IMMERSE
your readers
Have you ever lost yourself in a story? Have you ever felt like you were inside a character’s experience? By the end of the story, did you feel satisfied with the resolution, even if you didn’t want the story to end?
Is this what you want your readers to experience?
I’m here to help you connect with your audience through the big picture elements of your story.
So many factors go into creating an immersive story, from characterization to story structure, from setting to conflict, from tension to release, and much more. It can be overwhelming struggling to get all the pieces into place. There are as many ways to approach it as there are writers. Everyone’s brain processes things a little (or a lot) differently. You can draw inspiration from others who work in a similar way to you. It can also help to find support as you work through your process.
It’s my job as an editor to help you articulate YOUR vision for your story, your characters, and your world. I’m here to help you connect these things with your readers. Not everyone out there will be interested in every story, and that’s fine. It’s important to identify your target audience, to know what resonates with them. That might start with creating something that resonates with you. A reader is much more likely to connect deeply when they sense that your story is coming from something real within you. It may come out raw and messy at first. That’s okay. Once it’s out there, it can be molded into an immersive story experience for your readers.
Putting a story out there and connecting with an audience is a team effort, more often than not. The story is yours. But if you want a better idea how readers and agents may react to it, getting feedback can be a vital part of the process. Find critiquers, readers, and editors who can understand your goals and honestly, yet constructively, offer their reactions and point out what’s working and what’s off the mark. An editor can also offer suggestions for how to hit the mark in a way that resonates with you and your intended audience.
As an editor, I love being part of this journey. I specialize in developmental editing (a.k.a. substantive editing) and evaluations. Both deal with the big picture elements of story, like structure, characterization, worldbuilding, and internal consistency. Evaluations are done in broader strokes, while a developmental edit involves more detailed feedback on these larger elements. My genre specialties are fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, and hybrids involving these genres for YA up through adult. I also offer professional beta reads to give you insight into how readers of your genre may react to your story.
If you’re interested in working with me, please reach out with inquiries or a sample edit request for your longer works. From there, we can determine whether we would be a good fit.
Services
Professional
Beta Read
This is a thoughtful read with specific feedback about how the big picture elements of your story, novella, or novel may come across to a member of your target audience.
manuscript evaluation
This evaluation is a constructive overall critique of the big picture elements of your novel or novella, whether you’re seeking to publish traditionally or independently.
developmental edit
A developmental edit (also known as substantive edit) is an in-depth analysis and constructive critique of the big picture elements of your novel or novella, whether you’re seeking to publish traditionally or independently.
Short Story evaluation
These evaluations are constructive critiques of the big picture elements of your short fiction. This may be useful if you’re preparing to submit to an anthology or contest, or if you’re mainly seeking direction.
First Chapter evaluation
This is a constructive critique of the big picture elements of your first chapter, how it’s setting up the rest of your book, and whether it’s likely to make your readers want to take the book home and keep reading.
request a
A sample edit may give you insight on your work and help determine whether we would be a good fit.
Novels and Novellas: A free sample edit will include feedback on the first chapter, up to 5000 words.
Stories over 8000 words: A free sample edit will include feedback on the first 10% the total word count.
sample edit
Note: I do not offer sample edits for first chapters or works 8000 words or shorter. Please instead fill out this form to indicate interest in an evaluation.
About
the editor
Hi, I’m Mary Furse. I love stories with characters who feel real (whether they’re human alien, animal, or robot) and who may struggle in ways that real people relate to. I love stories of growth, heart, and adventure that, through the lens of the fantastical and the futuristic, make us think about who we are and what kind of world we’re creating.
I have studied developmental editing through the Editorial Arts Academy and the Editorial Freelancers Association. I served as a member of the acquisitions intern team for Future House Publishing, where I found myself silently cheering for the authors. I realized I wanted to work with authors directly to help them reach their goals for publishing and for connecting with their readers.
Over the years, I’ve spent many hours of exchanging feedback with other writers. For over ten years, I’ve attended writers conferences, braving the crowds to drink in everything I can about the craft of writing fiction, the publishing industry, marketing strategies for authors, etc.
Helping other writers find ways to bring their stories to a new level is meaningful to me. I love seeing them light up when a new idea clicks.
If I’m not caught up in my writing obsession, I’m studying other topics of interest, drawing, or making costumes. When I come out of my shell, I’m spending time with friends and family, animals, and nature.
Contact me
Contact me here with questions or if you’re not sure where to start.
If you’re interested in a sample edit for a work 5000 words or longer, go to this form.
If you’re interested in an evaluation for your first chapter or a story shorter than 5000 words, go to this form.
If you’re interested in a beta read, go to this form.
Shooting Star Editing
Services
Types of Editing
Information
Genres
Writing Process