Rawls Reads ...SMUT

Developmental and line editing services for Indie romance

Writing is hard enough—you need editing services that can make your life easier! I'll help you fill in the plot holes and polish your character arcs so your book shines.

"Writing is like sex. First you do it for love, then you do it for your friends, and then you do it for money." — Virginia Woolf

Romance authors have it tough, your books are so much more than just boy meets girl and they fall in love. You have to build the contemporary, fantasy, science-fiction, mystery—pretty much any genre—world behind it. I love all romance subgenres and have experience editing in all settings. Light, dark and in-between, I’m here to help.

Speciality in Reverse Harem/Why Choose? RH isn’t easy to write—you not only have the traditional dynamic of a male/female relationship, but then you add in a couple more dicks and everything goes out the window. Fear not! I’ve done thousands of hours of research into what’s hot and what’s not in the community. Tropes and subgenres are my jam.

A properly written sentence can make you weep, but so can an improperly written one. I’m here to help ensure that your sentences flow and that your characters always sound consistent.

Plot holes happen! If you’re a writer, you have 10 million ideas and stories running through your head at all times. Of course you’ll miss a few things. I’m here to help you find those plot holes and to fix them. Brainstorming is part of the fun of editing, and I’ll always be by your side to help suggest ways to remove any inconsistencies.

Services

here's what I can do for you!

Developmental Editing

Developing the overall structure, content and flow of a manuscript. I'll help point out issues and places for improvement. Always making specific suggestions on how to fix things.

Line Editing

Making sure your writing is consistent, smooth, and compelling so your reader moves effortlessly through your material. Got clunky sentences? I'll ferret them out and make them smooth like butter.

Book Map

Collecting all of the world-building, character development and pacing threads in one place. Did they have green or blue eyes? You'll always know with this book bible. Super helpful for series!

Manuscript Evaluation

Assessing the overall strengths and weaknesses of a manuscript and providing feedback from an objective point of view.

Coaching

1-on-1 voice or video chat to tackle specific issues you're struggling with or general guidance on best practice, hot tropes and editing techniques.

Moral support!

I will be your biggest cheerleader and sounding board to ensure everything in your plot is great. If there are any major issues I'm here to help you brainstorm to make it work.

What Clients Say

They like me... They really like me...

"Working with Steph is always a pleasure. She is fantastic at finding plot holes I would have never noticed and has an uncanny ability to pinpoint exactly where a line or a deeper layer is needed in the story to take it to the next level. She's not afraid to use the red pen, but her feedback is always constructive and spot on. What I appreciate most is her humor; her critiques often make me laugh at my own mistakes, which makes the editing process so much more enjoyable. I highly recommend Steph for any manuscript needs. I never thought I’d need a developmental editor, but now I can't imagine working without her."

Steph is fantastic. Her enthusiasm and passion are only equaled by her professionalism. I had a wonderful time working with Steph and would highly recommend her to other authors. She’s detailed, informed, and great at finding areas that could use a little something extra. Her thoughtfulness and thoroughness is much appreciated, as is the open conversation about what needs attention and how to make the story stronger.

"Steph is a dedicated reader, one who is happy to get lost in world-building and not only does she point out possibly problematic areas, she offers solutions. Brainstorming has never been more fun. I wholeheartedly recommend Steph and have loved working with her"

"Steph is simply amazing to work with. She helped with all of my books, found plot holes I never would have found on my own and held my hand right until they were fixed. She is very thorough, tears your WIP apart and helps you through every step of the rebuilding."

"I would absolutely recommend Rawls Reads. Steph was able to get to the heart of the story and bring my vision to life with her funny and insight comments. Friendly and easy to work with, one of the best experiences I've ever had."

"Steph from Rawls Reads is a superstar - I can't recommend her enough. She's a voracious reader, who brings a ton of great perspective to every manuscript, and I know my stories work better and flow more seamlessly because of her feedback. She's friendly, supportive, knowledgable, and an absolute joy to work with."

"Steph is a wonderful person. She's tenacious and thorough and she definitely does not shy away from the red pen. She thinks about the story from all aspects and really helps form the world-building and character arcs. Her feedback is very helpful and I enjoy having her on my team. Definitely recommend."

About me

I love reading and have been a romance fan since I had loins to stir. The pandemic kicked my engagement with the indie pub world to a whole new level, especially with the reverse harem community. I've been highly active on multiple alpha, beta and ARC teams.

As I got deeper into the community, I realized that indie authors are actually kick-ass businesswomen who wear many hats! There's so much to learn and deal with to publish one book that you need all the help you can get. Along the way, I discovered I loved helping authors and had a talent in developmental editing and world-building, so off I went to take classes, join the CIEP (Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading) and learn the ins and outs of professional editing.

I don't fear the red pen; I embrace it. My services specialize in world-building and finding plot holes and can help you take your book to the next level.