combining passion and precision for perfectly dirty books...

Want to write stories that sizzle
but you're not sure where to start?
Keen to turn up the heat in your books
but feel crippled by shame or fear of what others might think?
Or maybe you're perfectly happy with your writing as it is – you just need an efficient, empathetic editor to polish your prose?

Summon the muse for help! Whether you want to make your hot books even hotter by way of 'smutmaxing', need a quality edit delivered on time, or wish you had your own personal cheerleader to help you navigate the publishing landscape, you're in the right place!Welcome to Muse after Midnight, home of the Fairy Smutmother! I offer a range of editing, coaching and smutmaxing services to help you sizzle, shine, and stand out in the crowded indie market. To learn more about me and how I can help you bring the heat, polish your manuscript, or support you via personalized coaching, click any of the links below.

© muse after midnight. all rights reserved.

make your hot lit sizzle with smutmaxing!

Rough. Gentle. Fast. Slow. Passionate. Tender. The desire to have sex is one of our most primal and powerful urges, and we can indulge that drive in countless different ways, with any combination of partners. But if I had to guess one single thing we'd likely all agree on, it's that sex should be pleasurable for everyone involved...Smut – i.e. sex on the page – is no different. Just as a sudden, obnoxious ringtone (Love Actually, anyone?) or ill-timed leg cramp can kill the mood in real life, so too can an awkwardly constructed sentence or wildly inappropriate word choice in a dirty story. And regardless of whether you're writing spice for fun or profit (or both), the last thing you want to do to your reader is yank them back to reality with the literary equivalent of dousing them with ice water.But while having sex is generally straightforward for most of us (humans evolved to procreate, after all), writing about having it in a way that titillates the reader is a different kind of skill entirely...

that's where smutmaxing comes in.

As the name suggests, smutmaxing is the art of elevating your erotic prose to the highest possible level – without compromising your unique author voice, personal comfort zone, and target audience.
While there is no ‘One True Way’ to write a sex scene, I’ve definitely identified some ‘best practices’ over the years, and as with writing in general, it’s always better to know the rules before you break them. That’s why I’ve created my own personal ‘5 Rules of Smut’, a basic framework we can use to evaluate your current erotic writing mindset and skills, then establish where and how you want to level up.

does any of the following sound familiar?

  • Maybe you’ve been writing clean romance for a while and fancy a change. You’d love to write something with more spice... but whenever you picture yourself actually opening that fictional bedroom door and describing what your characters are doing to each other, you crash up against a solid wall of cringe. How can you be sure you’re making your readers’ toes curl for the right reasons?

  • Or perhaps you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you’d write and how, but once you’re at the keyboard, you can’t stop thinking about the people who’d judge you the hardest if they were looking over your shoulder. How can anyone expect you to type out one of your dirty fantasies when it feels like the biggest prude you know is right there behind you, peering at your screen and clucking with disapproval?

  • Maybe all the BDSM romances you’ve devoured have unlocked some wild new kinks in you and you’d love to incorporate them into future stories but have no idea how. You’re painfully aware that many (if not most) romance books are renowned for misrepresenting BDSM and you’d love to set yours apart by incorporating the lifestyle in a more realistic way, but where do you even start? With so much information out there, how are you meant to separate fact from fiction?

Those are just a couple examples of the issues we can address with smutmaxing.
So regardless of where you're at in your author journey, if you want to feel more empowered about writing smut, improve your steamy storytelling skills, or have further questions, I suggest you start here:

Step 1: Summon the Fairy Smutmother
(It’s free, and there are no mice or pumpkins involved...)

Fill out the contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation with me.

Step 2: Describe what you need
(witty pun about 'balls' goes here)

The initial consultation can take the form of video chat, a voice call, or via email (though calls offer more scope to get immediate clarification and more context).
Once I have a better understanding of your situation and which area/s you’d like to work on, we’ll discuss your options in detail. I may already be able to give you concrete pricing and tentative timeframe estimates during the call but in any case, I'll send you a follow-up email with all the relevant information.

Step 3: Pick your potion
(Or don’t. consent is key.)

Decide which (if any) of the options you want to take, and let me know.

choose your path to smutty success...

Smutmaxing – the coaching process:

Each smutmaxing session is comprised of a private, 1-hour coaching call with me, during which you’ll get personalized advice, guidance, and suggestions tailored to your specific situation and needs. Whether you want to work on a particular scene or story, improve your overall smut-writing ability, or need help busting out of your bashful shell, I’ll conjure up some tips and techniques to help make that magic happen.Book a single session, or save more by booking more!

1 x session - $69.00
3 x sessions - $185.00
5 x sessions - $295.00

email coaching: dev editing for dirty stories...

For those who prefer written correspondence, I’m currently offering individual analysis of steamy scenes (up to 3000 words per analysis). Send me a sample of your smut, and I’ll provide a comprehensive critique, including detailed comments and recommendations for improvement. Think of it as developmental editing for dirty prose.(Note: while the whole purpose of the analysis is to point out which areas could be improved, I always strive to deliver feedback with kindness and empathy. I’m also quick to highlight and praise elements I love about the story – because all authors have strengths as well as weaknesses, and we sometimes need reminding of the things we’re great at. It's one of my favorite aspects of this job.)

editing services

"It is a truth universally acknowledged,
that written work intended for profitable publication,
must be in want of an editor."

And unless an author’s going the trad pub route, they must be the person to hire one.This is where I should probably write a compelling paragraph laden with ‘proven’ sales tactics to persuade you that my editing services are the best in the world, that you'll never make a dime unless you hire me... yada, yada.But that's just not how I roll.Besides, everyone has different needs, expectations, and budgets.So instead of false promises or exaggerated claims about my skills, here's an overview of my editing services, rates, and additional benefits included in the price.

Copy/line editing:

$0.019 – $0.023 per word, which includes:

  • Going through the manuscript line by line, checking grammar, syntax, continuity, word repetition/overuse, punctuation etc. Maintaining your voice and style throughout is important to me, so aside from fixing unambiguous errors, I try to only change what's absolutely necessary – like incorrect grammar, or confusing word choices/syntax. While I don't usually comment on the overall plot or characterization (that's what developmental editors are for), I will let you know if I find any glaring potholes or other potential issues you might want to consider before publication.

  • Proofreading your blurb and/or other sales copy (up to ~750 words in total).

  • Highlighting any phrases which stand out to me as being ideal for promotion/marketing purposes (as great potential tag lines, for example).

proofreading:

$0.01 – $0.015 per word, which includes:

  • Going through the manuscript to check for surface-level errors like typos, misspellings, and acyrologia – i.e. incorrect word usage. The last pass before publication.

  • Proofreading your blurb and/or other sales copy (up to ~750 words in total).

  • Highlighting any phrases which stand out to me as being ideal for promotion/marketing purposes (as great potential tag lines, for example).

ebook formatting:

$10 per 1000 words

  • Formatting your manuscript for eBook (not print, though you will receive a pdf file).

  • You can choose from available style options for chapter headings, section breaks, fonts etc. – or leave those up to me, if you prefer.

  • You'll receive all file formats (epub, pdf, kindle-epub) required for upload to the main publishing platforms (Kindle, Apple, Kobo etc.).

emergency/expedited editing:

rates start at $0.025/word – contact me for a quote

Impossible deadline? Preorder date looming but your regular editor had to cancel at the last minute? Regardless of the circumstances, if you want a lightning-fast edit without compromising on quality, I offer a priority editing service.The final price will depend on the type of editing required (copy or proof), as well as factors like book length and requested turnaround time, so please contact me for a customized, no-obligation quote.Expedited editing is also a great option for writers who regularly operate within tight deadlines, such as:

  • Subscription authors who publish new chapters on a weekly/bi-weekly basis on platforms like Ream or Patreon.

  • Deadline-driven or 'Phoenix'-archetype writers (like me) who can't book editors months in advance because they tend to write (and often publish) in sporadic bursts, often finishing the manuscript perilously close to the final upload date with barely any time remaining for editing/formatting.

  • Authors who prefer to write a new book every week/two weeks/month, and rapid-release a full series over the course of just a few weeks/months.

additional pricing information:

  • If I'm hired to provide a copy edit but the quality of a manuscript ensures it requires no more than a proof, I'll charge the lower rate accordingly.

  • Listed prices are in USD. Cost per word for my editing/proofreading services is variable, subject to factors like project scope, required turnaround time, and repeat bookings. Once I have all the necessary project details, clients will receive a customized pricing quote. No service will commence without explicit fee approval.

  • Discounted rates are available for regular/repeat clients, as well as packages when booking two or more services in combination. Please contact me for details.

also good to know:

  • I do not currently offer developmental editing services (outside of smutmaxing, specifically). If you require dev editing or manuscript evaluation, I can personally recommend some brilliant service providers.

  • I offer free sample edits for new clients. (You'll be asked to provide a snippet of 1k -1.5k words, ideally from the middle of the manuscript.)

  • Payment plans are available in select circumstances.

For more information or to book any of the services listed above,

coaching services

single session from $50.00 (package discounts available)

The path to success as an author can be uncertain, confusing, sometimes even terrifying. Unfortunately, it’s common for writers of all levels to find themselves feeling lost, lonely, stuck, overwhelmed, discouraged – or any combination thereof. Knowing we’re not the only one, however, doesn’t help much when our anxious thoughts are seriously impeding our ability to make progress.Luckily, there are solutions. Day drinking. Running away. Giving up on the dream and choosing an entirely different career path. Or, if none of those appeal, there’s also coaching...

because having someone on our side can make all the difference.

The kindly, wise mentor is a trope for a reason: regardless of what we’ve set out to do, sometimes we all need someone with experience to guide, encourage, and support us on our journey to triumph over evil achieve our goals. Someone who cares about us without stifling us. Who supports us without undermining our agency. And who offers advice and encouragement untainted by any personal agenda.If you’re feeling lost, discouraged, or stuck, don’t be shy about seeking support – regardless of where you are on your author journey. Here are some ways I can help:

  • Encouragement: In case you need a reminder: that nagging, critical voice in your head is just your imposter syndrome... and it’s lying. You. Are. Amazing. So don’t worry if you’ve lost your motivation somewhere along the way – I’ll replenish it... and then some!

  • Accountability: Some of us just work better with a little pressure – as long as it’s the right kind. Whether it’s setting and sticking to deadlines, regular check-ins, or gentle nudges to keep you on track, we’ll figure out what you need to keep making progress. Like. A. Boss.

  • Industry Insight: Craft. Branding. Marketing. The sheer volume of career advice available to indie authors is a one-way ticket to overwhelm. There’s so much to learn, understand, and consider – and not all of it will apply to you. With over a decade in the industry, I can help you figure out where to focus – what’s relevant now, what could be useful later, and what to ignore – to save time and money.

  • Support/Mindset: When the author life feels like an emotional rollercoaster stuck on a stomach-churning dive, it helps to have someone beside you who gets it. Someone who’ll listen to your screams, make sure you don’t lose your shit, and reassure you that this, too shall pass. Whatever you’re going through, we can ride it out together. Then you will rise again. After all, what goes down...

  • Ideating/Brainstorming: Plot problems? Character calamity? Lost in a blizzard of new and shiny book ideas? Talking it through can be a super-efficient way to transform your exasperation into inspiration. Feels almost like magic...

If you think you'd benefit from coaching with me, or want more information about help with a specific issue, click below to schedule a free consultation. No strings attached!

about the fairy smutmother

Once upon a time, there was a princess dreamer named Tahlia who had three great passions in life: storytelling, erotic expression, and helping others. While she enjoyed an exciting couple of decades exploring and earning a living from the first two, various obstacles prevented her from being able to fully embrace the third. (To her great disappointment, ‘Fairy Godmother’ was never a genuinely realistic career option – at least, she never found the role advertised anywhere on LinkedIn.)Then, over the years Tahlia spent both writing and editing steamy romance, as well as learning all she could about indie publishing, she began to notice a few different ways in which fellow authors could benefit from her unique skillset…and the Fairy Smutmother – aka Muse after Midnight – was born.

the skillset:

  • Published romance author for 19 years (27+ books, both small press and indie).

  • Editor for over a decade, including editor-in-chief for a steamy romance publisher for a few years, as well as freelance editing (mainly romance but also non-fiction/memoir/self-help).

  • Previous jobs include: bartender, copywriter (business), SEO/marketing specialist, glamor model, and cam girl (one of the OGs – retired before OF was even a thing).

  • Kinky before the internet came around (the relief of discovering I wasn’t a lone freak!) and writing dirty stories for longer than I care to admit. Real-life scene experience taught me a lot about BDSM, and all my books have kinky elements.

  • Other potentially relevant interests/knowledge/experience: Longtime student of personality profiles like CliftonStrengthsTM, trauma and mental health challenges, neurodivergence (diagnosed with ADHD as an adult), and psychology/counselling frameworks. I also speak fluent German and have lived in the UK, Germany, Australia, and Thailand. I travel to the US as often as I can, visiting family and friends. Likes: cute animals, coffee, tattoos. Dislikes: even numbers.

the services:

  • Editing and proofreading for both fiction and non-fiction.

  • Coaching for writers who need a boost of motivation, support, or guidance along their author journey.

  • Smutmaxing: Tailored consulting for writers who want to craft hotter steamy scenes, incorporate BDSM/kink elements into their work, and/or tackle mental blocks around writing smut.

the promise:

I see and appreciate how no two people are exactly alike. Unfortunately, a lot of author advice is dispensed under the presumption that one size fits all. Fact is: it doesn't. If there was just one single message I could tell all new/aspiring authors out there, it would be this:
not all advice is right for you.That's why I don't presume to be able to help everyone who comes to me. Sometimes, we encounter editors, coaches, therapists etc. we just don't mesh with, and that's perfectly okay. I'm a big believer in honesty and integrity... (even if that does mean I'll likely never own a superyacht.) If I don't think I can help you, I'll tell you. If I can point you in the direction of someone better suited, I will. And since all my services are customized around your individual requirements (hence the variable pricing model), I offer a free, no-strings-attached consultation via email or voice/vid call so we can discuss your needs and whether I can be of assistance. Curious?

For more information, or to schedule a call...

summon the smutmother!

ready to seduce your readers with sizzling stories?

To book or enquire about any of my services, or to arrange a free call to discuss working with me, simply fill out the form below. No magic wand required!

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(including the junk folder, in case those pesky mice take me there instead...)