Manuscript Critique

Starting at

$

25

/hr

About this service

Summary

This is an editorial service. A manuscript critique is similar to, but far more extensive than a beta read. I offer this service for sweet romance, cozy mystery, and fantasy/scifi. I do not read explicit content.
You will get in-line or chapter notes (author's choice) that tell you:
*What's working
*What isn't working
*chapter by chapter notes as well as big picture 'final thoughts' after I have finished reading
*Actionable steps to improve your writing
*Recommendations for your next round of edits
Why this isn't just a beta read:
In a beta read, you may receive vague feedback on how Character A is unlikable, but in this service I will tell you that when Character A said this line in chapter 3, it made him seem cold.
Most beta readers read a manuscript from start to finish and then try to remember how they felt. I take notes as I go and then final thoughts afterward.
Why this isn't a developmental edit:
A manuscript critique gives broad suggestions rather than reshaping your story
This is a one-time service, rather than a back and forth dialogue
Developmental edits cost more and will sometimes be recommended as a next step, but it is not a service that I offer

FAQs

  • How long does the typical manuscript critique take?

    For novels (and novellas) of 100k or less, I guarantee delivery within 30 days of receiving your manuscript.

  • Does hiring you affect my copyright?

    No. I offer a one time editorial service. Your intellectual property and all rights to publication are still yours. I would never even include it in my portfolio without your express permission.

  • Do you use AI?

    The only AI I use in my edits is spellcheck. You're paying for human eyes on your work, and that's what you get. I avoid editing software for two reasons. Firstly, many of the suggestions it provides lack context and while often technically correct, they do not follow my style guide or fiction writing conventions. And secondly, if you wanted corrections from editing software you would have purchased it instead of hiring me.

What's included

  • Manuscript Critique

    Options: Microsoft word in-line comments, google docs, in-line comments, or PDF chapter notes.


Skills and tools

Author
Copy Editor
Editor
Google Docs
Microsoft Word
Scrivener

Industries

Publishing

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