Athena E. Harris

Developmental editing for literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, especially structurally ambitious or politically complex manuscripts. Each project begins with a short conversation about your manuscript and goals to make sure the feedback is useful for where you are in the process.Currently booking projects for March–April 2026.

Sample editorial commentary available upon request.

About Me

I’m a developmental editor specializing in structurally ambitious fiction and narrative nonfiction. My work focuses on aligning character motivation, pacing, and thematic stakes so complex ideas remain clear, compelling, and narratively grounded.Selected publications include South Atlantic Quarterly (Duke University Press), Columbia Human Rights Law Review, and Yale Law & Political Economy.My background includes editorial collaboration and work with interdisciplinary writers and scholars. I have previously published under the names femi babylon, moses moon, and “thotscholar.”

Resume Available Upon Request

I work best with:

  • Literary & Speculative Fiction

  • Narrative Nonfiction & Hybrid Work

  • Academically informed or politically complex manuscripts

  • Writers preparing manuscripts for submission or publication

  • Writers looking for structural feedback rather than line editing

Services & Rates

Manuscript Evaluation
(Editorial Letter Only)

High-level diagnostic feedback on a full manuscript.Includes:

  • Editorial letter

  • Structural and market positioning notes

Rate: $0.025 per word

(Example: 80,000 word manuscript = $2,000 USD)

Developmental Edit

Full manuscript evaluation focusing on structure, pacing, character motivation, and thematic clarity.Includes:

  • Editorial letter (8–15 pages)

  • Structural notes throughout manuscript

  • Optional follow-up call

Rate: $0.04 per word

(Example: 80,000 word manuscript = $3,200 USD)

Partial / Early Draft Review

For works in progress (first 10–30k words).Includes:

  • Structural direction

  • Development roadmap

Rate: $0.035 per word

(Example: 15,000 words = $525 USD)

60-Minute Consultation

Manuscript Strategy Call for writers seeking:

  • Structural direction

  • Genre positioning feedback

  • Revision planning

  • Series architecture discussion

Rate: $150 per session

Booking & Payment Terms

  • 50% deposit required to reserve project start date

  • Remaining 50% due upon delivery of editorial letter

  • Payment plans available upon request

Process/Flow

  • Email me with your project details and word count.

  • I confirm availability and provide a quote.

  • 50% deposit reserves your slot.

  • Editorial work delivered within the agreed timeline.

Contact Me

[email protected]

Please direct all editorial inquiries to email. I'm not able to respond to social media messages or promotional outreach.