Welcome to the Darling Axe

Novel Development and Editing Services

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A great book is honed, not hatched.

Our editors are industry professionals and award-winning writers. We offer narrative development, editing, and coaching for every stage of your manuscript's journey to publication.

Immersion & Emotion

Our Book on the Craft of Fiction

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Our Services

THE FOUNDRY: DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

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THE WORKSHOP: LINE EDITING

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The Forge – Narrative Assessment

THE FORGE: COACHING & NARRATIVE ASSESSMENT

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THE STUDIO: PROOFREADING

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THE EXHIBIT: QUERY CRITIQUE

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THE GAUNTLET: BETA READING

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THE CROW'S NEST: HOOK ASSESSMENT

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THE WHETSTONE: SHORT FICTION OVERHAUL

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THE CRADLE: KIDLIT SERVICES

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The Darling Axe – Manuscript development and editing services

Testimonials

I feel I've taken one (or more) grad-level courses in fiction development because of Michelle's help.

Greg Schaffer, Author of Childhood

I have had the pleasure of working with both Michelle and David. Every comment and suggestion they provided improved my manuscripts, from the big picture to the finest detail of word choice.

Nikki Vogel, Author of Tamalinn Found

The quality of work was outstanding. The Darling Axe did a terrific job of correcting (or should I say improving) my writing to publishing standards.

C. J. Adrien, Author of The Lords of the Wind

What do we edit?

Our editors have worked with pretty much any genre you can think of, including: literary fiction, memoir, science fiction, fantasy, book club fiction, suspense, historical fiction, thriller, magical realism, own voices (#ownvoices), LGBTQ+, contemporary, young adult, middle grade, kidlit, romance, erotica, sports fiction, and horror.