Do you need help with your writing? Feeling lost in the “messy middle” of your manuscript? Looking for an editor before you publish or send your manuscript to an agent?
Dayna Ault has been writing and editing both adult and children’s books (fiction and non-fiction), writing, editing, and publishing for the magazine/news market, for over 45 years. She would love to help you with your manuscript.
Dayna’s first love is Kidlit, including picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade works. But her interest in other genres is wide, and she is willing (and excited) to discuss your work to see if it is a fit.
Whether you are looking for a Developmental Edit or a Writing Coach, Dayna would love to connect to see if she is the right editor-coach for you!.
Contact Dayna for:
Developmental Edits - An over-all look at your manuscript with suggested help for troubled areas, including the “messy middle.”
Writer Coaching - For the writer who needs direction, suggestions, resources, or a word of encouragement. Let me help you decide which book to write and plot out your next steps.
Pricing for developmental edit is as follows:
For a children’s picture book, up to 2300 words is $35 (minimum charge). All books over 2300 words are charged at .015¢ per word.
Price includes a final edit.
Coaching sessions:
You may need coaching if:
You are struggling with your plot, character development, or that “messy middle”
You aren’t sure whether your book is ready for an edit
Imposter syndrome, discouragement, or fear of rejection are affecting your ability to write
You need some direction in your writing journey
Dayna offers a 40-minute face-to-face on Zoom. Whether you need inspiration, writing direction, or simply need someone to help you move on to the next step, Dayna can help. Because writing is lonely and difficult, we need the help of others who have already taken the journey.
Pricing for a 40-minute coaching call is $30.
Disclaimer: Dayna is not a licensed counselor, is not a life-coach, and does not deal with mental health or medical issues.
Testimonials
Is Dayna the right editor for you? See what her clients have to say…
Duane Laflin, Author - most prolific author
“Working with Dayna was like getting a personalized college course on making my book something people would want to read. The things she helped me understand transformed me as a writer...and I feel like I am still writing with her voice in my ear. Whatever success I find with my books will come from the foundation she helped me establish. Thank you, Dayna!”
Find ALL of Duane’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mr.-Duane-Keith-Laflin/author/B0C2X6GT2D
Chris “PortiaLily” Taylor - PortiaLilyTaylor.com - book with publisher!
“I highly recommend the editing services of Dayna Ault. Her work editing my upper middle grade novel, The Moment My Life Changed Forever, was exceptional. Although Dayna did make suggestions as to technical issues, her main focus was content/developmental editing. And that’s just what I needed!
“Dayna assisted me with every aspect of my novel, including plot structure, characterization, dialogue, and pacing. She went line by line, offering me concrete suggestions where changes were needed. However, I believe the most meaningful aspect of Dayna‘s editing is the fact that she gets to know the author she is working with and makes recommendations to coincide with that person’s point of view and the theme they wish to convey.
“Because of Dayna‘s editorial feedback and my revising accordingly, I believe my manuscript improved and rose to a publishable standard. ”
Jan Cole Bailey - school-visit expert
After several critiques, my story was ready! It was time for a professional edit. Dayna edited my story for me conceptually and grammatically, line by line. Since she had already published two children’s picture books and had many years of editing experience, I was sure she knew what my story needed. With her help, my story went from manuscript to a book that was ready to be published. I felt confident in sending my manuscript to an agent, because Dayna edited it. Gerald the Dust Bunny: The Wild Ride is now available HERE.
Ann Stang, award-winning author
Dayna’s attention to detail was amazing. A wonderful combination of quick and thorough, she made my novel so much better than it would have been. She was respectful and encouraging, yet candid, pointing out the areas that were inconsistent or ineffective.
Thank you, Dayna, I’d use you again in a heartbeat!
Click to find Ann’s book, All I Want for Christmas is an Alibi, edited by Dayna Ault. Other works by Ann Stang may be viewed HERE.
Mandy Farmer, award-winning author
Dayna's understanding of the flow and rhythm of children's literature and attention to age-appropriate vocabulary and proper grammar, helped me create a beautiful story. The success of my children's books are largely due to her gentle coaching.
Find all of Mandy’s books for children, HERE.
Clarissa Willis, award-winning author
Dayna did an outstanding job of editing my latest children's book. She was professional, and her in-depth analysis of the story improved it. She also did a second edit, and now I feel the finished product is ready for publication. I would strongly recommend her services to anyone wanting an honest and thorough edit.
Find Clarissa’s books HERE.
Linda Apple, award-winning author
Dayna Ault's editing of Love, Linda: Living Your Best Life was exceptional. She honored my voice while strengthening clarity, flow, and structure that had escaped my notice. Her careful attention, thoughtful suggestions, and deep respect for the heart of the message I hoped to convey made my book stronger and more readable. I am deeply grateful for her skill and professionalism.
—Linda Apple, author of Love Linda: Living Your Best Life
Find Linda’s books HERE.