

Every writer needs an assistant.
I’ve been an active critique partner, working with about a half dozen writing groups in the North Carolina and Maryland area, and I’ve served as a critique partner and/or assistant for published authors, like Leigh Goff and USA Today bestseller Darcy Coates. Moreover, I love educating and helping other writers by conducting workshops for Savvy Authors, as well as presenting at writing panels and at conventions like Awesome Con in Washington, D.C.
Some of my other work includes editing at Legendary Women, Inc., a former journalistic site that spotlighted women of note, women-run charities, and critiques feminist media. I’ve also worked as a paid writing consultant for The University of Baltimore. This work included helping Creative Writing and Publication Arts students refine their manuscripts and vision.
- Fix your plot holes
- Develop characters
- Structure your story
- Create your voice
- Aid with pacing
- Three-act structure
01 .
Transforming ideas
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02 .
Towards the goal
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03 .
Digital creation
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04 .
Perfect & productive
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Testimonials
Writing Coach Clients and Critique Partners
Abby Wheeler
Margaret’s edit notes are thorough and tough, but fair. She provided a balance of encouragement and constructive criticism that really helped me get from first draft to final. And her industry know-how and advice has really helped me in the publishing process. I definitely couldn’t imagine getting through this without her.
Kharma J. Kelley
I’ve worked with various editors and Margaret is definitely someone very special. I appreciate her careful eye and expertise for UF/PNR books. Everything from pacing to world-building and anything in between, she’s been very helpful for me to navigate through the landmines that await creating a better book. She’s thoughtful, patient and knows how to communicate opportunities for improving your story without making you cry on your keyboard. Get an editor who can help you grow as a writer. Get Margaret!
Anne
After only one session, Margaret had diagnosed four major problems with my plot and suggested workable fixes. After two sessions, we had done a scene-by-scene outline for the first half of the book and I was feeling confident that I could finish my revisions and have a book that would sell. Margaret Bates is a miracle worker and I would recommend her to any author struggling with making their plot pop!
Leigh Goff
Margaret gave great insight into the minds of future potential readers and her critiques were honest, helpful, and easy to understand.
Alexa Jacobs
Even previously published authors need review! I recently submitted a new manuscript and while the publisher loved my writing, she identified that my manuscript needs some fine-tuning before we move forward. She labeled some key issues she wants me to work on for my second draft.
Having Margaret on board for review, she’s been able to track and pull out the finer details that make all the difference. She’s also been able to identify specific weak plot points, which echoed identically to the publishers request for change. With her help, I am able to make changes, tighten the story line, and deepen character development. I am very impressed with her history of knowledge in the craft of writing and am thankful for all of the recommendations she’s given me along the way.
Mary K. Tighlman
When Margaret Bates analyzes my writing, I know she’s going to zero in on everything from poor word choice to gigantic plot holes. I know she’s going to question my characters’ motivations and emotions, and make suggestions that strengthen the overall arc of the story.
Margaret is good at seeing what works as well as what needs a tweak or a complete overhaul. She reads with wisdom, sensitivity and a sense of humor. Her careful critiques have helped move my first novel from manuscript to publication.
Ant Iacovone
Margaret is one of our most talented writers. She is fantastic at character development and creating exciting romantic scenes that make readers swoon. If you are looking to create a story that readers absolutely adore, then Margaret is the perfect coach.
Kristie Wolf
It’s amazing how Margaret can find things in my work that need improving even after I’ve read it a dozen times. I get excited each time I read her critiques because I know my novel is going to be better after I incorporate her suggestions. My favorite thing about working with Margaret is that she points out what works, as well as what doesn’t, encouraging me to further develop my strengths and improve my weaknesses.
Kimberly Butler
Margaret Bates helps an author create a world readers can fall in love with. Her eye for detail polishes a work into a fine jewel. What a pleasure to work with her.
Carrie Lomax
Margaret proofread my self-published story on a tight deadline. She was thorough and fast, and suggested a few minor changes that improved the story overall. My book is better than it would have been, thanks to her keen attention to detail. Thank you.
She’s also has given thoughtful feedback on a second manuscript now. She has saved me from making countless mistakes! I highly recommend her editing services
Unknown
I was in a lurch and Margaret rescued me. I needed someone to provide copy editing services for me. Her insights were helpful and of course she found the small mistakes I had made. The cost for her service was resonable and something I could afford.