I will professionally edit, proofread, and review your creative nonfiction manuscript
It takes a village to raise a story
Level 2
Has met high performance criteria and has a proven track record for meeting client expectations.
Highly Responsive
Known for exceptionally quick replies
About this Gig
Is your creative nonfiction almost finished, but there still seems to be something missing? You may be a bit lost figuring out if your memoir excerpt or personal essay works at the structural level. Plenty of strong drafts stall here.
As a developmental editor of creative nonfiction, I understand the tightrope of personal narratives, lyric essays, and these hybrid pieces that fit nowhere. That's why I read with precision: to show you what's strong, what's not, and what to do next.
What I offer:
- Developmental editing for essays, memoir excerpts, narratives
- Manuscript editing focused on structure, voice, tone, pacing
- Targeted sentence-level editorial commentary that refines language, rhythm, and clarity.
What you'll get:
- Detailed marginal notes or comprehensive written feedback
- Clear breakdown of what's working and what needs work
- Specific suggestions without fluff
- Guidance on clarity, cohesion, and emotional resonance
- Honest direction for querying or publication
Don't let your piece stay stuck in "almost good enough" mode. Let's shape it into something readers can't walk away from.
Delivery style preference
Please inform the freelancer of any preferences or concerns regarding the use of AI tools in the completion and/or delivery of your order.
My Portfolio
FAQ
Why hire a human editor instead of using AI?
AI can be useful for brainstorming and catching some basic errors, but it still struggles with nuance, voice, pacing, consistency, and context. A human editor understands what you're trying to accomplish and provides feedback tailored to your unique manuscript. AI just isn’t fully there yet.
What if my piece is weird and doesn't fit into any category?
Perfect! Those are my favorite projects. Hybrid pieces and experimental narratives often make the most compelling reads once we figure out their unique structure.
Will you tell me to completely rewrite everything?
Nope. I'm here to polish what you've created, not tear it down. Most pieces just need targeted tweaks to really shine.
Can you help if I'm too close to my own story to see it clearly?
That's super common with memoir and personal narratives. I'll give you that outside perspective to see what's working and what might be getting lost.
What if my writing style is really unconventional?
Great! I love unique voices. The goal isn't to make you sound like everyone else..it's to make your distinctive style as clear and powerful as possible.
How do I know if my piece is even ready for feedback?
If you've got a complete draft, or almost complete, and you're feeling stuck about next steps, you're ready. Don't worry about it being "perfect."
Do you offer confidentiality?
Yes. Everything you send stays between us. No sharing, no stealing, no weirdness.
Do you accept very personal stories?
Yes. That’s the point. I treat raw work with respect and I don’t flinch. Say what you need to say—I'll meet you there.
Are you fluent in English?
Yes. English is my native language, and it is the only language I speak professionally. I was born and educated in the United States and hold an MFA in Creative Writing. My academic training and editing experience allow me to provide clear, accurate, and professional feedback on your work.
How do you deliver edits?
I typically provide edits using Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature, which allows you to review every suggestion individually. If you would like to use a different format, please contact me before ordering. I am happy to discuss alternative options when possible.
3 reviews for this Gig
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Rating Breakdown
- Seller communication level
- Quality of delivery
- Value of delivery
Sort By
J 
johnriley595

South Korea
Ongoing collaborationI was looking for someone to cast a critical eye over your work and comment on things like word choice, repetitions, redundancies, flow etc, and Libby delivered the goods! I got actionable feedback, and encouraging comments too. Libby is someone who reads your work properly and gives comments you can use. Thanks!
$100-$200
Price
7 days
Duration
Helpful?E 
ericjohnson310

Canada
Ongoing collaborationI've had two really positive experiences with Libby. She understood exactly what my essay needed and helped me polish it to the best of my ability.
$50
Price
5 days
Duration
Helpful?E 
ericjohnson310

Canada
Ongoing collaborationLibby did a great job. She's very thoughtful in her edits and she's giving me a lot to think about in terms of what I aim to accomplish as a writer.
$50
Price
3 days
Duration
Helpful?
3 reviews for this Gig
| (3) | ||
| (0) | ||
| (0) | ||
| (0) | ||
| (0) |
Rating Breakdown
- Seller communication level
- Quality of delivery
- Value of delivery
Sort By
J 
johnriley595

South Korea
Ongoing collaborationI was looking for someone to cast a critical eye over your work and comment on things like word choice, repetitions, redundancies, flow etc, and Libby delivered the goods! I got actionable feedback, and encouraging comments too. Libby is someone who reads your work properly and gives comments you can use. Thanks!
$100-$200
Price
7 days
Duration
Helpful?E 
ericjohnson310

Canada
Ongoing collaborationI've had two really positive experiences with Libby. She understood exactly what my essay needed and helped me polish it to the best of my ability.
$50
Price
5 days
Duration
Helpful?E 
ericjohnson310

Canada
Ongoing collaborationLibby did a great job. She's very thoughtful in her edits and she's giving me a lot to think about in terms of what I aim to accomplish as a writer.
$50
Price
3 days
Duration
Helpful?

