Manuscript Critique

What is a manuscript critique, and how does it differ from editing?

A manuscript critique goes like this: I’ll read your manuscript with care, full attention, and consideration. As I go along, I’ll jot down notes for myself to use at the end. Upon finishing your story, I will then provide a comprehensive, full critique on your strengths, weaknesses, plot holes, and other issues to be changed, added, or removed. I’ll address voice, tone, characterization, pacing, everything that goes into making an effective story. This critique will be several pages long and focus both on the overall big picture, as well as particular details. I’ll help guide you in a direction to go with changes to the story to really make it shine.

We can then discuss my feedback via email, phone, or Zoom (whatever your preference is.) I want you to be satisfied with my contribution to your writing, and always welcome communication and questions.

What a full manuscript critique doesn’t provide:

Since this is different from a full edit, I won’t be providing any edits/changes, nor commentary at all throughout your manuscript. All of that will only come at the end, in the form of my critique letter to you. If you’re more interested in hands on work with the manuscript itself, I suggest checking out my developmental editing services here.

How I will work with you:

  1. Reach out to me via the form on my “contact me” page. Put in as much relevant information as you can think of!

  2. I will reach out to you via the method you prefer (email, phone, or Zoom) and we can discuss your project and what you’re looking for in greater detail. We can also discuss our schedules, and I can give you a concrete deadline on when you can expect your finished, edited manuscript and letter returned by.

  3. If you decide to utilize my services, I’ll send you a copy of my contract that MUST be signed either by hand or digitally and returned to me. The contract helps keep things fair for both of us.

  4. I’ll dedicate my full time and concentration to reading your manuscript. When I finish, I’ll provide you with a detailed letter with my conclusive thoughts on your story, on what needs the most revising, as well as your strengths and where the story really shines.

  5. Please note I require half of the amount agreed upon for this critique up front as a down payment once you agree to use my services and sign the contract.

  6. You are welcome to speak with me more on my critique and ask any questions about my commentary! I love working with authors and want you to be fully satisfied with my contributions to your story.

Any further questions on how this works?

I encourage you to reach out to me. I can be contacted here with any inquiries.