​
SERVICES
I'm a freelance developmental editor and manuscript consultant who is equally at home with fiction and creative nonfiction. I work with a wide variety of authors on novels, memoirs, long-form essays, story collections, screenplays, and graphic novels. I offer a range of editing services—from sentence-level analysis to comprehensive, big-picture problem solving.
​
My strengths are in locating the heart of a piece of writing, clearing away those parts that get in the way of it, organizing the narrative, and getting a manuscript to sing by asking the right questions of the writer. I am a compassionate and skilled reader of trauma narratives, and always work from a place of generosity—building on an author's unique voice to deliver their very best work.
Developmental
Editing
An in depth, top-to-bottom dive into your manuscript, this structural edit begins with a 30-minute introductory meeting to assess your goals. Then, after a close read of the manuscript, I will respond with a comprehensive editorial letter summarizing the work and its strengths, including notes on structure, character, pacing, theme, style, and voice—followed by actionable suggestions for improvement. I will also provide examples for strengthening your work on a sentence level via MS Word Track Changes. The edit will conclude with a 90-minute meeting to discuss the letter in detail, and create a plan for appropriate changes toward the next stage of the manuscript. Rates for developmental editing range from $.03 to $.07 per word, depending on length of manuscript and depth of work. Minimum: $550.00 Discounted rates may be available in cases of financial hardship.
Manuscript
Consultation
Manuscript consultations vary from editor to editor, and there is considerable overlap between a consultation and a developmental edit. In order to meet my clients' needs, I've created a way of working together which is less time intensive and therefore easier on your budget. After an initial 30-minute meeting to discuss your goals, I will closely read and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript. In 75- to 90-minute follow up meeting, I will recommend changes for the next draft, including structure, character, pacing, theme, voice, and style, as needed. Please note, a manuscript consultation does not include an editorial letter, edits on the manuscript itself, or Track Changes. Rates range from $.025 to $.05 per word, depending on length and depth of work. Minimum: $425.00 Discounted rates may be available in cases of financial hardship.
Screenplay
Assessment
A screenplay assessment is similar to a manuscript consultation. It consists of a 30-minute introductory meeting to discuss your goals and any trouble spots or areas that need attention. After a close reading of the screenplay you will receive a 3 to 5 page assessment and we will meet again for 75 to 90 minutes in which I will recommend changes regarding structure, plot, character, objective, setting, pacing, plausibility, conflict and resolution, as needed. $7.00 per page. Minimum: $650.00 Discounted rates may be available in cases of financial hardship.
TESTIMONIALS
ABOUT
Dustin Schell comes to editing and manuscript consultation from an unorthodox angle: as an actor and filmmaker, he studied plays and scripts for nearly three decades—developing a keen eye for structure, language, and rhythm. He has also enjoyed the privilege of living among writers, teachers of writing, and the literary community for almost as long. As a result, he is a regular reader for a number of published authors. Schell was educated at University of Wisconsin—Madison and Circle in the Square Theatre School. He has been a screenwriting resident at The Hermitage Artist Retreat, worked with writers in GrubStreet's novel and memoir incubators, and is former co-host of Still Queer, an online reading series from Still North Books & Bar. He divides his time between New York City and rural Vermont.
​
CONTACT
Request a free quote:
Fill in the form and I will get back to you during business hours (Monday-Friday, eastern time). Tell me a little about yourself and your project, including page & word count.
​
Follow
PAYMENTS
Safe and secure using PayPal or PayPal Credit