Every manuscript deserves a careful reader.
I’m Emily Boynton, a freelance editor and writer. I partner with literary agents and authors on editorial assessments, developmental edits, and ghostwriting.
Are you an agent? Jump to my query review, reader, and editorial services.
An editor on your team.
I’m a writer and editor with more than eight years across books, magazines, and digital publications. I read for several literary agents and specialize in editing adult fiction. I love working directly with authors on developmental edits, as well as helping agents with a second look on their clients’ manuscripts.
I trained in an editorial mentorship with literary agent and best-selling novelist Danya Kukafka. I’ve copy edited, proofread, and fact-checked published nonfiction. I also ghostwrite. My current ghostwriting project is a nonfiction book in the health space, publishing in 2027.
I’m also an author myself, represented by Deidre and Tyler Knight at the Knight Agency. My work as an author means I know what it feels like to receive edits. I write my edit letters the way I hope to receive them: kind, honest, thorough, and specific.
Off the page, I co-facilitate the Rainy Day Writing Club, a Seattle writing group cultivating cozy vibes in unique spaces. We meet in the historic Stimson-Green Mansion, with sponsorship from 4Culture. If you’re in the Seattle area, come join us!
When I’m not writing or editing, you can find me curled up with a book, out for a run, or cuddling my orange cat, Keely (who has been known to crash video calls every now and then).
Working with authors and agents.
I work directly with authors on big-picture revision, and I support literary agents with query evaluation and client-ready editorial feedback.
For Authors
Direct clientsEditorial Assessment
Best for: a complete draft that needs big-picture direction before you revise.
- A close, complete read of your manuscript
- An in-depth edit letter (my edit letters are on the long side), covering structure, pacing, character, voice, stakes, and market fit
- Prioritized, actionable revision suggestions (what’s working, what isn’t, and why)
- Optional follow-up call to talk through the suggestions
Developmental Edit
Best for: a deep revision with guidance on the page, scene by scene.
- Everything in the editorial assessment, plus:
- In-margin comments and edits throughout your manuscript for in-depth, on-the-page feedback
- Line-level examples of how to approach recurring issues
- Optional follow-up call to map your revision
Ghostwriting and Collaboration
Best for: experts and storytellers who need a writing partner to bring the book to life.
- Nonfiction book proposal development, from positioning and chapter outline to polished sample pages
- Collaborative interviews and outlining that capture your stories, ideas, and expertise
- A full manuscript drafted in your voice, with chapters shared for your review along the way
- Confidential from start to finish
For Literary Agents
Agent supportMy agent services are designed to support you in evaluating queries and refining client submissions. Whether you need a second editorial look on a client manuscript or help evaluating incoming queries and fulls, I provide detailed, professional feedback.
Query and Sample Pages Review
Keep your inbox moving without missing a gem.
- Query letters and sample pages read in QueryManager or via email
- Queries flagged for you or requested/rejected directly, with pass notes sent to authors
- Summary of decisions with brief pros and cons for requested and intrigued queries
Requested Query Evaluations
A second read before you commit to the full.
- 50-page read of requested queries
- Reader’s report with overall potential and agent fit
- Clear recommendation: pass or consider for representation
Client Manuscript Read and Edit Letter
Client-ready editorial notes.
- A thorough read of the full manuscript
- An in-depth, client-ready edit letter focused on structure, voice, stakes, character, and market fit
- Ideal for preparing a manuscript for submission or revision
- Availability to join virtual client calls if requested
Every service includes a consultation call, if desired. Rush reading is available upon request. For rates on any service, email me with your genre, word count, and timeline.
How I edit
I read with an editor’s eye and a writer’s heart. As a writer myself, I know what it’s like to receive edits on something you’ve poured your heart into. Sharing your writing is vulnerable, and I don’t take that lightly. I’m going to give you candid feedback, and I’m also going to be your story’s biggest cheerleader.
Your voice leads
An edit should make your book more itself, not more like mine. I offer questions, suggestions, and edits that help you think through what is right for your story.
Kind and candid
You’ll always know what’s working, what isn’t, and why. I offer specific feedback on what you can do to strengthen your book, as well as notes on the parts I love.
Market-aware
Reading for agents keeps me aware of what’s selling and what makes a manuscript stand out in a query inbox. I bring these insights to my editorial feedback.
What working together looks like
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Inquire
Email me a short pitch, genre, word count, and your timeline. I’ll reply within two business days.
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The edit
I read closely and write your edit letter (and margin notes, for developmental edits).
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Debrief
We talk through the feedback and your revision plan, and I answer any questions you have.
Books I’ve worked on.
A selection of the books I’ve supported behind the scenes.
Copy Editor
Law Democratized Renee Knake Jefferson
Proofreader
Shortlisted Renee Knake Jefferson & Hannah Brenner Johnson
Fact Checker
Strong Like Her Haley Shapley
A note on confidentiality: Much of my work (manuscript reads, edit letters, query evaluation, and ghostwriting) is confidential by nature. I’m happy to speak to recent projects and provide references in a call.
Kind words from authors and agents.
Emily is an incredibly sharp and insightful reader; she reads with a thoughtfulness and care that make her feedback invaluable. I’ve found her editorial notes to be spot on and immensely helpful and her turnaround times can’t be beat!
Amy Bishop-WyciskLiterary Agent, Trellis Literary ManagementYou cannot go wrong listening to this brilliant young editor’s advice. I could not recommend Emily more highly. She is a joy to work with and has an astute, thorough, and thoughtful editorial eye. I’m grateful for her attention to the books we’ve worked on together.
Heather JacksonLiterary Agent, Heather Jackson Literary AgencyI worked with Emily to fact-check my first book, which was chock-full of historical tidbits that required consulting dozens of primary sources. Despite a tight deadline and many moving parts, she was communicative and thorough throughout the process, and my book was all the better for it!
Haley ShapleyAuthor of Strong Like HerQuestions, answered.
What genres do you work in?
Do I need an editorial assessment or developmental edit?
If you want an overarching revision plan, start with an editorial assessment. This is a great option if you want to get another pair of eyes on your manuscript before you start querying or if you’ve been in the query trenches but haven’t had any bites on your full manuscript. I can help identify where pacing lags or how to make sure voice shines in those first 50 pages (and throughout the story!).
If you want that roadmap plus guidance on the page, choose the developmental edit. This is a great option if you want a professional edit and comments with in-line examples of where stakes slip or character motivations feel thin. I’ll also call out lines I love and passages that made me kick my feet with joy or start to tear up. I’m a firm believer that knowing what works is just as helpful as knowing what doesn’t. You’ll have plenty of notes to help you understand how your story is landing with readers and what you can do to strengthen things throughout the book.
If you aren’t sure which option is best for you, shoot me an email and we can figure it out together!
What are your rates?
Your book is read by a human. Not AI.
- Every word of feedback is mine. I do not use generative AI to read, evaluate, or edit your work. Edit letters, margin notes, and query evaluations are written by me.
- Your manuscript is never fed to AI tools. I do not upload, paste, or otherwise share client work with AI systems.
- Confidentiality is the default. Your manuscript and our correspondence are not shared with anyone without your permission.
Let’s talk about your book.
Whether you’re an author with a finished draft or an agent who needs a trusted second read, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at
Start an InquiryI reply to every inquiry within two business days. Rush reads available on request.
In your email, include:
- Your genre and word count
- A short pitch (does not need to be polished; a few sentences is plenty)
- The service you’re interested in
- Your ideal timeline
- Agents: the kind of support you need, one-time or ongoing