Story Relief Co-op

The Story Relief Co-op is a quarterly program where authors in need can sign up to receive pro bono editing services from vetted editors. In exchange for the pro bono services, authors are asked to write a testimonial for the editor and to allow them to use 1–2 pages as a sample of their work.

How to Apply

  • The application period for the Story Relief Co-op will run September 12–19. Please check back for the application link then.

  • Authors will be selected via a lottery and matched up with an editor September 20–27, in order for the program to start by October 1.

  • Books must be under 150K for fantasy and 125K for contemporary/other genres.

  • AI usage is not permitted and will disqualify your application.

Services Available

  • Developmental editing

  • Manuscript evaluation

  • Line editing

  • Copyediting

  • Proofreading

  • Formatting

Editors

If you're an editor interested in providing pro bono services for the Story Relief Co-op, the editor application will open September 10.

Testimonials

“I had the honor of working with Carmen for copy/line editing on my second book and I feel incredibly lucky to have gotten to do so. Not only was she very careful to protect my voice, but also my characters' voices. I have a character with anxiety, and therefore a lot of run-on sentences, and I was worried these might be seen as an editor no-no. However, Carmen got to know my characters almost as well as I do and was just as protective of them as I am. Putting your unfinished manuscript in someone else's hands is always a really scary and vulnerable feeling, but Carmen made it feel so friendly and fun, especially thanks to the hilarious commentary she made along the way. 200/10, would recommend!!”

— Cassie Truett

Copyediting provided by Midnight Markups

"I had the utmost pleasure of working with Sarah for proofreading my second book, Kicking up Dust. From the very first interaction, I could tell it was a match made in Heaven because Sarah instantly felt like a friend and someone I could trust with my manuscript. She worked quickly yet thoroughly, and I loved seeing her commentary along the way. Seriously, I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. Any suggestions she offered never felt like she was tearing into my manuscript and she was very careful to keep my characters' voices in mind when making those suggestions, which I so appreciate!! I never felt confined by the rules of grammar with Sarah, as she left me several opportunities to let my own style (and the characters' voices) shine through while still making sure my manuscript was professionally edited! (I particularly appreciated her in-depth research into the best spelling for 'dickmatized' lol). I can't wait to work with Sarah again in the future! 5/5, would recommend every single time!"

— Cassie Truett

Proofreading provided by Sarah Schedler Editorial

Contact

For any questions about the program, please reach out Valentina.