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Get clear, supportive editing for your next draft.

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The Opening Act

Thoughtful, high-level feedback to help you strengthen your story before drafting.
If you’re a planner who prefers to map out your story before writing, The Opening Act offers professional guidance at the perfect stage—before you invest months drafting.

Strengthen Your Outline Before You Start Writing

This service is designed to help you evaluate your outline from a story-structure perspective, identify potential issues early, and ensure the foundation of your story is solid before you begin writing.


Rather than focusing on prose or line-level edits, this service looks at the big picture: structure, character arcs, pacing, and narrative cohesion.

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What's Included?

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Comprehensive Outline Review

I’ll review your complete story outline and provide high-level editorial feedback focused on:

  • Overall story structure and flow

  • Character arcs (protagonist and antagonist)

  • Stakes and conflict escalation

  • Pacing across acts

  • Plot consistency and potential plot holes

  • Alignment between premise, beats, and resolution


Feedback is delivered through a combination of in-line comments on your outline and a written assessment letter that highlights strengths, areas to refine, and clear guidance on next steps.

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Follow-Up Conversation (60 minutes)

After you receive your feedback, we’ll schedule a 60-minute phone or video call to:

  • Walk through key observations

  • Clarify questions

  • Talk through revision priorities

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This ensures you feel confident and supported as you move forward.

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Why Review an Outline First?

Addressing story structure early can save time, reduce frustration, and make the drafting process smoother. While this package doesn’t replace future editing, it helps you move into drafting with greater clarity and confidence.

Coaching Topics Covered

Throughout our work together, we’ll focus on:

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Story vision, theme, and genre

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Protagonist development (want, need, misbelief, and arc)

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Antagonist or opposing forces

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Stakes and conflict

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Setting and story world

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​Act One structure and setup

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Act Two (Part One and Part Two) development

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Act Three, climax, and resolution

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Pacing, consistency, and story flow

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Preparing for the drafting stage

Is this the right fit for you?

    • Prefer to plan their story before drafting

    • Have an outline or partial outline and want structural feedback

    • Want to identify potential story issues early in the process

    • Are looking for big-picture insight into pacing, plot, and character arcs

    • Want professional reassurance before moving into drafting

    • An outline needs to be created from scratch

    • The manuscript is already deep into the drafting stage

    • A full developmental edit of a completed manuscript is desired

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Your Investment

$400 Flat Fee

One flat fee for final polish, consistency checks, and a clear plan for your next steps.

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