Olivia Hofer

Science Fiction and Fantasy Editor

I help authors strengthen character arcs, deepen emotional impact, and shape stories that stay with readers long after the final page.Whether you're preparing for publication or wrestling with a revision that isn't quite coming together, I'll help you identify what's working, what's holding the manuscript back, and where your revisions will have the greatest impact.My goal isn't to turn your book into my book. It's to help you tell the story you want to tell."Olivia absolutely nails characters, story & emotion, and has improved all aspects of my books multiple times. I would not publish anything without running it by her first."
— L.L. MacRae, author of The Iron CrownIf you're looking for developmental feedback on your science fiction or fantasy manuscript, get in touch to discuss your project or request a free sample edit.

Editing

A developmental edit focuses on the big-picture elements of your novel.My role is to identify what's working, what's not landing as intended, and where revisions will have the greatest impact.My editorial style is collaborative rather than prescriptive. I'm particularly interested in understanding what an author is trying to achieve and helping them get there. Rather than imposing my vision on a manuscript, I focus on identifying what already works, what isn't landing as intended, and where the story has room to grow.I offer a Developmental Edit, a Developmental Edit Plus, and a Sensitivity Read.

Developmental Edit
A comprehensive developmental edit designed to help you strengthen your manuscript.Areas I commonly focus on include:

  • Plot structure, plot holes, narrative momentum

  • Character arcs, character motivation and development, as well as emotional depth

  • Pacing, tension, and scene effectiveness

  • Hook, stakes, and conflict

  • Worldbuilding and magic system

  • Continuity and consistency

  • Openings, endings, and overall reader experience

  • Info dumps and other common pitfalls

Note: This isn't a copyedit or a proofread.You'll receive:

  • A detailed editorial letter (typically 4,000–5,000 words)

  • Extensive comments throughout the manuscript

  • A consultation call

Rate
$8.50 per 1,000 words
Examples:
- 50,000 words: $425
- 80,000 words: $680
- 100,000 words: $850

Developmental Edit Plus
Includes everything in the standard developmental edit, and in addition I comb through the entire manuscript line by line and provide more extensive sentence-level feedback.While this is not a copyedit or proofread, I'll flag awkward phrasing, repetitive constructions, grammar issues, and areas where the prose could be stronger. I will also offer advice on how to improve your sentence structure as well as flag spelling errors, and grammar issues.Rate
$12.00 per 1,000 words
Examples:
- 50,000 words: $600
- 80,000 words: $960
- 100,000 words: $1,200

Sensitivity Read
I offer sensitivity reads for manuscripts featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, relationships, and themes.As a queer woman, I can provide feedback on the authenticity and nuance of queer characters and experiences, including:

  • Coming out and self-discovery

  • Internalised homophobia and shame

  • Family, friendship, and community dynamics

  • Navigating relationships as a queer person

  • Experiences of prejudice and discrimination

  • Authentic dialogue and emotional responses

My aim isn't to tell you what you can or can't write. Instead, I'll highlight places where a character's experiences may not feel authentic, where assumptions may unintentionally undermine the story, or where additional nuance could strengthen the narrative.If you're unsure whether your project would benefit from a sensitivity read, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss it.

Genres
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Queer Speculative FictionWhile I occasionally work outside these genres, speculative fiction is where my experience and expertise are strongest.Interested in working together?
Email me with your genre, word count, and preferred timeline, and I'll be happy to discuss your project or arrange a free sample edit.

What is your editing experience?
- Former Senior Editor at Three Crows Magazine (2018–2022)
- Developmental editor for independent and traditionally published authors, including Tom Toner, L.L. MacRae, J.E. Hannaford, Isa Medina, and Trudie Skies
- Edited SPFBO finalist and semi-finalist novelsDo you offer copyediting or proofreading?
No. My focus is developmental editing and big-picture storytelling. While I may flag recurring grammar or sentence-level issues, neither service is a substitute for professional copyediting or proofreading.What genres do you work with?
Adult science fiction and fantasy.Do you work with queer fiction?
Absolutely! I'm always happy to work with queer stories and queer authors.What does your editing process look like?

  • Get in Touch - Send me an email with your genre, word count, and preferred timeline. If you're unsure which service is right for you, I'm happy to help.

  • Sample Review - I'll look at a sample of your manuscript to make sure we're a good fit and discuss any specific concerns you have about the project. I typically work either with Word or Google Docs.

  • Booking - Once we've agreed on the scope of the edit and timeline, I'll confirm your slot and answer any questions before I begin.

  • The Edit - I'll read your manuscript carefully, leaving comments throughout the text and compiling a detailed editorial letter that focuses on the areas that will have the greatest impact during revision.

  • Delivery - You'll receive a detailed editorial letter (typically 4,000–5,000 words), extensive comments throughout the manuscript, and a consultation call (optional).

  • Follow-Up - After you've had time to review the edit, you're welcome to email me with any questions about my feedback.

How long does an edit take?
Most developmental edits take approximately one week per 50,000 words, though timelines vary depending on my schedule and the complexity of the manuscript.Do you offer a sample edit?
Yes. I offer a free sample edit of the first 5,000 words so both of us can decide whether we're a good fit before committing to the full project.

About

My name is Olivia, and I'm a Swiss lesbian who enjoys fiction in all forms. My love of literature began when my dad handed me a copy of Treasure Island. I discovered Tolkien as a teenager and never looked back.Since 2017, I've been working with independent and traditionally published authors, helping them strengthen character arcs, improve pacing, deepen emotional impact, and build stories that resonate with readers.Authors I've worked with include Tom Toner, L.L. MacRae, Isa Medina, J.E. Hannaford, and Trudie Skies. Books I've edited have gone on to become SPFBO finalists and semi-finalists.Before becoming a freelance editor, I served as Senior Editor at Three Crows Magazine from 2018 to 2022.When I'm not editing, I'm usually writing, travelling, or trying to pet as many dogs as possible.