Take Your Manuscript From First Draft to Fan Favorite
FANTASY & ROMANCE BOOK EDITOR FOR EMERGING AUTHORS
Book editing services for writers who are ready to be someone’s new favorite author.
I see you, writer. You can’t get this story out of your head, right?
It’s hard to find anything that matches the passion of a writer. You’ve dreamt about, stressed over, and rewritten your story so many times. You’re genuinely passionate about the characters you’re creating and the message your story is telling. You dream of the day you can walk through a bookstore and see your novel on the shelf.
But getting your story as good as you imagine it to be in your head? That requires some help.
Even the best writers need someone outside their head to help refine their story…
You dream of your book being the one they can’t put down at 3am, tell all their friends about, and sticks with them well after the final chapter ends.
But to bring that book to your readers, you need someone who will help bring the best parts of your story forward, smooth out the rough edges, and make your book as magical as you envision it being.
The best writers have a go-to editor, and you may have just found yours.
Hi, I’m Nina Lopez-Ortiz, your story’s biggest fan and fiercest advocate.
As the founder and editor behind Once Upon a Manuscript, I help fantasy and romance writers feel confident in their work and fully supported on their path to publication — whether they’re self-publishing or taking the traditional route.
With over 15 years of editing experience, I bring genuine attention, care, and thoughtful feedback to every book I work on.
When you work with me, you’re not just getting an editor — you’re gaining a dedicated partner who’s as invested in your story as you are.
When you work with me, you get so much more than just an editor
...who lives and breathes fantasy and romance — someone who’s as spellbound by your genre as you are.
A Passionate Test Reader
you also get...
...who’ll treat your manuscript like the treasure it is, guiding it to its full potential with the utmost care and respect.
A Trusted Storytelling Partner
...from the first line to the final page, leaving them captivated and hungry for more.
Confidence That Your Story Will Enchant Readers
Your novel deserves to stand the test of time, trends, and an ever-fluctuating book market.
It’s no secret that romance and fantasy books are more popular than ever. As an author, you might be feeling the pressure to stand out, anticipate the trends, and make your voice heard in an industry that is a million times louder than your favorite neighborhood bookstore.
But as someone who’s been editing stories for over 15 years (and reading them for much longer!) I can confidently say that staying true to your voice, your story, and what lights you up as a writer is what creates stories that last.
When we work together, I’m not just going to help you get your books to fly off the shelves for a day — I’m going to help you create something you’re proud of for decades to come.
Elevate your work without changing its essence
FANTASY & ROMANCE BOOK EDITING SERVICES
Your Fairy GodReader
FULL DEVELOPMENTAL & LINE EDITING
For writers who want hands-on, start-to-finish guidance to turn their manuscript into a spellbinding, publish-ready story.
Your Storysmith
BIG-PICTURE, DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
A developmental, big-picture edit for writers ready to strengthen their story’s core elements and captivate readers.
Your Magic Pen Polisher
AD-HOC LINE EDITING
Standalone line editing for writers seeking a polished, error-free, and reader-ready manuscript.
Book A Mini Manuscript Critique
Get feedback on your finished (or partially finished) manuscript so you can understand how both a reader and a publisher will think about your first 10 pages.
Want to know what kind of first impression your book is giving?
"Nina’s feedback was a total game-changer."
"She knew exactly how to tighten my plot and give my characters more depth without changing what made my story special. I feel so much more confident about where my manuscript stands now—can’t wait to share it!"
- emily
