Melina Tomlinson
cry about it
Melina Tomlinson is a Creative Writing major from the best side of the Rocky Mountains. She is a published author and has edited for two years as a fiction developmental editor for the Pelican’s Plume literary journal. Known for her eclectic sense of humor and tendency to traumatize fictional characters. You might find her typing away at a coffee shop, going on camping trips with her dog, or buying egregious amounts of kombucha at her local grocery store.
Hello hello, all you beautiful writers out there~! Look, I get it—it’s been rough. You had a good idea for a novel and thought hey, I should actually write this! It’ll be easy! Well, maybe it was, or maybe you’re like the rest of us and had some good cries along the way.But if you’re here, that means you finished! HUZZAH! [cue imaginary applause]Finishing a whole novel is an incredible feat that few have accomplished; I salute you, fellow sleepless artist. So now what? You’ve written the dang thing, you’ve looked it over at least two or three times, if not fifty. But something feels missing. Is your manuscript really ready to be released into the world?No matter your answer to that question, the reality is that everyone needs an editing buddy. When we self-edit, we’re often blind to our own mistakes and bad habits. The amount of times other people have pointed out my totally unnecessary filler characters is ludicrous. So yeah, it happens to the best of us. But never fear, my friend. I will be your editing buddy.That’s right, you’re going to have me as your staunch advocate from now on! I will give you full, thorough notes on your story, everything from plot to character to structure to theme. I will be supportive, but harsh. I will tear into your manuscript, but with love. I want the very best for your story, and sometimes that means highlighting a few chapters and Ctrl+Z. It might hurt a bit. I know this story is your child. But the little tyke just needs a bit more growth and development, and soon they will turn into fully functional adult.Sound like a plan? Awesome! I can’t wait to work with you :)
Pricing
Novel Developmental Editing: $0.025 per word
Includes a single in-depth read of the manuscript, along with a comprehensive edit letter and line notes if need be.Short Stories: $50 - $70 range
Includes a single in-depth read of the story, along with a comprehensive edit letter and line edits. Pricing depends on length.
Ideal Genres
~ Middle Grade/YA
~ Action/Adventure
~ Comedy
~ Fantasy
~ Whimsical Fantasy
~ Myth and Fairy Tale Retellings
~ Low Science Fiction
~ TRAUMA✨
Do Not Send Me
~ Non-Fiction
~ Erotica
Let's get this show on the road!
"Quippy and piercing is the best way to describe her notes. Both unexpectedly funny and deeply introspective, (sometimes painfully—but I needed that) she's sure to cut to the heart of your story and help you iron it all out smoothly."— Gemma Kerekes, author of "All is Passing" in Pelican's Plume: Reckoning and "Who Shall Release Us?" in Pelican's Plume: Restless Hearts
Published Titles
"Gorge and the Dragon" in There Be Dragons: A LegendFiction Anthology"Too Close to the Sun" and "That Feeling" in Pelican's Plume: Restless Hearts
Contact me at [email protected].Talk to you soon!