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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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Synopsis Review
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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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Stuck with You (Dorseys of Conception Bay, #1)Stuck with You by Fortune Whelan




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And with the #ListenerQueries transcript out to day, it’s an official wrap on season 1 of #PathtoPrintPod!
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Me & @glameditorgirl answer your questions about our sample pages do’s and dont’s, trends, and our advice when it comes to setups on #pathtoprintpod
@authorkenyawright and @siren_mrenee_allen (hell the whole @savagebloodlinemafiacollection family), consider this my official application to join the DeLucas. I mean shit, I look the part 😏. Y'all still need my résumé? Swipe left.
Join me and Silvana Reyes (aka @romancebksaes) as we talk about Q1 releases that did and didn’t disappoint in what they promised in the back cover copy on #pathtoprintpod
Are we friends on socials? Because we should be!
Alas the insomnia scarf is almost complete!
What happens when your setup doesn't live up to the expectations set by your query letter or back cover copy? In this quarter's case study, I'll be deconstructing the setup from Josh & Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready to look at what can go wrong when your marketing messages and book aren't in alignment.
Join me and @rmvirtues as we talk about the lessons he's learned in publishing and self-editing on #pathtoprintpod

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The Ribbon Marker

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About Me

My name is Kate Marope, and I am a developmental and line editor with seven 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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