By writers, for writers

Prune your story,
tune your prose

Whether you need help developing characters and creating captivating settings or linking metaphors with gorgeous prose, we can help you get where you want to go with your manuscript.

Explore Our Services

Our Story

Hi, we're Chris and Jenny, and we’re so glad you’re here.

Harp & Briar Editing was born out of our shared love of words, literature, and the profundity of storytelling. As writers ourselves, we know how daunting the writing and editing processes can be and the various pitfalls that can unfairly sap the confidence of every writer. Our backgrounds in education have honed our skills in conveying craft-based solutions in ways that are kind, collaborative, and tailored to the individual.

It is our dearest belief that the relationship between editor and author should be an equal one, two people working together toward a common goal: to make your manuscript what you want it to be.

More About Us

What We Offer

We can help you with developmental editing, line editing, and writing coaching.

If you need help figuring out which service is right for you and your manuscript, click below to schedule a free fifteen-minute consultation where we can talk about your book, your vision, and the best way to bring your story to life.

Schedule a discovery call

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

This is where we look at the big picture elements of your story—plot and structure, character development, pacing, dialogue, setting, and more—and see what could use tightening or restructuring. You'll receive actionable advice for revisions that will help prune anything getting in the way of your story's full potential.

LINE EDITING

Here we'll dive into the prose, tuning word choice, scene-level pacing, dialogue, tone, narrative flow, and more to ensure your voice is at its strongest throughout the manuscript. You'll receive in-line edits, marginal comments, and more, all with the goal of making the unique timbre of your voice shine.

WRITING COACHING

Have a story idea but not sure where to begin? Start with biweekly check-ins where we review your pages, give actionable craft advice, brainstorm past those sneaky bouts of writer's block, and provide the emotional support to keep going and finish that first draft.

What Authors are Saying

Here are a few snippets from our authors. You can read their full reviews on our Testimonials page:

Read full testimonials

“Chris has extensive knowledge of how to improve plot, pacing, setting, characterization, and so much more, and has provided me with the tools and information I need to make my story truly flourish. And as I polish my novel for its final draft, the edits that Chris has provided throughout the story give me the confidence and direction I need, making what feels at first like a gargantuan task not only manageable but enjoyable. I can’t recommend Chris enough!”

Steppen Sawicki, MI