Wendy Tokunaga - Fiction Author | Novel Manuscript Consultations

Fiction Manuscript Developmental Editing & Consultations

Have you finished your novel or memoir, but want to know if it’s ready to send to an agent? Or have you been sending your manuscript to agents, only to get rejections? My road to publication was a rocky one, resulting in hundreds of rejections on my first four novels. I received a two-book deal on the fifth novel I’d written and just as I was starting my MFA program. I have learned many things the hard way and I enjoy helping other writers avoid some of these pitfalls.

The number of writers seeking agent representation increases every year and competition is fierce. It is more important than ever that your fiction manuscript and query letter be as perfect as possible before sending it to an agent or publishing it yourself.

I always work directly with you and never "farm out" my editing services to other editors. I offer valuable feedback on your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses in regards to characterization, plot, structure, prose style, etc. I provide this in a comprehensive written report that includes a summary of what works, what needs to be improved, and suggestions on how to strengthen the manuscript. My comments are sensitive, but also practical and to-the-point, enabling you to make progress. Follow-up via email, phone call or in-person visit (for those who live in the San Francisco Bay Area) are included in my fee as well as feedback on up to 20 double-spaced pages of revision.

Courses and Conferences

I am an instructor for Stanford's Novel Writing Certificate Program. This is a terrific program that allows you to fulfill your dream of writing and completing a novel. Find more info HERE.

I am also a regular panelist and popular editing session instructor at the annual San Francisco Writers Conference. A very comprehensive and illuminating conference, it's held every February in San Francisco. Find more info HERE. I hope to see you there!

I also appear at writers' conferences and seminars throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

I am available to host engaging panel sessions on writing, publishing and social media marketing topics as well as conducting editor sessions for your conferences or literary group meetings. Write to me at info@WendyTokunaga.com

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SUSAN BLUMBERG - KASON
Chicago

Good Chinese Wife

I came to Wendy with a scattered manuscript and little understanding of how a memoir should be crafted. Two and a half years later, I signed with a New York agent. I didn't get to this place simply because I hired an independent editor. After all, I'd used a few others in the past. I got here because I worked with Wendy. She provided excellent line edits, developmental editing, and a reading list of memoirs. She's very easy to work with and her turnaround time couldn't be quicker. If you want to hear that you have a perfect manuscript and it'll go straight to auction, send it to a friend or family member. But if you're serious about publishing, you can't go wrong by trying your best and working with Wendy. 

Update: Susan was able to get an agent who sold her memoir, "Good Chinese Wife" to Sourcebooks. Buy it here: Good Chinese Wife

LYGIA DAY PEÑAFLOR
New York

Unscripted Joss Byrd

Wendy coached me through the second draft of my first novel. She encouraged me to stay true to my own style and voice but also pushed me to address tough questions regarding the message behind the story and the best direction for the plot. Wendy analyzes both broad issues and small details. Her high standards and honest feedback have led to tremendous improvements in my revisions. Wendy is generous with her time and expertise, and I cannot thank her enough.

Update: Lygia signed with a NY agent and her novel came out in August 2016. Buy it here: Unscripted Joss Byrd

AMY JARECKI
Utah

Koicto

I attended a class on characterization by Wendy Tokunaga at the San Francisco Writers Conference, and immediately took to her fun, yet intellectual style. She not only knew her stuff, but she had an air about her that seemed friendly, approachable. At the time I was receiving a lot of rejections for my manuscript. I knew the story had promise, but it needed something to push it across the line to compete at a level with other published works. I asked Wendy to conduct a full comprehensive content edit, complete with a chapter by chapter assessment. With her help I massaged the story, and submitted it to the League of Utah Writers writing contest/ five months later, Koicto won the grand prize for Best Manuscript in Show and has now been published by Sunstone Press. I give a standing ovation to Wendy and her professional editing style! Find more about Amy here.