Publishing Process Consultations
The publishing process can often feel opaque and confusing for new writers. I provide phone call consultations where we can discuss various aspects of the publishing process, ranging from finding a literary agent to writing a query letter. I provide line-edit feedback on query letters as well.
Manuscript Consultations
Writing often feels like a vulnerable, personal act that we do alone, unsure if anyone else will read or care about our work as much as we do. When we agree to share our writing with others, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. As such, I prioritize respectful, timely, and considerate constructive feedback.
I currently provide consultations on completed manuscripts, whether it is on a first draft or thirteenth draft. In our initial phone call, we will come up with a tailored plan to fit your needs. Whether you need help starting revisions, or you’re looking for specific feedback on structure, I’m happy to work with you. Most often, I provide holistic feedback on plot, character development and motivation, pacing, and more. Consultations generally include a deep read of the full manuscript with developmental edits, a detailed editorial letter, and a follow-up phone call to discuss any questions you may have.
To ensure the right fit, I may ask for sample pages of your manuscript. If I feel that I am not the best editor for you, I will try my best to suggest other writers. If you are interested, please reach out using the contact form below.
Testimonials
Crystal was my first reader when I finished a draft of my manuscript and needed expert eyes to help me identify the areas of weakness to further develop. Because Crystal’s novel is so beautifully written and the characters are so multi-layered and alive, I knew I could trust her advice. With thoughtfulness and attention to detail, Crystal provided me with concrete steps to take my manuscript to the next level. She helped me deepen relationships and think through the characters’ needs and motivations. She is also an extremely kind and supportive person who made me feel like I was on the right track, especially when writing was a lonely and anxiety-inducing activity for a newbie like me! But I always felt comfortable discussing my thoughts with her, and she encouraged me to keep her updated on my progress, and always made me feel like celebrating every small step as I worked toward a finished product. — Taylor Hahn, author of The Lifestyle
“Crystal is a gifted writer with a fantastic lens for editing. Her insightful and thoughtful feedback has helped me to see my work clearly. She asks all the right questions. She’s careful and thorough without belaboring the point. Her comments and edits always facilitate a path forward. Crystal is also a kind person. I both enjoy and feel safe sharing my work with her.” — Alejandro Varela, writer
“Crystal Hana Kim is meticulously respectful of the author’s agency while superlatively thorough as an editor. She maps out options; she problem-solves patiently; she takes the writing to the very best version of itself. Working with her is a joyful part of the writing process. She has what we would call in Arabic ‘a long breath,’ the vision to see the work all the way through, with attention to both the trees and the forest.” — Mohja Kahf, Professor of Comparative Literature, University of Arkansas