Deciding to work with a romance editor is a huge step for any author! Whether you want to polish your debut novel or fine-tune your tenth, that first meeting with your editor sets the tone for the whole partnership. Here at Integral Editing, I like to keep things welcoming, informative, and focused on your book and goals. Here’s a good idea of what you can expect when we sit down together—virtually, over Zoom—for our first chat.

Talking About Your Romance Novel

Our first priority is your story. I’d like you to tell me about your book in your own words. Don’t worry – you don’t need some kind of perfect elevator pitch. This is just my chance to understand your vision. We’ll cover:

• Romance subgenre: Is it paranormal romance, romantic suspense, contemporary, a blend, or something else? Each subgenre has different expectations and conventions.
• Spice level: Every romance lands somewhere on the spectrum from sweet to sizzling. Knowing where your story fits helps me keep consistency and tone aligned with your goals.
• Tone and voice: Light and playful, dark and brooding, or somewhere in between? I want to get the mood you’re going for.
• Tropes: Enemies to lovers? Fake dating? Second-chance romance? When we discuss tropes, you help me see how you’re meeting reader expectations.
• Publishing path: Are you self-publishing, or planning to submit to an agent or publisher? The editing process may differ slightly depending on which path you choose.
• Experience Level: Is this your first manuscript or your twentieth? Finding out your background helps me tailor my approach, so you get the right balance of coaching and precision.
• Your hopes for the book: Beyond publication, what do you want this book to do? Start a series? Build your readership? Be the best story you’ve ever told?

By the end of this conversation, I’ll have a clearer picture of not just your story, but you as an author.

Discussing Editing Needs

Once we’ve talked about your book itself, we’ll change tracks into editing services. Editing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, so I’ll give you options like:

• Developmental editing for romance novels: Do you want help shaping the big picture—plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, and similar elements?
• Line editing: Do you need your prose trimmed, tightened, and polished, so your voice shines without any distractions?
• Copyediting: Are you looking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation consistency, and adherence to a style guide like The Chicago Manual of Style?

You may not know exactly what type of book editing services you need, and that’s okay. Part of my role is helping you figure that out. Sometimes a manuscript needs all three at different stages, and sometimes one takes priority.

Talking About Time and Budget

Every author has different needs and constraints. We’ll discuss your timeline: do you have a publishing deadline, or is this a more flexible project? I’ll also ask about your budget, because it’s crucial that editing your romance novel feels like an investment, not a financial burden.

To give you a reasonable estimate, I’ll need to see a 10-page sample of your manuscript. This allows me to gauge how much editing your book will need and how long the process may take. Each manuscript is as unique as its author, and this sample ensures my quote is tailored to your specific project.

The Sample Edit

One of the most important parts of the first meeting is the sample edit. I offer a 1,000-word edit, free. This is your chance to see how I approach your work: how I balance corrections, suggestions, and encouragement.

The sample edit benefits both of us:

• For you: You’ll know if my style and feedback feel like a good fit for you and your manuscript.
• For me: I’ll get a stronger sense of your voice and where your book might benefit the most from editing.

Think of it as a test drive. You wouldn’t buy a car without seeing how it handles the road; the same applies here.

Collaboration and Comfort

 Editing can feel vulnerable. You’ve poured your heart into your book, and now you’re inviting someone else to look closely at it. My goal in our first meeting is to build trust. I approach every manuscript with respect—for your story, your voice, and your effort. You can learn more about your editor here.

This meeting isn’t an interrogation. It’s a conversation. Ask me anything: about romance editing, publishing, timelines, or even how I handle tough feedback. The more open you and I are at the beginning, the smoother the entire process will be.

What Happens Next

After our chat, you’ll send me your sample pages. I’ll complete the sample edit and email it back to you with my notes. Then, if you’d like to move forward, we’ll finalize the editing service or package that makes the most sense for your project.

From there, it’s all about partnership. I’ll keep you informed throughout the process, and you’ll have a clearer, more polished manuscript to show for it.

Final Thoughts

The first meeting with your editor isn’t about handing over control of your book—it’s about creating a partnership that supports your vision. By the time we wrap up our initial Zoom meeting, you’ll know what to expect from me, and I’ll know how to serve your story best.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your publishing journey, schedule your first meeting, and let’s talk. I’d love to meet you and hear about your romance novel. Together, we can make your story shine.