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Grow Your Manuscript into a Published Book

I’m Molly McCowan—an editor and publishing consultant with two decades of experience helping authors get their books right. I help writers transform manuscripts into polished, publishable books through developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and custom editorial services. Let’s find out what your manuscript needs.

GET YOUR FREE CONSULT NOW »

Publish Your Best Book

I’m Molly McCowan—an editor and publishing consultant with two decades of experience helping authors get their books right. I help writers transform manuscripts into polished, publishable books through developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and custom editorial services. Let’s find out what your manuscript needs.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULT NOW »
You’re stuck—and you know it.

THE PROBLEM

You’ve been staring at your manuscript for too long.

You know it’s not ready.

But after months (years?) of revisions, you’ve lost all perspective on what’s actually wrong.

Maybe you’ve completely rewritten chapter three multiple times and it still feels off. Maybe beta readers gave you contradictory feedback and now you’re more confused than ever. Maybe you just know, deep in your gut, that something isn’t working—but you can’t figure out what.

Here’s the truth: You’re too close to see it.

And that’s not a failure—it’s just what happens when you’ve been living inside your manuscript for this long. You need fresh eyes. Expert eyes. Eyes that can diagnose what’s hiding beneath the surface and tell you exactly how to fix it.

That’s where I come in.

I work with authors who are done messing around. 

WHO THIS IS FOR

You’ve already put in the work. You’ve written (and rewritten). You’ve researched. You’ve agonized over every sentence.

If you’re a nonfiction author, maybe you’re:

  • An entrepreneur building a business book that positions you as the expert.
  • A memoirist with a powerful story that deserves to reach readers.
  • A thought leader writing about finance, leadership, sustainability, business, or your area of expertise.
  • A professional turning your knowledge into a book that opens doors for your career.

If you’re a fiction author, maybe you’re:

  • A novelist who’s finished your manuscript but knows it needs expert feedback.
  • Working on a thriller, mystery, or literary novel that’s almost there.
  • Trying to figure out why your story isn’t landing the way you envisioned.

You’re not looking for cheerleading or hand-holding. You want honest, expert feedback that tells you what’s working, what’s not, and exactly how to fix it.

You’re ready to invest in making this book the best it can be.

Hi, gorgeous.

I’M MOLLY MCCOWAN.

I’ve been a professional editor for more than two decades. In that time, I’ve worked with New York Times bestselling authors, Big Five publishers, university presses, companies large and small, and hundreds of indie authors building their writing careers.

I’m also a featured instructor for The Great Courses¼—one of the most prestigious educational platforms in the world—where I teach writers how to revise their manuscripts like professionals.

Here’s what makes me different:

I don’t just fix grammar and suggest you “tighten your prose.” I diagnose the structural, narrative, and strategic problems that are keeping your manuscript from working—the ones most editors completely miss.

I’m known for my light touch. I preserve your voice while making your writing stronger. Your book will sound like you, just better.

I’m also known for being direct but kind. I’ll tell you the truth about what needs work—but I’ll also tell you why it’s not working and exactly how to fix it. You won’t get vague feedback like “this chapter needs more tension.” You’ll get a roadmap.

And yes, I’ve been known to bring my sense of humor to my work. I’ll probably make you laugh while pointing out you’ve used the word “just” 47 times in one chapter. Writing is hard. Editing shouldn’t make it harder.

Together, we create books that change the world.

GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

In 30 minutes, you’ll find out:

✓ Whether your manuscript is ready for editing (or what it needs first).

✓ Which type of editing your book needs at this stage.

✓ Exactly what it will cost—I’ll send you a detailed proposal after our call.

✓ Your detailed path to publication.

✓ Honest feedback on what’s working and what needs more attention.

Here’s how it works:

We’ll meet on Zoom to discuss your manuscript and goals. I’ll give you my honest assessment of what your book needs.

If we’re a good fit, I’ll send you a detailed proposal with a custom quote.

If we’re not a fit, I’ll tell you that too—and point you toward resources or editors who might be better for your project.

Absolutely no obligation. No pressure. Just clarity.

I only take on manuscripts I genuinely believe in. You’ll get straight talk, not a sales pitch.

My calendar fills 6-8 weeks in advance, and I only accept a limited number of projects each quarter. If you want to work together soon, don’t wait.

GET YOUR FREE CONSULT NOW »

My book would be nowhere near what it is now if it weren’t for Molly. I could have never imagined how valuable Molly’s contributions would be to the outcome of my book. I highly recommend her to any author looking for the best in editing.

 

 —Jeff Lebesch, Founder of New Belgium Brewing Company and Author of Born on a Bike

After working with Molly on my book proposal and query letter, all three of the agents I queried got back to me within 48 hours and requested the full proposal. Of those three, I got offers of representation from two of them. One of the agents commented that my query letter, written with Molly’s help, ‘Had me at hello.’

 

 —Jim Davidson, Mountaineer and New York Times Bestselling Author of The Next Everest

Molly helped bring out the best version of my book and the best version of me.

 

 —Melinda Cohan, CEO of The Coaches Console and Author of The Confident Coach 

work performed via The Writer's Ally

To say Molly has extensive knowledge—she does—and is the consummate professional—she is—doesn’t do her work justice. She brings an uncommon touch to all aspects of the writing, subtle and otherwise, which to me, as an author and editor, makes her work literary art. She has a gift for bringing out the full power of a writing voice. And she misses nothing. I can’t commend her more highly.

 

 —Michael Coffino, Author and Editor

Working with Molly on my memoir was a transformational experience that helped take the manuscript from a collection of disjointed personal stories to a cohesive and structured book.

 
 —James Studdert, Professional Actor and Author

work performed via The Writer's Ally

Molly has a gift for helping writers find the right voice for the story they want to tell.

 

 —Rob Balich, CEO of Heart-Centered Counseling and Author

Molly is not only an excellent text editor, but she also brings a sharp mind and smart instincts to looking at how to make the communication with any reader as straightforward as possible. If I ever write another book, I’d seek to hire Molly again after what a terrific job she did.

 
 —Patrick Geddes, former CFO of Morningstar and Author of Transparent Investing

work performed via The Writer's Ally 

Molly’s detailed, insightful, and encouraging review of my work was just what I needed. This is the best investment I’ve made in a long, long time. 

 

 —Nancy Doyle, Author

Compared to other editors’ work I’ve seen, Molly delivers the most thorough and highest quality product of all. Worth. Every. Penny. 

 

 —Jack Matthews, Author

As a professional editor, I know good editing when I see it—and it goes beyond just applying ‘the rules.’ I wanted an editor who understood the nuances of voice and could keep the bigger picture in mind. Molly exceeded my expectations in every way.

 

 —Christina M. Frey, Professional Editor and Author

Trust is key, and I learned right off the bat that I could trust Molly. Implicitly. She’s honest about what does and doesn’t work and remains encouraging throughout the journey. Anyone who hires her is in great hands!”

 

 —Kim File, Author

Molly is an editing genius (or, if you ask my husband, ‘F*cking good at what she does’).

 

 —Stormy Sweitzer, Executive Coach and Author

Molly pinpointed weaknesses in my story that no one else had been able to identify. The editorial letter was thorough, but uplifting—after reading her feedback, I couldn’t wait to get started on my next round of edits.

 

 —Jesse Mae Weiner, Author

WHY WORK WITH ME

I’m your partner in publishing a book that represents the very best of you.

You’re not hiring just any editor—you’re hiring someone who:

✓ Has worked with the best: New York Times bestsellers, Big Five publishers, university presses, and award-winning authors.

✓ Teaches the industry’s top writers: Featured instructor for The Great Courses¼, where only the most accomplished experts are selected to teach.

✓ Sees beneath the surface: I diagnose the problems other editors miss—the ones hiding beneath grammar and structure that keep your manuscript from really working.

✓ Preserves your voice: Your book will sound like you, just clearer and stronger (I’m here to enhance your voice, not change it).

✓ Brings a sense of humor to the mix: Writing is hard. I create a fun, open environment where we can laugh together.

✓ Knows what agents want: I’ve helped authors land representation through strategic query letters and book proposals—in one case, all three agents responded within 48 hours with two offers.

✓ Offers full-service support: From big-picture developmental work to final polish, you won’t need to coordinate multiple editors.

✓ Won’t judge you for comma splices: We all have our writing quirks. I’m here to partner with you to publish your best work—not to shame you for the tiny mistakes we all make.

✓ Combines craft + business savvy: I don’t just know how to fix your manuscript—I understand what publishers look for and what makes readers keep turning pages.

✓ Understands that writing is vulnerable: You’re opening your heart and mind to me. As much as I like to have fun, I don’t take my responsibilities lightly.

✓ Knows the difference between fixing and fussing: Some inexperienced editors can’t help themselves—they’ll overedit and rewrite in their own voice. I’m not that editor. Good editing is an art, not a science, and I bring 20 years of experience to the table.

✓ Works with diverse voices: I am committed to amplifying underrepresented stories, and I work with authors across all identities, backgrounds, and experiences. I’m a proud LGBTQA+ ally.

✓ Only takes on projects I believe in: If your book isn’t ready or we’re not the right fit, I’ll tell you honestly (and point you toward resources that will help).

GET YOUR FREE CONSULT NOW »

SELECTED SERVICES

Developmental Editing

This is the big-picture work—structure, pacing, argument strength (nonfiction), plot and character development (fiction), and narrative arc.

This is the stuff that makes you go, “Oh, THAT’S why chapter seven felt weird,” followed by, “Why didn’t I see that before?”

(Because you’ve been staring at it for 847 hours, that’s why! It happens to everyone.)

Best for: Manuscripts that need foundational work on structure, pacing, or story—or authors who want to make sure they get the big picture right before spending time (and money) on line-level edits.


Line Editing

Sentence-level refinement. Flow, clarity, style, word choice, voice.

This is where I make sure every sentence earns its keep. No more sentences that meander aimlessly; no rough transitions. Every word has a job.

Best for: Manuscripts with solid structure that need polishing at the sentence level. This service is often combined with copyediting for authors who are self-publishing.

Copyediting

Grammar, punctuation, syntax, consistency, fact-checking, accuracy, and adherence to your style guide and dictionary of choice.

This is where I catch that your protagonist’s eyes are blue on page 12 and green on page 247. Also, yes, you really did write “defiantly” when you meant “definitely.” (Hey, you’re not alone!)

This is your peace of mind that your manuscript is error-free and ready for publication.

Best for: Final polish before you publish or submit to agents.

Note: This is not a full list of my editorial services—I offer many more. Not sure which service you need? That’s what your free consultation is for! Snag your spot here.

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Not Sure If Your Manuscript Is Ready for Professional Editing? 

If you hire an editor to fix typos and grammar before your book’s foundation is solid, you’re putting expensive furniture in a house with a cracked foundation. The grammar won’t matter if the structure doesn’t work. 

Instead, start with my Great CoursesÂź class.

My course, Effective Editing, teaches you the same professional revision techniques I use with clients. You’ll learn how to diagnose and fix structural problems, strengthen your voice, and prepare your manuscript for professional editing.

Many of my editing clients take this course first—it often means they need less (and less expensive) editing later.

Here's what students are saying:

  • “These are things that are often neglected in creative writing classes for some awful reason, and they're truly critical to know as a writer.”

  • “Very complete information, well organized, and well presented by a good lecturer. I’ve taken many online courses but this one stands out. Highly recommended. I truly learned much more than I expected.”

  • “Molly McCowan is an excellent teacher and gave excellent tips and insights on editing my own work and getting it ‘just right’ for the next steps toward publication. This course is a must for all writers.”

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