Perceptive Editing for
Heartfelt Fiction
Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash
Fiction can be messy. We pour our hearts into plots and characters without knowing, exactly, where our hearts are taking us. When we feel trapped in stubborn plot holes, chaotic climaxes, or I-can’t-quite-tell-why-this-feels-so-slow doldrums, we often wonder if we will ever reach what we’re longing for.
But we can reach it. With the help of an editor’s perceptive eye and experienced hand, we can finally find the heart of our story, waiting to emerge, waiting to shine.
Welcome
My name is Laura Baumgarten, and I am a developmental editor who greets each story with the awareness of a highly-sensitive mind and the empathy of someone who has had a brush or two with trauma. My specialty is helping the heart of your story shine by aligning the foundations of your novel into the rich, resonant story you have been waiting to tell.
How Developmental Editing Unlocks Your Story
Developmental editing deals with the the bones of your novel—plot, character, and theme. I offer two developmental services: a full developmental edit, and the more concise editorial assessment. Both of these will give you a deep dive into the foundations of your novel, helping you to
- level-up your plot so it enchants the reader with perfect tension and pacing,
- clarify character arcs so they naturally fuel both plot and theme,
- and make your theme accessible, authentic, and empowering for your intended audience.
With either of my services, you will receive written guidance, a one-on-one video consultation, and a visual book map tailored to the needs of your novel. I also now offer edits for outlines. This is a great way to get feedback on your plot and character arcs before you start drafting.
Whatever stage of writing you are in, I cannot wait to help you unveil the story you’ve been longing for!
What My Clients Are Saying
Working with Laura Baumgarten on my latest two book projects has been an invaluable part of my process as a published author! [Her] services were a highly-curated treasure of information. . . . Her method . . . has helped me adjust pacing, plot progression, and character growth in a way that has endeared my work to the editors I went on to work with at Penguin Random House. . . . Any author would be lucky to have her on their team!
–Celesta Rimington, award-winning author of Reach
Laura’s edit absolutely blew me away. Her intelligent and thorough insights helped me to tighten my characters, plot, and arcs on miro and marco levels. She absolutely caught the voice and vibe of my story. . . . Her organization and the way she analyzed the story’s structure was next-level. I can’t wait to have her work on my next manuscript and wholeheartedly recommend her services.
–Taryn Skipper, author of Between Tungsten & Gold
Laura is an insightful editor who . . . [guides] you through the revision process with nourishing and empathetic notes and advice. She offers the invaluable balance of capable and clear feedback with a kind and understanding approach—I’m so grateful for her thorough and thoughtful edit letters, and I’m sure you will be, too.
–Kaela Rivera, award-winning author of
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls
Luminous Editing 