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Submission Materials

If you are a querying author who is not quite ready to put your submission materials in front of agents or editors, then one of my query assessment services might be for you. Let's refine your query letter, synopsis, first three chapters so you can get out of the slush pile.

Opening Chapters Assessment

October 11, 2017June 7, 2021

opening chapters

The opening chapters of your book are the most vital. They hook the reader, introduce the main plot, and showcase the world and characters you’ve created. Most importantly, they set up your story and the reader’s expectations for the rest of the book. They need to dazzle.

This service gives you a developmental edit of the first 20,000 words of your book (with in-manuscript comments via Track Changes), and an editorial letter that assesses: what you’ve done well, what could be strengthened, the questions I hope the rest of the manuscript will (should) answer, the overall attractiveness and marketability of your story.

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Hello, Lovely!

Welcome to The Ribbon Marker blog!

My name is Kate Marope, and I'm a developmental editor who adores HEAs and helping authors fine tune their books to build engaging and emotionally complex reading experiences.

If you are looking for lots of self-editing tips, in-depth reviews, case studies to learn from, and just general bookish tomfoolery—you've come to the right place. So take a look around, and I hope to hear from you soon!

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ICYM my reel (which I am inordinately proud of myself for how it turned out), I have a new blog post (or blogisode if you prefer to listen) out. What's 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 favorite approach to writing an age gap? Definitely team decenter 😇 & main conflict 😈 depending on my mood. A little drama never hurt nobody.
Don’t know where to start in writing an age gap romance? Here are 5 ways you can handle the age gap in your book to get you started! Plus examples 😉
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Title: Sinners Anonymous by Somme Sketcher
The setup of your book is super important! Not only do your opening chapters introduce your characters and the world you've created, but they also set up reader expectations for the character and romantic arcs and the plot (i.e. the rest of the book).
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Normally my word for the year reflects my general attitude and approach to life that year. For 2022, it was Fotseke. I was chasing away my fears and self-doubt.⁠

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About Me

My name is Kate Marope, and I am a developmental and line editor with eight years’ experience working with traditional and self-published authors, both as a freelancer and as an editor at various publishers →

Affiliate Link Disclosure

Please be aware that this website uses affiliate (referral) links, and any purchases made using those links in posts may result in me earning a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.

 

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