Introducing DarkLit: Fiction Forge - A New Haven for Aspiring Horror Authors

DarkLit: Fiction Forge emerges as a beacon of hope for aspiring horror authors seeking to navigate the daunting realms of publishing and editing. Led by Managing Editor Austrian Spencer, this innovative venture combines a cutting-edge editing firm with a dynamic platform aimed at honing writing skills and navigating the intricacies of book marketing within the publishing landscape.

DarkLit: Fiction Forge is the brainchild of Austrian Spencer, a seasoned author and editor deeply entrenched in the horror genre. Spencer's own journey as an indie horror author revealed the challenges of marketing and the critical importance of thorough editing in the fiercely competitive market.

"At DarkLit, we understand the struggles faced by indie authors," says Andrew Robert, the owner/operator behind DarkLit Press. "We aim to bridge the gap between aspiring authors and success by offering top-notch editing services coupled with invaluable resources for skill enhancement and marketing prowess."

The core ethos of DarkLit: Fiction Forge revolves around inclusivity and community engagement. Spencer emphasizes the importance of nurturing emerging talent, and providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the horror genre.

"DarkLit has always represented the underrepresented, and I believe in giving back to the community," Austrian Spencer states. "Our editing packages are tailored to suit the needs of every author, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality."

DarkLit: Fiction Forge offers a range of editing services, including proofreading and developmental editing, meticulously crafted to elevate each manuscript to its full potential. Additionally, the venture collaborates with DarkLit Press, offering exclusive discounts to authors who avail themselves of both editing services and book purchases.

"We're not just an editing service; we're a partner in your journey towards literary success," Robert affirms. "Our commitment extends beyond editing; we strive to empower authors to navigate the publishing landscape with confidence and resilience."

To experience the transformative power of DarkLit: Fiction Forge first hand, aspiring authors are invited to submit a sample chapter for a complimentary editing consultation. Through personalized guidance and unwavering support, DarkLit: Fiction Forge endeavors to shape the next generation of horror literature.

For more information about Austrian Spencer and his editing services, CLICK HERE.

Managing Editor

Austrian Spencer is a horror writer living in Austria, near the city of Graz, nestled under a mountain, slowly hoarding gold to bait a dragon. Austrian (or Andy, to those in the know) loves nothing more than slicing, dicing, and permanently altering other people's words. He has made it his goal in life to kill all the Be's, and would love nothing more than to cut you...r book. Trust him.

Contact Us

Developmental Edit Full Package

Developmental Editing is a full package, where we look at the overall novel and examine it layer by layer, to fully comprehend character arcs, plot, pacing, voice, triggers, reader expectations, and inconsistencies. My pattern recognition helps find overused words, consistent character language, repeated sentence structures or words, and unresolved threads.

Working hand in hand, chapter by chapter, I’ll not only edit each chapter once - we rework the chapters until we get it right.

Proofreading is included as a part of the package.


Cost: $0.03 / word, though discounts are available through DarkLit Press– get in contact for a free Chapter sample.

Proofreading Package

Proofreading is the fine-tuning of a document before it is published.

Typos, formatting, punctuation, and spelling are rigorously controlled.  Proofreading is essential to the editing process, whether it's a manuscript, query letter, advertisement, or an online article.

Cost: $0.02 / word, though discounts are available through DarkLit Press - get in contact for a free sample.

Monthly Giveaway

Bimonthly, we are giving away a Developmental Edit for a short story or Novelette (Up to 20,000 words).

To win, simply email us using the contact details below, enter the name of your submission, and write "Bimonthly giveaway" in the body of the email.

EMAIL US

All the names will be entered into a Wheel of Fortune, the video for which we will post online.

Good luck!

Editing Workshops

As an ongoing service of the DarkLit Fiction Forge, we will run editing workshops, open for all writers of every skill level. Workshops will include:

Line Editing and Bad Habits.

Pattern recognition and Foreshadowing.

Structure and Disruption.

Character quirks, Arcs, and Negative Traits.

Tension, Pacing, and Cadence.

Schedule to be announced. Check back for more details.

Testimonials

"I found Andy to be an exceptional editor! Careful, studious, always willing to learn new things and with an immense eye for research and detail. His eyes helped to make my manuscript shine and our conversations helped to fill gaps I didn’t even realize were there. It was an absolutely incredible experience and I would recommend him to anyone looking to make their book better."

-Zachary Rosenberg, author of Hungers as old as this land and The Devils and the Deep Blue Sea

"Austrian Spencer performs edits with the care and grace of a surgeon, truly collaborating with writers and taking the time to understand the story and make suggestions that will strengthen, rather than alter the author's original vision. His incisive notes and expansive considerations force the author to think deeply about their work, ultimately making the finished product shine."

-Brennan LaFaro, author of Noose, Slattery Falls Trilogy and Last Stop

"Andy's editorial guidance was essential to my manuscript. Not only does he address grammar and consistency issues, but he also makes me think about my work in a different way. His help made my story more cohesive, riveting, and compelling for readers, and I look forward to working with him again."

-Briana Morgan, author of The Reyes Incident and Tiger Cult

"Andy, is not only a gifted writer and storyteller, he is a masterful editor, and the best I’ve ever worked with. Since working with him on various projects, I don’t think I’ll ever use another editor again. When you find the best, you don’t let that go easily. His editing style is unique, his knowledge vast, and his communication on certain points, grammatical, and story-based have educated me more than all my schooling. He brings order to the words on the page, listens to the author, recommends instead of telling (while giving his reasons - it’s a dialogue between writer and editor which I really enjoyed as he wants the very best out of the story and you as a writer) and offers flourishes which one wishes they could have penned themselves by either a simple re-ordering of the lines or by rephrasing something you’ve attempted but not quite landed. I’ve never seen the depth of editing that goes into his work anywhere, where each line is meticulously explored, word choices are made clearer and bad habits are exposed and rectified. Not only does he make your words sing from the page, but he will have them singing long after your project's done, as you start your next manuscript and put his words, his teachings, and his editing into practice! Andy is the best in the business."

-Ross Jeffery, author Tome and Only the Stains Remain

"Andy will polish up your diamond in the rough.

Andy Spencer's attention to detail is guaranteed to make any story shine even brighter. His easy-going approach and enthusiasm for your story are infectious, and encourage authors to make the best product possible. The editing process is a necessary part of finalizing your book, and with Andy's supervision, all the nitty-gritty details will be thoroughly analyzed. He's got a good eye for character development, realistic situations, and even the nerdier parts of storytelling. You can trust Andy to get the job done. Not only that, he also keeps you updated every step of the way."

-Yolanda Sfetsos, author of Suffer The Darkness and Wings of Sorrow

"Finally: someone who loves (functional) grammar as much as I do! Andy is no pedant. But his feel for the rhythms of language and storytelling is exceptional, and his eye for linguistic detail is extraordinary. I’ve heard the edit described as the heartbeat of a text. And it’s no coincidence that Andy approaches his editing work with the skill and precision of a cardiac surgeon: every flourish of his scalpel ensuring that the pulse of your story quickens and slows exactly as it needs to, with just the right amount of blood allowed to flow onto the page. Get in touch with him today - he’s the editor you need in your writing life."

-T.C.Parker, author of Saltblood, Hummingburd and To Coventry

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