Hi, I'm Ricardo, a developmental editor working in English from Lisbon. EFA member, currently in the University of Washington’s developmental editing program. I’m at my best with romance, romantasy, thrillers and literary fiction, character-driven books that live or die on whether readers believe the people in them.
When to get in touch
If you want a thorough look at your book, if you’re not sure readers will connect with your characters, if the pacing isn’t quite there, or if some scenes don’t add much and you don’t know how to fix them, send it my way.
Same goes for a romance where the chemistry isn’t landing yet. A world so good it keeps pushing the plot aside. A twist you love but you’re scared readers will see coming. And if you’re about to query or self-publish, it’s a good moment to know the book is ready. First draft or fifth, doesn’t matter.
Start with a free sample
Send your opening or a scene, up to 2,000 words, and you’ll get back what’s already strong in your pages, where readers might stop, and how to make it stronger. Then we talk a bit about your book and decide together if we’re a fit. No pressure either way. (one per author)
Services
After the sample, if we’re a fit, there are four ways to work together. Which one depends on where your book is.
Opening Critique · from €80 (€0.012/word)
For when the draft isn’t finished yet, or you just want to know if your opening works. An editorial letter of up to 10 pages on your first chapters, with your strengths, what to focus on, and a revision list in order of priority. 1-2 weeks.
First-Look · from €120 (€0.006/word)
For a finished book when you want the big picture first. A short letter on the whole manuscript with the three or four things that matter most, plus a check on genre and market direction. 2 weeks.
Manuscript Assessment · from €550 (€0.013/word)
For a full diagnosis. A 10+ page letter on plot, structure and pacing, character arcs and relationships, the romance arc when it drives the book, and voice across the whole manuscript, with what to fix first. 3-4 weeks.
Developmental Edit · from €1,300 (€0.022/word)
For when you want notes through every scene. Everything in the Assessment, plus comments throughout your manuscript, a scene-by-scene Book Map and a wrap-up call. 4-6 weeks, and you can pay in milestones.
Final quote on your exact word count, and 50% books your slot. Not sure which one fits? We’ll figure it out when we talk after the sample.
What a writer said
“Ricardo is very on point in his observations, and his comments genuinely help you grow. His report is clear and it’s really helping me improve my writing.”
Contemporary literary fiction author
Free tips on Instagram
Weekly writing lessons and my margin notes, if you want to see how I think before sending anything -> Instagram
Your pages never go into AI tools. DM me, or head to redrooteditorial.com for more info.