"What more could a reader ask for?" —Cheri Fuller and Nikki Little, Curve Magazine
"The quality of writing and the entertainment value are high." —W Spice
"Packs a twelve-week writing course into 280 pages."
—Julie Compton,
author of Keep No Secrets
"Intricate and surprising, this is a gripping read." —Kristine Huntley, Booklist
"The two leads, Rita and George, are engaging and believable." —Hallie Ephron, Boston Globe
"Sims orchestrates the action—and occasional comic relief—for maximum impact." —Publishers Weekly
Awarded the Silver Medal in general fiction. —Florida Book Awards, April 11, 2018
"A rollicking good mystery." —Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review
"Your evening read will keep you up 'til dawn." —Whitney Scott, Booklist
"Colorful episodes involving trailer parks and luxury cars." —Kirkus Reviews
"Sims has created one of those heroines who you wouldn't like to be but you'd like as a friend." —Sharon Wheeler, Reviewing the Evidence
"You'll be surprised over and over." —Caroline McCullagh, Mensa Bulletin
"Each of these four stories is a tiny gem." —Neil S. Plakcy, author
"The approach is always positive and well worth the price of admission." —Ellen Hart, award-winning author
"A page-turner from stem to stern." —Kirkus Reviews
"Goes down easy, like a perfect cup of coffee." —Crimespree Magazine
"A fast-paced, atmospheric mystery. Sims shines." —Melinda Bargreen, The Seattle Times
"Spot on dialog and well drawn female characters." —Ryan G. Van Cleave, Scene Magazine
"Byrd is a very likable amateur sleuth and Sims is a really entertaining storyteller." —Andrea L.T. Peterson, Woman's Monthly
"Appealing characters, and a rabbit mascot." —Library Journal
"A nerve-tingling thriller, rich with characterization and humour." —Vancouver BC Public Library
"Hilarious. Lillian is a true original." —Kirkus Reviews
"Unforgettable characters, lovely moments and brilliant dialogue." —The Lesbian Review
"Elizabeth Sims proves herself a true writer's friend." —Jamie Morris, Director, Voice Heart Vision
"Sims' wry commentary on life in Hollywood is dead-on." —Publishers Weekly
"An intelligent thriller." —Jay Strafford, Richmond Times-Dispatch
"You just have to love Rita." —Kirkus Reviews
"Sims is a master of word choice, sentence structure, and plot development." —Mensa Bulletin
"I flat out loved this book." —Sheryl LeSage, Liberty Press
"ANYONE assessing America’s best short story writers needs to include Elizabeth Sims." —New Pop Lit
"Much charm and deprecating humor." —Kirkus Reviews
"A nifty little puzzle solved by a most intriguing female detective." —Rex E. Klett, Library Journal
"Don't overlook the work of this excellent and entertaining author." —Denise Pickles, Mary Martin Bookshop
Services and Rates
I can help you with any book project, fiction or nonfiction. I've worked with authors writing in these categories:
Start here with a free consultation
Send me your first seven pages (maximum 1,750 words). I’ll read them and give you professional feedback. This alone can result in a significant breakthrough. If you’re considering hiring me, it gives you a concrete sample of my work.
Developmental Editing
I’ll read your manuscript and give you a substantive, constructive critique on multiple elements, such as plot, characters, structure, theme, and dialogue. My focus is on helping you make your manuscript as professional and commercially viable as possible. If your manuscript is fiction, I pay particular attention to plot, pace and character motivation, as these are the most crucial elements for success. If your project is nonfiction, I focus particularly on structure, pace and narrative voice.
A developmental edit does not include a copy edit or proofreading. If your first goal is to land a traditional publishing contract, your publisher will copy edit your manuscript for free. But if I notice recurring issues with punctuation, spelling, usage, etc., I will bring them to your attention.
You’ll get:
While I can work with any project at any stage, I encourage you to get your manuscript into the best possible shape before hiring me. You’ll get best benefit that way.
$12 to $15 per 250 words. (The standard manuscript page is 250 words). I’ve found that every manuscript is different, every author is different, and every author’s needs are different. If you’re considering hiring me, I’ll ask for your first 50 pages, then will respond quickly with an exact quote. (There’s no charge for this.)
Free with Developmental Edit $2000 and over: A copy of You’ve Got a Book in You: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams, personalized to you and autographed.
Short Projects
For short projects such as synopses, outlines, short stories or small collections, I charge my hourly rates, noted below. Total costs vary. Once I see your project, I can give you a quote. (No charge for this.)
Custom Coaching
Get some one-on-one time! This is all about you and your writing, from general to specific, with the goal of developing a complete literary work. If you’re working on a first draft or major revision, custom coaching from a professional can save you days of uncertain effort and spare you needless anxiety. Alternatively, or in addition, we can discuss strategies for building a career as a writer, including options for getting representation, publishing, and platform-building.
Power Hour
$230 via phone, Zoom, or in person. You talk, I listen, we cut through difficulties together. If your project has hit a rough patch, or if you feel stuck or unsettled about your path as a writer, this session can help you regain clarity, inspiration, and confidence. (I might note this is a great gift for any writer!)
Power Package
These hours are devoted to reading, analyzing, and discussing your work in progress—as well as your career—via phone, Zoom, and/or email. The hours can be spread over the course of days, weeks, or months, up to a year.
3 hours for $600
Free with your first Power Package
A copy of You’ve Got a Book in You: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams, personalized to you and autographed.
Ready to move forward?
Or not sure yet? Get in touch. I’ll be glad to help you figure it out, whether you end up hiring me or not.
Ryan G. Van Cleave
Author of Memoir Writing for Dummies
Lynn Ames
Author of Great Bones,Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award finalist and Goldie Award-winner, and many more books
Bev Prescott
Author of 2° and other books
Working with Elizabeth Sims’ fine balance of exceptional skills is one
of the most beneficial—and enjoyable—experiences I've had as a writer.
Her highly developed creativity, grounded in a deep understanding of
craft, gets down into the work as if it's her own, yet never intrudes on the
individuality of a voice—either the author's or the story's. She's as
knowledgeable about structure, form, and every vital aspect of story as a
seasoned architect is about design, yet also an advocate for what is
unfailingly fresh.
Elizabeth is a clear and timely communicator, a pleasure to work with,
and what she contributed to the process of my novel was a game-changer and turning point,
for me and for my work.
Phyllis Ring
Author of Snow Fence Road and other books
Elizabeth Sims made me reach far deeper into my writing education and
myself than I thought possible. With her insightful critiques, guidance
and support, I did the work, fixed the problems and built on the
strengths. The result was not only a significantly improved manuscript and a
solid voice; I am a much better writer now thanks to Elizabeth, and I'm halfway
into my next novel, without encountering any of the stumbling blocks that were
holding me back before.
Joseph Miccio
With an author’s heart and a teacher’s mind, Elizabeth Sims
coached me to confidence in her thoughtful review of the detailed
synopsis of my mystery novel. She served as a
sounding-board for my premise, stuck with me through the draft of my first
fifty pages, and gave me the courage to expand on an edgy plot dynamic intended
to create a stir among readers of traditional mysteries. I highly recommend her
writing services.
Liz Boeger
Author of AppleJacked!
I first began
with Elizabeth in a Writer’s Digest webinar in the early stages of A
Layer of Darkness. Her comments struck me in a way that others couldn’t.
She has a unique ability to see through the opaqueness of average writing and
understand an author's true intent. I think we all struggle with that to a
degree—knowing what we want in our heads but failing to cogently put it into
words. Elizabeth knows how to open those doors.
With a full
book content edit, Elizabeth is like a literary HGTV show. She comes into
it, takes out the trash, outlines the remodel and will leave you with the
same house, but a greatly improved look. I look forward to working
with her again soon with my next book, China Basin.
Rick Niles
Author of A Layer of Darkness