Author Services
Story Diagnostics for Mystery, Gothic, Horror & Speculative Fiction
Not every draft needs a full developmental edit.
Sometimes you need a clear, focused diagnosis of what your story is promising, where its engine loses momentum, and what to revise before you spend months working in the wrong direction.
I help fiction writers identify the structural strengths and pressure points in their stories through fixed-scope, genre-aware editorial diagnostics.
Find the Story
A strong premise is not always a strong story engine.
You may have a compelling concept, vivid characters, or an opening scene you love and still feel unsure why the draft is not gaining momentum. My diagnostics are designed to help you identify the central question, character pressure, genre promise, and escalation pattern that will carry readers through the story.
These services are especially suited to writers working in mystery, gothic, supernatural, horror, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction.
Current Services
A fast, focused diagnosis for writers who want to know whether their premise and opening pages are creating a compelling reader promise.
Best for: an early draft, opening chapter, stalled project, or story idea that feels promising but unfocused.
You send:
A one-page premise or synopsis
Up to 5,000 opening words
Optional outline or beat summary
Up to three questions you want answered
You receive:
A 4–6 page editorial report
Hook and opening-momentum analysis
Story-question and mystery-engine feedback
Protagonist pressure and stakes notes
Genre-promise assessment
Three to five prioritized revision moves
Turnaround: 72 hours
Founding-client rate: $149
A deeper structural diagnosis for writers who need clarity before moving into a major revision.
Best for: a partial manuscript, substantial opening, or developed outline with structural questions.
You send:
A synopsis or outline
The first 15,000–20,000 words of your manuscript
A character list
Your central mystery or story question
Three to five areas where you feel stuck
You receive:
An 8–12 page editorial report
Premise and genre-positioning assessment
Mystery-engine and escalation analysis
Protagonist, stakes, and structural notes
Pacing and reader-momentum feedback
A prioritized revision map
Turnaround: 7 business days
Founding-client rate: $395
How it Works
Request a slot. Tell me a little about your project and the questions you need answered.
Send your materials. Once your project is confirmed, you will receive clear submission instructions and a secure payment link.
Receive your editorial report. You will receive direct, practical feedback designed to help you see the story more clearly and choose your next revision steps with confidence.
My Editorial Approach
My work is grounded in close reading, genre knowledge, and practical story analysis.
I use AI tools selectively for organization, pattern-checking, and additional analytical perspectives. But the editorial judgment is mine. Every report is shaped by human reading, craft knowledge, and attention to the specific promises your story makes to its reader.
I do not offer automated feedback, generic manuscript summaries, or vague encouragement. My goal is to help you identify the real story problem—and the strongest path forward.
About Stacey Anderson Laatsch
I am a supernatural mystery author and story editor with an M.A. in English. I spent two years as editor of my university literary journal and later taught college-level English composition.
My editorial work combines close reading, clear written analysis, and a deep interest in the machinery of fiction: character pressure, genre promise, secrets, revelations, pacing, and the questions that keep readers turning pages.
I currently specialize in defined story diagnostics. Full developmental editing and additional author-support services may be added selectively in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. These are fixed-scope story diagnostics designed to help you identify high-priority revision issues before committing to a larger edit.
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Yes, particularly with suspense, thriller, gothic, supernatural, and speculative fiction. Projects outside those areas may be considered selectively.
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No. My services focus on story structure, hook, momentum, character pressure, genre promise, and revision priorities.
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Not currently. Future author-support offerings may include additional options as the service studio develops.