Meet Your Romance Editor
(and the professional third wheel your story needs)
I’m Ritika, The Human Behind Kiss & Critique
The first story I remember reading (outside of school) wasn’t even a book. It was a short horror story online during my “let’s watch scary movies and regret it later” phase. But what stuck with me wasn’t the story. It was the act of reading.
My first book? C.J. Roberts’ Captive in the Dark. Yes, I dived straight into the deep end. And that was it. I fell HARD for romance. Not casually. I’m talking sleep-deprived, emotionally invested, completely obsessed with fictional characters kind of love.
If I had to choose one subgenre, it would be contemporary dark romance. Pitch black, preferably. Stalker, bully, psychopath. The works. But at the same time, give me a slow burn, and I will sit there, suffering happily for 300 pages.
Absolutely nothing fazes me in romance novels. No triggers. No hard limits. The only trope that gives me heart palpitations is the cheating trope. Immediate emotional damage. I will sweat, rant, panic, rock back and forth in a corner, and reconsider my life choices. And yet… when it’s done well? Devastating. Incredible. I hate it. I love it.
Even as a romance editor, I read a manuscript the same way I read any book for the first time: as a reader. I need the feels first, before I can think about what a plot hole even means. I need the book to WRECK me emotionally. Only after that first read do I lock my inner reader in a metaphorical closet (she protests), and let the editor into the light.
Now here’s the part that matters for you.
Every manuscript I read is someone’s world, and I treat it that way. I refuse to mess with your voice, or the reader in me will beat me bl**dy. My favourite part of the editing process is sharing my experience with you. Not just what needs fixing, but where I laughed, where I cried, and where I was yelling at your characters. It feels less like feedback and more like an honest conversation with you.
If I LOVE your book, though? Brace, my friend, because I will absolutely lose my sh*t and you’ll have ten thousand in-line comments that have nothing to do with “constructive feedback.” I’ll appoint myself as your BFF and then proceed to rant like one.
Writing romance and editing it are both very personal crafts. At the end of the day, we're two people who love romance a little too much and want the best stories out there.
That’s why this isn’t a “job” to me. It feels like something I get to be a part of. I get to read stories, work on them, and talk to amazing romance writers, which, if you’re here, includes you (kindly tell that imposter syndrome to f*ck off).
I'll talk about the professional side of things all over my website, but I wanted this little corner to let you get to really know me as a person, without all the bells and whistles.
If we work together, I don’t want you to feel like you’re handing your book over to someone with a red pen ready to tear it apart. I want it to feel like you’re talking to someone who gets it, who’s in your corner, and who wants your story to hit exactly the way you imagined it would. We all gotta keep that inner reader fed and satisfied :)
Training & Certifications
(Because feelings alone can’t save your climax)
-
Editing Romance
Developmental Editing of Fiction: Beginning
Developmental Editing of Fiction: Intermediate
Developmental Editing of Fiction: Advance
-
Developmental Editing (in theory)
Developmental Editing (in practice)
-
Writing & Editing: Word Choice and Word Order
Process
Contact Form
1
Once you submit the contact form, I’ll get back to you within two business days with the suggested service, a tailored quote, and a timeline.
You can also share a sample of your book. This helps me understand your story, your voice, and where things might need the most attention.
Contract & Booking
2
If we’re a good fit, I’ll send over an editorial contract to get the ball rolling.
To book your spot, there’s a 20% non-refundable deposit. 30% will be due before I start editing. The remaining 50% will be due before delivery.
Editing & Delivery
3
When it’s time, I dive into your manuscript fully, thoroughly, and probably a little too emotionally.
You’ll receive your edit on or before the agreed date. Once it’s in your hands, take your time going through everything. No pressure to absorb it all in one sitting.
Post-edit Chat
4
Questions? Confusion? Spiralling slightly? Completely normal.
Send me your revision questions via email within a week of delivery, and I’ll get back to you with clear, detailed answers to help you move forward without second-guessing every decision.
Optional Second Pass
5
If you’d like feedback on your revised draft, you can book a second pass as well. Just make sure your changes are tracked.
Pricing and turnaround will depend on how extensive the revisions are, but we’ll figure that out together.
Favourite Writing Craft Books (Give em a try!)
“She's ahhhhhmazing! She truly understands the components that make a story good. She can slice and dice your manuscript in easy to understand feedback that will improve your storytelling. For the price she charges, you are getting a TON of bang for your buck. She should charge more, honestly.”
— Author Alayna Ravenhood
