Editorial Services
Work with traditionally published, critically acclaimed author Steven Salvatore one-on-one to sharpen your writing skills, polish up your manuscript drafts, clean up that query letter so it shines for literary agents, and get your (partial or full) manuscript ready to send to agents, publishers, or to self-publish.
I offer a variety of packages to guide you through every step of the publishing process, from helping you with your query letter to in-depth manuscript critiques. I will provide encouragement on what is working in your manuscript and how to maximize your strengths as a writer, as well as helping you figure out where you can improve. I cannot guarantee that you will get agent representation or sell your book, but through taking these steps, you'll certainly be ready to dive into the query trenches!
I am currently only accepting submissions for young adult and adult fiction novels in any genre except high fantasy and historical. I specialize in contemporary, romance, and contemporary fantasy/sci-fi. I also am accepting creative non-fiction, essay collections, but not biography. At this time I am not critiquing picture books, chapter books, middle grade, poetry, or short stories.
Check out my packages below!
Submission Guidelines
Contact me with your needs, ideal turnaround time, and we can set up a free consultation Zoom!
Generally, you will:
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Put the Package Title + Your Name in the subject line of the email
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Attach your document as a Word document (.doc, .docx) or a Pages file (.pages) -- please do NOT send a PDF or a Google Doc link. All edits, comments, and notes will be done using Track Changes in Microsoft Word.
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Format your document with standard margins, double-spacing, and 12pt font (Cambria, Times New Roman, Book Antigua, etc.--"font with feet")
Editorial Packages
THE QUERY
Are you getting ready to query literary agents? Or maybe you've been querying for a while and your letter needs a refresher. Either way, we got you covered. Query letters should be clear, concise, and undeniable pitches for your book. Queerative Writers will help you shine your pitch so that you can rise to
the top of the slush pile!
PRICE: $25
TURNAROUND TIME: 7 Days
THE OPENER
The first 10 pages, usually the length of an opening chapter, are key to grabbing a reader's attention. This goes double for a literary agent. You want them to pop and shine! Let us help you serve up an undeniable opener. With this service, Queerative Writers will give you detailed notes on how to improve your first ten pages (or full opening chapter, if it's longer than ten pages).
PRICE: $50
TURNAROUND TIME: 7 Days
THE PARTIAL
As you dive into the querying trenches, you might find literary agents requesting a "partial" from you. A partial request is a sample of your book that ranges from the first 50 pages of your manuscript, to the first 150 pages, depending on the agent's guidelines and specifications. This service will offer in-line comments and edits on your partial. to make it stand out!
PRICES:
$100 for first 50 pages
$199 for first 150 pages
TURNAROUND TIMES: Inquire Below
THE AGENT-READY
PACKAGE 1: THE QUERY + THE OPENER + ZOOM. We'll critique your query AND your first 10 pages/opening chapter to prepare you for sending it off to agents! We will also schedule a 30-minute Zoom to discuss.
PRICE: $85
TURNAROUND TIMES: 7 Days
PACKAGE 2: THE QUERY + THE PARTIAL + ZOOM. We'll critique your query AND up to your first 150 pages! We will also schedule a 30-minute Zoom to discuss.
PRICE: $249
TURNAROUND TIMES: Inquire Below
THE FULL-SERVICE
Writers learn from receiving feedback. With this package, you get a full editorial letter, line-level feedback on your manuscript using MS-Word's Track Changes function, in-line reactions as well as suggestions, areas that need improvement (where to cut back, where to focus your development and expansion, inconsistencies, repetition, etc.) and we'll round it out with a Zoom chat! This is a big picture edit designed to whip your full manuscript into tip-top shape, including, but not limited to these areas:
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Plot & Pacing: Do your pages propel the story forward? Is there enough conflict? Do the stakes feel high enough? Does the writing flow?
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Character Development: Do we care about your characters? Are they fully-realized and compelling?
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Voice: Is your voice consistent, authentic, and unique?
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World-building: Is your setting vivid, whether it's fantasy or the real world? Are you employing all five senses to help your reader feel fully present?
PRICES:
Contemporary + Romance:
$399 for 300 pages, and $1 per page after that
Genre + Fantasy:
$449 for 300 pages, and $1 per page after that
THE SENSITIVITY READ
Looking for a sensitivity reader? Here's where I specialize:
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gay identity
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queer identity
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genderqueer identity
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non-binary identity
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mental health, specifically anxiety and/or depression
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body dysmorphia
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disordered eating
Sensitivity reads help when you are writing outside of your expertise or lived experience, want an informed take, or want to write more authentically. This package will provide "big picture" notes/comments relating solely to the specific area(s) in which you are seeking sensitivity reads. If you'd like to pair this with another editorial package, we can work together on pricing!
PRICE: $200
TURNAROUND TIMES: Inquire Below
Interested in Booking?
In order to book any services, you will need to contact me below, and from there we will discuss pricing and payment (generally Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App). When you reach out, do so with information about yourself, your project, and what specific service you're interested in. I have standard turnaround times associated with each package, but these can vary depending on my schedule. If you have a specific timeline you'd like to adhere to, please communicate this when you reach out so I can provide a realistic estimate . Rush rates are available if you're in a bind! Keep in mind that booking "The Partial," "The Agent-Ready" or "The Full-Service" will depend on availability, so be sure to indicate your timeframe and ideal window for turnaround. Please keep in mind that my calendar my be full and therefore I may not be able to take you on immediately.
Testimonials
Shepard Verbas,
Director of Programs and Services at The LOFT: LGBTQ Community Center
“LGBTQ+ storytelling is such an essential part of the fabric of our community, but finding your voice and confidence in sharing your story can be challenging. Not only is Steven [Salvatore] just a complete joy to be around, they are also an expert at breaking down the writing process ensuring everyone they're working with feels supported and empowered to push themselves. I've worked with Steven to organize LGBTQ+ creative writing programs for all age ranges, and they are always professional, relatable and get incredible feedback from participants. No matter what level of experience you are, if you are interested in tapping into your inner story and sharing it with the world I would highly recommend Steven's workshops!"
Nicolas DiDomizio, author of Burn It All Down and The Gay Best Friend
"All my manuscripts have been tremendously improved by Steven Salvatore's surgeon-like ability to identify and strengthen the heartbeat of any novel. Everything from flow and structure to plot and character development is addressed with Steven's consistently clear, direct, and actionable feedback. I can't recommend Steven enough for anyone looking to take their writing to the next level!”
Rodello S.,
former workshop student
“Steven’s feedback is supportive, straightforward, and practical, and their teaching style is best described as constructive encouragement. Steven’s workshops will help writers of all levels hone their craft, share their queer voices, and make their visions shine.."
Harrie Mulé,
former workshop student
"Salvatore provides a welcoming environment to all levels of writers and he has developed tools for writers that will take you from a blank page to a final product. It’s a very rewarding journey! Do it! I highly recommend Salvatore’s class, and I’ll see you there!”
Napoleon V.,
former workshop student
“[Steven Salvatore is] incredibly selfless and supportive, offering valuable feedback to all writers. I have grown immensely as a writer because of them and I am very grateful for how they took the time to read and evaluate my submissions."
Joe F.,
former workshop student
"The eight weeks in the memoir workshop […] and the people l've met, have helped me to incorporate my gayness into my life and have made me a happier person. ‘Thank you’ seems like too little for such a gift; however, I know, as a teacher, that ‘thank you’ is a lot. Thank you!"
Michael C.,
former workshop student
[Steven Salvatore’s] constructive critiques provide helpful ways to improve your writing ability. A clear and concise approach enables the writer to easily absorb his wisdom. Also, a kind approach makes you feel comfortable when submitting personal writing submissions, especially those with LGBT themes. Steven understands the nuances of writing along with ways to improve grammar, punctuation, and spelling. As a published author and instructor, Steven has the experience to back up his talents as a writer.”
Morgan Boecher,
former workshop student and author / illustrator of the graphic novel What's Normal Anyway?
"Steven is as kind, honest, savvy and encouraging a writing instructor as one could hope for. He guided my writing project for four years, helping me grow it into a complete manuscript I feel confident pitching to agents and publishers. Some of the most meaningful difference he made was building a space where our LGBTQ+ writers’ group felt safe to explore queer, creative expression - and have a blast doing so! "
Kelly C.,
former workshop student
“Not only did [Steven Salvatore] teach me how to write, but they helped me fall in love with it.”
Mission Statement
My guiding philosophy: The world needs more queer stories! It’s impossible for any one queer story to stand in for every queer experience. This is why storytelling matters, and queer writers need a space to cultivate their talents and tell their stories.
Write. Discover. Create. Explore.
Writing is a process of discovery. Everyone has a story, a unique, distinct voice waiting to be unearthed and shared with the world. It might take some time for one to discover how to find and tell their story, and Queerative Writers acts as a vehicle through which writers can explore the infinite possibilities that exist within the realms of their storytelling. Writing is also an inherently vulnerable act; sharing intimate stories is a show of bravery, and can sometimes feel raw. Opening oneself up to critique can be difficult. Queerative Writers is an encouraging safe space for aspiring writers to explore honesty and earnestness within their stories. Through encouragement, positive reinforcement, patience, and a lot of fun, our goal is to leave all writers better than we found them, with the tools needed to jumpstart their writing journeys.
Think of me as a mentor, offering expert book coaching for writers at all levers, comprehensive editorial services for writers at all stages of the writing, querying, and publishing processes, sensitivity reads, and virtual workshop series taught by published authors of all backgrounds and genres for LGBTQ+ writers.
If writing is a process of discovery, then what are you waiting for? Unleash your creativity.
About Steven Salvatore
As an educator, Steven is passionate about progressive activism on and off campus and advocating for young people. With over thirteen years of experience in the education system, they know firsthand that access to the arts is limited and geared solely toward wealthy, straight, white, cisgender folks. My focus is on outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and fostering a creative safe space for queer writers of all backgrounds. This is more important now more than ever.
Steven takes a holistic, individualized approach in assessing and understanding each student’s skills and backgrounds. Composition Theorist Donald M. Murray wrote: “What [students] do require is a teacher who will respect and respond to his student, not for what they have done, but for what they may do; not for what they have produced, but for what they may produce, if they are given an opportunity to see writing as a process, not a product.” The process, focusing on story and purpose allows students to see beyond conventions taught in traditional academic settings, which may be inaccessible to many, and instead encourages students to harness their voices, and tell their own stories. I want to give all writers, of all backgrounds, in all marginalized communities, the opportunity to tell stories that reflect them, that matter.
Because your story matters.