Let’s Build Your Story Together
Hey! I’m Kallista Ann, a developmental editor and book coach. I’ve come alongside and helped dozens of writers discover roadblocks in their stories. I believe your story needs someone to champion it and challenge it at the same time- and I plan to do both! By combining editorial feedback and mentorship, I guide authors in building the skills necessary to write a compelling novel and think through story problems.
Find the Right Support for Your Story
01
NOVEL PLANNING
ABOUT THE SERVICE
I help you gain clarity about the story you’re trying to tell. Together, we’ll explore possibilities, evaluate different directions your story can take, and shape your idea into a working outline so you can write forward with confidence.
02
FIRST DRAFT WRITING
ABOUT THE SERVICE
You’ll gain clarity on how to execute your story, scene by scene. Through feedback and discussion, you’ll write your first draft while learning what makes a scene work, how to evaluate your own writing, and how to solve problems as they arise.
03
REVISING A NOVEL
ABOUT THE SERVICE
You’ll gain clarity about what your manuscript needs next. Together, we’ll uncover the root cause behind your novel’s problems so you can revise with purpose instead of guessing. You’ll leave knowing what needs revising, why it matters, and how to approach it.
“No matter what stage of writing you’re at, I can help you gain the clarity and confidence to make strong story decisions.”
What you might think an Editor does:
The Last Light
Mara stood at the edge of the old Farmhouse, watching the kitchen window glow against the dark. She hasn’t bean back in 7 years, but some-howthe house looked exactly the same. The porch still sagged on the left side. The wind chime still tapped against the railing. And the kitchen light was still on.
She told herself it was probably nohteing The house had been empty since her grandmother died. Mara stepped onto the porch, her boots making a loud sound against the wood. She raeched for the doorknob, but stopped. There was a note taped to the door. There was a note taped to the door.
You’re too late.
Editors Note: I’ve highlighted above grammar and spelling mistakes that need to be fixed!
What I Actually Do
A Developmental Editor isn’t someone who just corrects your spelling and grammar mistakes. I come along side you to help you work through your story. Here are some common dilemmas authors have that I help solve:
You have lots of ideas, but you’re stuck on how to move forward.
You see so many different directions your plot can go in, but you have no idea which one is the ‘right’ one.
You’re stuck solving the same problems over and over again to the point where you don’t know if the story is actually getting better or if you’re just moving things around.
You can spot issues in your story, but you don’t know if they’re real or if you’re overthinking it.
The story feels off, but you don’t know how to fix it.
Beta readers, critique partners, and writing groups are all giving contradictory advice, and you have no idea whose voice to listen to.
What feedback from a Developmental Editor actually looks like:
The Table by the Window
Emma always chose the table by the window. It wasn’t because she liked the view. The coffee shop looked out onto a parking lot, and there wasn’t much to see besides cars coming and going. She liked the table because it was the same one she had sat at every Saturday for the past three months. And because Daniel always sat two tables away.
They had never spoken. At least, not really. She knew he ordered black coffee. She knew he always carried the same blue notebook. She knew that every Saturday at exactly 10:15, he looked up from his writing and glanced toward the window.
Developmental Editors Note: What does “not really” mean? Did they exchange a smile? Hold the door? Order coffee at the same time? A small interaction here could make their eventual conversation feel more earned.
She wondered if he was looking at her. Probably not. This Saturday, Emma arrived ten minutes late. Daniel was already there. But the blue notebook was gone. Instead, there was a small white envelope sitting on the table.
Developmental Editor Note: Why is this important? If the timing is going to change the story, make the consequence clear. If nothing changes because she’s late, consider cutting this detail or giving it more purpose.
Emma tried not to stare. She failed. Daniel looked up and caught her watching. He smiled.
Then he picked up the envelope and walked toward her.
“Is this yours?” he asked.
Emma looked at the envelope. Her name was written across the front. “I don’t think so.”
Daniel held it out to her, “Are you Emma?”
Her heart skipped. “How do you know my name?”
“I asked the barista.”
“Oh.”
She took the envelope. Inside was a handwritten note. "I’ve been trying to work up the courage to talk to you for three months.
Emma looked up. Daniel was smiling nervously. “I figured writing it down would be easier.” She laughed. “It probably was.”
He nodded toward the empty chair across from her. “Can I sit?”
Emma looked at the chair. Then at him. “For three months, I was starting to think you were never going to ask.”
Developmental Editor note: This is a great payoff, but it changes what we understand about Emma. She clearly knew Daniel was interested. Consider planting a few subtle moments earlier that show she suspected this, so the line feels like a satisfying reveal rather than new information.
Daniel laughed. “So was I.” He pulled out the chair.
And for the first time, the table by the window didn’t feel like a place to sit alone.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR’S NOTE: The romance is working, but the story could have more emotional weight if we understand what Emma wants before Daniel approaches her. Right now, the story is mostly about whether they’ll finally talk. What changes for Emma if he does? Once we know what she’s risking emotionally, we can shape the scenes around that and make their eventual connection feel more meaningful.