Editing and Consulting

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How Lara Can Help

Every story deserves thoughtful editorial support. Whether you're preparing a manuscript for submission, revising a draft, or looking for guidance on authentic representation, Lara provides personalized feedback tailored to your goals.

From sensitivity reading and developmental editing to manuscript consultations and copyediting, her collaborative approach helps writers strengthen their craft while preserving the voice and vision that make each story unique.

Please note that Lara does not accept projects written, generated, or substantially created using generative AI tools.

Sensitivity Reading

Thoughtful feedback on representation, lived experiences, and identity-related topics

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Developmental Editing

Big-picture feedback focusing on structure, pacing, and character.

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Zoom Consultations

One-on-one conversations to discuss your manuscript, goals, and questions.

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Copyediting (Coming Soon)

Mechanical edits for grammar, clarity, consistency, and polish.

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Testimonials:

Lara was absolutely stellar to work with for sensitivity reads on my novel. Communication was prompt and all rates and services were clearly described. Everything passed through my publisher without any hiccups, and the feedback Lara provided was invaluable. She provided both a sensitivity report as well as in-line comments on my manuscript, which made edits so easy. Her notes were clear and articulated the issues at hand while also affirming the project and making me feel great about my manuscript. If you are looking for a sensitivity reader, I highly recommend Lara and plan to continue utilizing her services in the future!

~ Hien Nguyen, author of Twin Tides

Lara is an incredibly thoughtful sensitivity reader and I'm so grateful for the invaluable feedback she provided on Stranger Skies. Her expert guidance helped me recognize and eliminate ableist language, which made me grow as a writer and is something I will carry with me moving forward. I highly recommend Lara's services; she is a joy to work with.

~ Pascale Lacelle, New York Times bestselling author of Curious Tides and Stranger Skies

Lara was a valuable expert reader for Martin McLean, Middle School Queen by Alyssa Zaczek. She provided detailed feedback on a disabled character who uses a wheelchair as well as guidance on eliminating ableist language from the text. Lara was a pleasure to work with and her notes went above and beyond to strengthen the book.

~ Rachael Stein, Freelance Children’s Book Editor, Formerly Editor, Sterling Children's Books

Lara Ameen brings deep expertise and a passion for story to her sensitivity reading. The thoughtful comments and excitement Lara brought to my project, The Way We Haunt Now, helped me add depth to my world building and approach one of my characters with a new perspective.

~ Courtney Floyd, Creator & Showrunner, The Way We Haunt Now Podcast

Hiring Lara Ameen to be a sensitivity reader for The Reckless Kind was one of the best decisions I made. Her insightful feedback not only helped improve the manuscript but helped me grow as a writer. I have no doubt her guidance will inspire aspiring writers in so many ways.

~ Carly Heath, author of The Reckless Kind

Sensitivity Reading

Sensitivity reading is a type of editorial work that authors and screenwriters may find useful when writing outside the lens of their own experience. If you are seeking to approach writing characters in a respectful and authentic manner, but they are outside of your lived experience, then hiring a sensitivity reader is crucial for your writing.

What Lara Offers

When you purchase a sensitivity reading package, you are an author seeking consultation on a manuscript that is meant for middle grade, young adult, or adult readers.

Lara can do sensitivity/authenticity reading for short stories, novels, essays, plays, podcast/audio drama scripts, nonfiction, and screenplays. For novels, she can read Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult, any genre. But she especially loves any kind of fantasy, gothic horror, or speculative stories! She doesn’t feel comfortable working on picture books or chapter books.

Lara has worked on books published by Penguin Random House, Candlewick Press, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, and Sterling Kids, among others. As of April 2025, Lara has also been a sensitivity reader/DEI Reviewer for MPS Limited, a college textbook publisher. She followed the McGraw Hill Inclusive Language Guidelines and The Chicago Manual of Style while reviewing college textbooks across various subjects including psychology, sociology, accounting, and more.

She also welcomes inquiries from editors and publishing professionals seeking sensitivity reads for traditionally published projects. She regularly partners with publishing houses to provide thoughtful, collaborative feedback throughout the editorial process.

Lara provides:

Detailed in-line comments in the manuscript on the focus area and also describe what she loves and offer constructive feedback.

OPTIONAL: a reader’s report summarizing Lara’s thoughts and what can be improved *upon request*

Turnaround Time:

3-4 weeks for a full-length novel or nonfiction manuscript.

For shorter manuscripts or screenplays, email to discuss turnaround time.

Identities Lara Can Read For

Disability/Ableism

Race/Ethnicity

LGBTQ

Religion

Professional and Fun Interests

Previous Projects

  • Martin McClean, Middle School Queen by Alyssa Zaczek (MG contemporary novel)
  • The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath (YA historical novel)
  • The Way We Haunt Now by Courtney Floyd (supernatural audio drama podcast)
  • Love You More by NYT Bestseller Emily Giffin (Adult romance)
  • And many more!

Rates Vary By Project

Rates are available for individual authors and publishing houses. If you're an editor or publishing professional, Lara welcomes inquiries for traditionally published projects as well.

Please email laradameen@gmail.com to discuss availability and pricing.

Contact Lara

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing focuses on the overall structure and effectiveness of a manuscript, including...

  • Plot

  • character development

  • pacing

  • theme

  • story organization

Please email laradameen@gmail.com to discuss availability and pricing.

Contact Lara

Zoom Consultations

For projects that do not require a full sensitivity read or developmental edit but would benefit from discussion and brainstorming.

Lara consults on...

  • Screenwriting

    TV drama pilots and short film scripts

  • Novel manuscripts

    Any genre except erotica and gory horror, also not the best fit for picture books or chapter books. MG, YA, and Adult and NA manuscripts preferred.

  • Nonfiction manuscripts

    Nonfiction, memoir manuscripts, or essay collections

Please email laradameen@gmail.com to discuss availability and pricing.

Contact Lara

Copyediting (Coming Soon)

Copyediting services are expected to launch in 2027.

 

While reading your document, Lara will edit for the following:

  • Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, capitalization, and hyphenation according to The Chicago Manual of Style 
  • Check for consistency in POV, world-building, and character 
  • Cut or reorder sentences 
  • Sentence variation and repetition 
  • Dialogue tags, action beats, and unnecessary adverbs

Lara’s edit letter will provide her edits and suggestions as well as in-line notes and corrections via Track Changes in Microsoft Word. 

Lara will also include a style sheet, which is a detailed record of your story including characters, timelines, certain spellings, and grammar styles.

Editing will primarily follow The Chicago Manual of Style (18th Edition), with familiarity in MLA and APA styles.

Areas of interest include:

  • Fantasy
  • Science fiction
  • Romance
  • LGBTQ+ fiction
  • Disability-focused fiction
  • Academic writing

Academic specialties include:

  • Disability studies
  • Media representation
  • Film and television
  • Genre fiction
  • Fandom studies

Lara is currently completing a Specialized Certificate in Copyediting through UC San Diego Extended Studies, expected 2027.

Since June 2024, she has worked as a freelance fiction editor for Women on Writing, providing developmental feedback and light-to-medium copyediting for flash fiction submissions.

Free sample edits are available to help determine project fit and pricing.