Episode Details

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How do you know when you’ve taken a manuscript as far as you can, and how can you tell whether an editor is actually right for your book?

Fantasy and cozy mystery editor Richelle Braswell joins Richie Billing to explain when professional editing becomes worthwhile, where to find reputable book editors, and the green and red flags to investigate before trusting someone with your manuscript.

They discuss referrals, professional editing organisations, genre specialisation, discovery calls, sample edits, realistic rates and the importance of finding an editor whose communication style matches what you need.

The conversation also ventures inside the manuscript. Richelle explains how a good editor moves beyond vague reactions such as “this character is boring” to diagnose the actual storytelling problem.

Richie and Richelle explore personal motives and stakes, passive protagonists, character agency, showing emotion through behaviour and the value of constructive editorial feedback.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognise when you need outside editorial help

• The difference between developmental support and copy editing

• Where to find reputable book editors

• How to evaluate an editor’s credentials, specialism and working style

• The green and red flags to look for before hiring

• When a sample edit can help you make the decision

• How editors preserve an author’s voice while strengthening the story

• Why personal stakes and character agency matter

• Which writing and editing craft books Richelle recommends

CHAPTERS

00:00 Why fantasy stories contain elements of mystery

01:05 When can an editor help your manuscript?

04:27 Where to find a professional book editor

08:12 Green flags and the importance of genre specialisation

10:43 Red flags, suspiciously low rates and realistic pricing

12:22 Finding an editor whose working style suits you

14:49 Sample edits and protecting your authorial voice

16:06 Turning gut reactions into constructive feedback

18:55 Making motives and stakes personal

21:39 Character depth, decisions and agency

23:56 Showing emotion through action and body language

25:35 Recommended books on writing and editing

31:06 Where to find Richelle

ABOUT RICHELLE BRASWELL

Richelle is a professional editor specialising in fantasy and cozy mystery. As the self-described “fairy godeditor”, she helps writers strengthen their plots, characters and prose while preserving the voice and vision that make each story distinctive.

Richelle’s website and editing services: https://www.richellebraswell.com/

Richelle’s author resources and recommended craft books: https://www.richellebraswell.com/author-resources

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