Our Tradework: careful critique over costly criticism.

There are things that tools can't do. Grammar checkers and AI assistants have gotten genuinely useful in some spaces, but they can't know the art of storytelling. To see what you're reaching for, where you're holding back, or what's almost working. For that, you need a person.

We're professionally devoted to the craft as editors and as storytellers both. We bring the expertise from both sides. We refuse to be just another name on a professional list - we set out to elevate the process. And we know from experience that when you need more than a beta read or a peer critique, some options that exist can cost more than just what's on the price tag. It's why we build tools like Manuscript.Ink. You need a person.

We can be your person. We engage every project as a collaboration with its author. We're not here to make your work sound like the mainstream. We're here to help it sound more like you; clearer and stronger in front of the reader.

Here's what that can look like.

Cat's-Eye Proofread

A focus on finishing touches. We'll hunt for typos, catch any lingering tiny errors, fix up grammar, flag any larger issues, and in general polish up your work nice and shiny and ready for production. If we see items that could use further revision, we'll leave notes, and also offer suggestions to improve word choices if anything stands out.
Begins at $0.01 / word

Line-level Triage

Here we address the technical use of language and stylistic presentation. We'll nail the usual spelling, grammar, transitions, and consistency, but also hammer at word choice, tone, phrasing, idea communication, organization, and overall flow. We'll go through every line with a fine-toothed comb to make sure it says what you want it to say.
Begins at $0.019 / word

Developmental Auditing

For the work still finding its shape, or the one you're ready to pull apart and rebuild. We'll go deep on premise, worldbuilding, plot and character arcs, action, dialogue, and pacing. We'll look at what's holding the structure together, what could be stronger, what might need to go, and what's all heart.
Begins at $0.024 / word

Every engagement returns a heavily annotated Word document with track changes and margin comments throughout, along with a written summary of strengths and areas worth developing. An optional followup call is also available - thirty to sixty minutes to spend on any questions or clarifications once you've had a chance to sit with what we deliver.

Looking to produce a work? Our production collaborations typically grow from Tradework arrangements. Reach out and let's talk.

If navigating this journey leaves you a little mad, don't worry. Drop us a line at tradework@grinningcat.studio. We're all mad here.