Manuscript Critiques
Critique is a valuable tool for emerging and experienced writers alike. Having a trained set of eyes on your manuscript can result in more awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses, which ideally adds up to much faster development of skills and ideas than working alone or in groups of writers at your own skill level.
As an empowerment coach and MFA, my personal experience is that critique can be transformational when you work with the right people. But exchanging critiques with people who aren’t a good match for you can be downright harmful. We must learn to use discernment when selecting those who will help shape our stories. Because they will also be shaping how we feel about ourselves as writers.
MFA-style workshops, even well-intentioned ones, sometimes water down the author’s voice and style, making the book feel as if it were written by committee. My aim is preserve your voice and style and to help you use it to stand out.
I approach professional critique from a developmental editing point of view. I look at the story/pages you send as a whole. I’ll consider plot structure, character development, scene arcs, theme, dialogue, and other elements of craft. I’ll also address some issues such as grammar, mechanics, and other errors as I notice them if I think they have the potential to elevate your project overall.
I care about each of my writing clients, and I want them to know I’m rooting for them when our work is done together. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a past client surpass a massive goal or announce a great book deal.
WHEN TO GET A MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE
You have a partial manuscript and you want a test reader for general feedback.
You want someone to read your first three chapters and tell you if it’s gripping enough or if it starts in the right place.
Your book is only half way done, and now you’re stuck. You want someone to show you exactly where it jumped the rails and how to get it back on track.
Someone told you you have a “sagging middle” and you want to know what that means.
THE CRITIQUE
You’ll send me the agreed upon number of pages. I’ll read it carefully, twice. You’ll receive a written assessment from me about what I feel your manuscript’s strengths and opportunities for improvement are. I’ll also include edits and comments in your document.
Although I take a developmental editing approach to critique and include some line editing and proofreading, please note this is not meant to take the place of a final edit. This is ideally the work done before that. However, each draft you complete should result in a “cleaner” manuscript over all.
COST
$5 per page for the first 20 pages (20 page minimum); $1 per additional page
Partial manuscripts only. If you have a complete manuscript and you need more detailed feedback on the entirety of the story and characters, see my MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION service.
Add a coaching call at a special rate to discuss how to incorporate feedback.
GENRES I’M INTERESTED IN
Young Adult
Romance (and stories with a strong romantic subplot)
Women’s Fiction
Dark Fiction
Fantasy of the supernatural variety
WANT TO WORK WITH ME?
Schedule a free call so we can talk about your project. If we’re a good match, I’ll follow up with a quote, a client agreement, and instructions for submission.