen.