Developmental editing for writers who dare to be different.

Peter is a vastly experienced developmental editor with a deep passion for working with authors at any stage in their journey. Before founding Fortiter et Recte Literary, he was the Director of Book Pipeline, a highly successful author discovery platform. Through three writing contests, he launched up-and-coming authors of fiction and nonfiction into the traditional publishing landscape. Peter was the sole person responsible for editing winning authors' manuscripts and crafting bespoke submission packages on their behalf to send to his curated list of literary agents and acquiring editors. More importantly, though, he collaborated with these authors for the long haul, acting as a long-term career coach/advocate who helped them forge long-lasting strategies to excel both creatively and economically in an increasingly difficult-to-navigate publishing landscape. Also, he helped facilitate winning authors’ transition into the film/TV industry, assisting them in securing representation, advising them on how to best pitch their material to development executives, and even guiding them on adapting their manuscripts into screenplays. Book Pipeline authors often referred to Peter as their "pre-agent agent," which was a title that he embraced wholeheartedly!

Published titles that Peter has worked on with his clients include This Is How I Save My Life by Amy B. Scher (2018, Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster); Under Color of Law by Aaron Philip Clark (2021, Thomas & Mercer/Amazon); Unrelenting by Jessi Honard and Marie Parks (2022, Not a Pipe Publishing); How to Win the War on Truth by Samuel C. Spitale (2022, Quirk Books); A Fragile Woman by Ciara Duggan (2023, Phantom House Press); Kill for Love by Laura Picklesimer (2023, Unnamed Press); and the forthcoming The Woman in the Waves by Camille Booker (2025, Hawkeye Books).

Literary agencies that Peter has helped his clients secure representation with include Birch Literary, Carol Mann Agency, Carnicelli Literary Management, Howland Literary, Jean V. Naggar Literary, Talcott Notch Literary, The Rights Factory, and United Talent Agency (UTA).  

Keep scrolling for the list of services Peter offers, plus testimonials from some of his lovely clients!

Services

  • First and foremost—congratulations! You have a complete first draft. Now it’s time to buckle down and examine your literary baby with a fresh pair of eyes.

    The Developmental Review will provide you with comprehensive analysis on the big picture elements of your story, such as plot, character development, writing style, pacing, and marketplace viability.

    The Developmental Review includes:

    —annotated comments of suggested content revisions throughout the entire manuscript via MS Word tracking

    —an overview letter summarizing overall analysis of the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses.

    Please note that the Development Review does not include proofreading or line editing unless specifically requested.

  • Perhaps you’re preparing your manuscript for submission to agents and you want to make sure that your query and first pages are in absolute, tip-top shape. Or maybe you’re still in the drafting phase and you want some feedback to make sure you’re on the right path.

    Either way, the Query + First 50 Pages Review will provide you with much needed clarity!

    The Query + First 50 Pages Review includes:

    —annotated comments of suggested content revisions throughout the first 50 pages via MS Word tracking

    —annotated comments of suggested content revisions throughout the query letter via MS Word tracking

    —an overview letter summarizing overall analysis of the 50 pages’ strengths and weaknesses.

    Please note that the Query + First 50 Pages does not include proofreading or line editing unless specifically requested.

  • It’s probably the last thing you want to think about after finishing your manuscript—crafting compelling yet concise back cover copy for your book and a punchy author bio. But, for better or worse, they’re absolutely essential for maximizing marketplace viability…and are major determining factors for readers when deciding whether or not they want to buy your book.

    The Back Cover Copy & Author Bio Creation service will do all of the hard work for you and ensure that your book is putting its best sales and marketing foot forward.

    The Back Cover Copy & Author Bio Creation service includes:

    —a MS Word file with your custom-created book back cover copy (150 words or less)

    —a MS Word file with your custom-created author bio (100 words or less)

    Please note that the Back Cover Copy & Author Bio Creation service does not include developmental editing, proofreading, or line editing of your manuscript.

  • Well done! You’ve finished a screenplay—something that a lot of writers talk about their entire lives but never actually do. But before it’s off to the races for the big screen, you should make sure it’s firing on all cylinders.

    Just like the Developmental Review, the Screenplay Review will examine the overarching elements of your story, such as plot, character development, writing style, pacing, and marketplace viability.

    The Screenplay Review includes:

    —annotated comments of suggested content revisions throughout the entire screenplay via PDF or Final Draft.

    —an overview letter summarizing overall analysis of the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses.

    Please note that the Screenplay Review does not include proofreading or line editing unless specifically requested.


Testimonials

  • "Wow, what a great investment this is in my manuscript! I had written for years and had a finished draft, but I knew it needed improvement. But I'd been staring at it so long, it was hard to see what needed to be changed. Enter: Peter. He provided specific feedback, great guidance, and whip-smart insights into what was and wasn't working in the story. Plus, he was super prompt and is great to work with! Now I can tackle my next revision with direction and confidence. Thanks so much, Peter!"

    —Marie Parks

    Co-Author of Unrelenting

  • "Peter Malone Elliott is a writer's best friend, best secret weapon, and all-around best one-man support system! The enthusiasm and positivity with which he approaches projects make you believe in yourself and your work no matter what stage it's in. Whether you're in the initial brainstorming muddle on a screenplay or are fine-tuning a novel manuscript for the hundredth time, Peter brings a wealth of technical experience and expertise along with an incredibly valuable big-picture industry view. He is fun to work with as well - extremely engaging and knowledgeable, precise and thoughtful with edits and comments, and very quick to respond to fragile writer-ego concerns with kindness and unflagging encouragement. "

    —Melissa Duge Spiers

    Author & Screenwriter

  • "Peter has an expert eye for story. Not only is he a talent in crafting his own books and screenplays, but he also has a unique ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the work of others. Speaking from experience, he will elevate your story from average to excellent with his keen sense of pacing, structure, character, and emotional resonance. Your story is in good hands with Peter."

    —Ciara Duggan

    Author of A Fragile Woman

  • "Working with Peter transformed and accelerated my writing career. Not only does Peter offer exceptional editing and industry insight, but he's also wildly encouraging and quick to support writers in the depths of the drafting and submission trenches. I could always count on Peter to point me in the best direction while cheering me on during a pivotal stage in my writing journey. Working with Peter is not only an investment in your story, but in your long-term career as a writer." 

    —Claire Creely

    Novelist

  • "I worked with Peter on both a manuscript and screenplay, and he has been nothing short of a magician in helping me bring my narrative and vision to life. Peter read every word of my manuscript and screenplay carefully before bringing to the table his wealth of knowledge in a way that guided me in evolving both to their full potential. Peter has consistently encouraged and challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and push my narrative to the next level. He never once treated me as 'just another client' or 'another aspiring author', and through this process, Peter has become a dear friend. I couldn't be more grateful to have had him by my side throughout this journey."

    —John Cosgrove

    Novelist & Screenwriter

  • "Peter is a sharp, quick, thoughtful editor. He doesn't sugarcoat his notes, but he also doesn't needlessly nitpick. If you're looking for honest feedback from someone who wants you to succeed, Peter's your man."

    —Josh Azar

    Author

  • "I recently asked Fortiter et Recte Literary to help me draft a back cover blurb and author bio for my upcoming novel. Peter was quick to respond to my email, asking me detailed questions to confirm what I was hoping for from his services. He was always polite, professional, and a pleasure to work with. His skill with language and experience within the publishing/literary industry meant that not only did he deliver a high-quality product, but the turn-around was unbelievably quick. The end result was better than I could have hoped for. I will definitely reach out to Peter again in the future. "

    —Camille Booker

    Author of What if You Fly? and the forthcoming The Woman in the Waves

  • "I worked with Peter during his time at Book Pipeline, and I can't say enough about his professionalism, insights, and robust knowledge as a creative executive. Anyone who secures Peter's services will receive the highest level of attention with a keen eye for character development, plot, and tone. Working with Peter strengthened my story and gave me the confidence to take it out to market."

    —Aaron Philip Clark

    ITW nominated author of The Science of Paul, Under Color of Law, Blue Like Me, & The Accomplice

  • “One of the most insightful executives we’ve had—keeps an open mind on reviewing any genre or style of creative material, plus understands the current marketplace very well… an excellent screenwriter and author, so it comes as no surprise Peter would be a great choice for story analysis.”

    —Matt Joseph Misetich

    Partner – Pipeline Media Group / Book Pipeline / Script Pipeline