Manuscript Critique

PLEASE NOTE: I currently have very limited slots available for manuscript critiques in 2024.

It is my mission to empower, encourage and educate my clients, so that they come away from their manuscript critique with information on where they are excelling, areas where they can focus on improving, and information and resources that will help them develop as writers.

As such, my manuscript critique service has been designed as a very in-depth look at your book that will deliver thorough, accessible and supportive feedback that allows you to make informed choices about your revisions whilst also improving your writing craft.

How it works:

With this service, I discuss your needs and writing goals in depth with you, to get a good feel for your intentions and hopes for the manuscript. Then, I read the manuscript through closely, considering various different aspects of the book, including:

• Narrative structure

• Plot and subplot

• Characterisation and character arc

• Pacing

• Dialogue

• Point of view

• Worldbuilding

• Genre-specific considerations (e.g. magic systems, etc.)

• Conflict

• Narrative style

• And so on…

I then create a bespoke editorial report which will give an overview of each of the above elements of the book, highlight the manuscript’s strengths, as well as the main issues that I consider to be holding your story back, and some recommendations of actions you can take to further enhance the manuscript. I will also link to further resources and information that I think would be useful.

If this all feels a little intense and intimidating, don’t worry!

As your editor, it is my job to make the feedback approachable, understandable and encouraging. I will highlight where you can improve and celebrate where you excel. You will also have the option of arranging a zoom call with me after you’ve received your feedback, to talk through the report, address any questions you may have and further discuss any subjects as you see fit. 

What you’ll receive:

• One read through of your manuscript

• A bespoke, in-depth editorial report (usually between 20-40 pages long) which will include:

  • Overview information in the various elements of your story

  • Details on where your book is currently excelling

  • Information on where the narrative could be improved

  • Concrete and easily implementable suggestions for revisions you might choose to make

  • A list of recommended writing craft resources to help you to execute your revisions and develop your craft.

• A post-project zoom discussion after you’ve received the report, to discuss the feedback, deal with any questions you have and discuss further recommended craft resources, for example.

What is not included:

• An annotated copy of your manuscript containing comments or tracked changes.

Who it is for:

This service is for authors who are ready to get stuck in with revisions to their manuscript, and want in-depth, professional feedback on their work, so that they can really work on developing and improving their manuscript and writing craft.

Rates

Every manuscript and critique is unique, and so all of my quotations will be bespoke, based on your individual project and requirements.

My quotations consider various factors including word count, service requested, the timescale, and the manuscript’s complexity and needs. As a member of the CIEP, my rates are in keeping with the industry standards, as detailed on the CIEP website.

(Please note: In circumstances where more an author is considering requesting both a manuscript critique and a subsequent developmental edit, I offer a discount on developmental edit if booked within a certain timeframe following delivery of the critique - contact me for further information.)

Interested?

If you think that a manuscript critique would be a good fit for you, please head to the contact page and fill in the enquiry form to discuss your needs. I will endeavour to get back to you within two working days (although often much sooner).