APHRODITE ATELIER
Finish the book you started.
The Aphrodite Atelier is a private, high-touch editorial partnership offered to a limited number of authors each year.
We work closely with authors to develop, strengthen, and refine promising manuscripts into exceptional, publication-ready books—while preserving the voice and vision that make the work distinctly theirs.
PRIVATE ENGAGEMENTS BEGIN AT $20,000
MORE THAN AN EDIT
The Aphrodite Atelier is not a traditional editing service or writing course. It is an intensive editorial partnership built around your book.
No two manuscripts need exactly the same thing. Depending on the project, our work may encompass developmental editing, structure and narrative, character, voice, pacing, positioning, ongoing manuscript review, revision, and preparation for publication.
Rather than placing authors into a predetermined program, we design the engagement around the manuscript and what is required to bring the work to a professional, publication-ready standard.
The result: a stronger, more fully realized book ready for its next stage.
WHO IT'S FOR
The Atelier is for authors with a substantial manuscript, a draft underway, or a developed idea who are ready to do the serious work of making it exceptional.
Authors should be prepared to undertake meaningful revision, engage in substantive editorial collaboration, and invest $20,000+ in the development of their book.
We work across fiction and nonfiction and accept only a limited number of Atelier engagements each year.
THE APHRODITE APPROACH
The Atelier combines rigorous editorial development with a publisher's understanding of positioning, readership, and the life of a book beyond the manuscript.
Led by author and publisher Rachael Eckles, the process brings together close editorial collaboration, strategic perspective, and respect for the author's creative vision.
Your book remains unmistakably yours. Our job is to help you make it exceptional.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Apply
Tell us about your book, the current stage of your manuscript, and what you hope to accomplish. You will be asked to upload a sample excerpt of your current project so that we can understand your voice.
2. Initial Review
We review your application to determine whether the project appears aligned with the Atelier.
3. Manuscript Evaluation
Selected applicants may be invited to submit additional chapters or project materials for editorial review.
4. Invitation
If we believe the project is a strong fit, you will receive an invitation outlining the proposed scope, timeline, and investment.
A NOTE ABOUT APHRODITE BOOKS SUBMISSIONS
The Aphrodite Atelier is an editorial service of Aphrodite Media. Participation does not guarantee or provide preferential consideration for publication by Aphrodite Books. Publishing decisions are made independently through our acquisitions process.
PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS
To keep our focus on the authors and manuscripts already under our care, Aphrodite does not offer complimentary discovery or consultation calls. Prospective Atelier authors should begin by submitting an application. If your project is selected for consideration, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
For authors seeking focused guidance on their manuscript, publishing path, or positioning, private 60-minute consultations with Rachael are available for $500.
A private consultation is not required to apply to the Atelier and does not include manuscript evaluation or editing.