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    • Home
    • Beta Vulgaris
    • Editing Services
    • Ghostwriting Services
    • Publications
    • About
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Beta Vulgaris
  • Editing Services
  • Ghostwriting Services
  • Publications
  • About
  • Contact

Editing Services

From beta reading to line editing to full developmental overhauls, I provide authors and authors-to-be the tools to make their story shine.

My Background

  I am obsessed with stories; how they work, why they work, and what's keeping them from working. I have an MFA in creative writing from The Ohio State University, have taught creative writing at the college level, and have over ten years experience as an editor. I'm a certified word-nerd with genre-defying tastes and knowledge. I read, write, and edit all genres, from fast-paced thrillers that keep the reader guessing to sweet romances that have them swooning (and, yes, even both at the same time!)

My Style

  Be warned: working with me is not for the faint of heart! As much as I will praise and point out what's working, I never shy away from telling you what's keeping your story from its fullest potential. My editorial style is matched to your voice and goals. I never base my editing on assumptions; instead, I ascertain your goals for your story, endeavor to match your unique voice, and align all edits with your vision and vibe. I do not merely prescribe changes; I explain why those changes are necessary, teaching you writing skills that you can take into your next book. From developing characters so real they live on past the last page, to bulletproofing your plot, to building a superstructure for your non-fiction to flow through, you will come away with a polished manuscript and a deeper understanding of writing. I always aim to leave my clients with more of the skills they need to succeed without my help in the future.

E-Mail for More InformationFind Me on UpworkPricing

client testimonials

"Margie's edits, comments, suggestions, and insights on my fantasy novel were tremendous. I strongly recommend her to anyone who needs thoughtful, detailed feedback or edits!" - David P.


  "Margie is knowledgeable, professional, and understanding. She is patient and kind and helped me navigate the editing and formatting phase of my manuscript. I will recommend her." - Omalara O. 


"Absolutely amazing work...the comments were super insightful and made editing a lot easier." - Vincent V.


 "Editing comments were spot-on...I'm thrilled with the transformation [Margie] brought to my baby!" - Wendy K. 

"Working with Margie on my memoir was one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only did she approach my manuscript with care, insight, and precision, but she truly understood my voice and honored the heart of my story. Every edit strengthened the narrative without ever losing the authenticity I worked so hard to capture...If you’re looking for an editor who will champion your work, elevate your writing, and deliver flawless formatting, look no further. I am endlessly grateful for Margie and would work with her again in a heartbeat!" - Natasha S.

"Margie is an exceptional editor and creative collaborator. She approached the story with care, insight, and a deep understanding of tone, pacing, and emotional weight. Her revisions were thoughtful, nuanced, and elevated the work far beyond any expectations. Communication was smooth and clear throughout, and she brought a true sense of partnership to the process.  What stood out most was her ability to not only polish the language, but also to deeply engage with the narrative and offer meaningful creative input. I’m truly grateful for the experience and excited to keep working with her on future projects.  Highly recommended for anyone looking for not just an editor, but a sharp, creative mind who will treat your story like it matters." - Vitalii O.

Frequently Asked Questions

While I can and do work in all genres, I do specialize in genre fiction (fantasy, romance, horror, thriller), memoir and self-help. 


 I'm a W.W. Norton published author (Beta Vulgaris, 2024) with an MFA in Creative Writing from The Ohio State University. I've taught creative writing at the college level and have over ten years of experience editing manuscripts across multiple genres. My own work has received a starred review in Publishers Weekly, and I've successfully ghostwritten multiple novels, including commercial romance titles with 90+ positive reviews. I bring both the craft knowledge of an MFA-trained writer and the practical experience of someone who understands what makes books work for readers and publishers alike.


For manuscript evaluation (beta reading) and developmental editing, I do an initial read-through and then consult with the author to establish the overall themes, concerns, goals, vision, vibe, and answer any outstanding logistical questions (e.g., why did you have this character do that?). The manuscript then receives a second pass for targeted critique, praise, and editorial feedback.


For line editing, I start edits on the first read-through, providing a few sample chapters so you can get a sense of my approach and provide feedback on your preferences. Once we've established your voice and style, I line-edit the entire manuscript. You then have the opportunity to accept existing edits before a final polishing pass.


I recommend developmental editing for authors on an early draft who need a big overhaul to get to the next draft, manuscript evaluation for late-draft authors who've already undergone several rounds of revision but want reader feedback, and line editing for authors on their final draft before release or submission to agents/publishers. 


All manuscripts receive two passes. If a project requires additional passes, further revisions are available at a discounted rate. 


I request a 50% deposit before work begins, with the remainder due upon delivery. Payment plans are available for select clients and projects. 


I'm happy to work out payment plans, and I'm open to negotiation on select projects that align with my interests, can be used in my portfolio, or have other considerations. Feel free to ask! 


I offer rewriting and ghostwriting services for interested clients! Editorial clients may receive discounted rates for rewriting/ghostwriting projects. 


AI-generated books almost always require full rewrites rather than editing. Please contact me for details on working with AI-generated content. 


Portfolio

Editing Portfolio (pdf)

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Fantasy Editing Sample (pdf)

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Romance Portfolio (pdf)

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Horror Sample (pdf)

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Literary Fiction Portfolio (pdf)

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Portfolio (pdf)

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Copyright © 2025 Margie Sarsfield - Beta Reading Editing HorroR Romance - All Rights Reserved.

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