IMMERSE
your readers
Has a story ever pulled you in to the point you just had to keep reading? Have you ever felt like you were inside a fictional character’s experience? When you reached the end of the story, did you need to find more books by the same author?
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.
What goes into creating an immersive story? From characterization to story structure, from setting to conflict, from tension to release, you’re creating an experience for your readers. It may feel like an overwhelming task 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 weave these elements together in a way that draws in your readers, makes them feel something, and lingers with them.
Not every reader is the same. Each has their own taste; one type of story will resonate more with some readers than others. It’s important to identify your target audience, to know what speaks to 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. 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.
It’s meaningful to me to be part of this journey as an editor. 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, dystopia, and hybrids involving these genres for YA up through adult readers. I also offer professional beta reads to give you insight into how readers of your genre may react to your story.
I have training in developmental editing from the Editorial Arts Academy and the Editorial Freelancers Association. Much of my university-level studies of the humanities involved analysis of literature and mythology. I apply and adapt my analytical skills to various genres.
If you’re interested in working with me, please reach out. I offer free sample edits, which can provide you with insight and help 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
This evaluations is a constructive critique 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.
writing resources
Find downloadable resources to help you accomplish your writing mission.
request a free
sample edit
A sample edit may give you insight on your work and help determine whether we would be a good fit. We can discuss your goals and hopes for your work and how I can help you achieve that vision. I will provide a quote. If we decide to work together, we will each sign a contract, with protections for your work and a statement of work that defines the scope of services.
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 hold a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, which involved the study of history and in-depth story analysis. 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
Please reach out if you have questions or if you’re interested in a sample edit. I look forward to hearing from you.
maryfursearts@proton.me
Shooting Star Editing
Services
Types of Editing (Coming Soon)
Genres (Coming Soon)