Offering constructive feedback and a roadmap for revision
A manuscript critique is an excellent first step with a new manuscript. Whether you’re a first-time or an experienced author, this will provide you with an overview of your whole manuscript and a roadmap for how to improve it.
What is a manuscript critique?
A manuscript critique is a summary of what works in your manuscript and what might need some improvement. I read each manuscript at least twice, once quickly to get an authentic reader experience and once more slowly, as I take lots of notes and start to really analyse it.
After this, I write an editorial letter covering various aspects of novel writing such as plot, characterisation and theme. The exact topics covered vary depending on the needs of each individual manuscript and author. The letter will highlight areas of strength as well as identify weaker aspects that might need more revision. I’ll suggest ways you might want to approach revision and provide recommendations of books, blog posts or other resources that you might find helpful as you work on your story.
After this, I write an editorial letter covering various aspects of novel writing such as plot, characterisation and theme. The exact topics covered vary depending on the needs of each individual manuscript and author. The letter will highlight areas of strength as well as identify weaker aspects that might need more revision. I’ll suggest ways you might want to approach revision and provide recommendations of books, blog posts or other resources that you might find helpful as you work on your story.
How does a manuscript critique work?
First, get in touch to request a critique. I’ll send you a questionnaire so I can find out about your novel, your writing background and your creative intentions – such as whether you’re hoping for traditional publication or planning to go down the self-publishing route – and the kinds of market and readership you envision for your novel. This will enable me to assess whether I think we’ll be a good fit and ensure this service is the most appropriate one for you.
Second, we’ll work out the details. If we’re both happy we’ll work well together, I’ll let you know when I’m available to start and how long I expect the critique to take, which is usually 3–4 weeks for a novel of 80,000 words. I ask for a 10% deposit, which will secure your place in my schedule.
Third, you’ll need to email me your full manuscript before our agreed start date, when I'll ask for a further 40% of the fee. I’ll then get started reading your novel, making lots of notes and writing an editorial letter. When I’ve finished I’ll send you the completed letter and ask for the remaining balance.
Finally, you’ll be able to send me up to three follow up emails (not including simple acknowledgements of receipt, etc.) to ask for clarification on anything that isn’t clear or any final questions that have occurred to you. You’ll need to do this within a month of receiving my letter, so that your novel is still fresh in my mind and I can provide you with the most helpful answers. With that, you should be armed with everything you need to revise your novel and take it to the next level!
Second, we’ll work out the details. If we’re both happy we’ll work well together, I’ll let you know when I’m available to start and how long I expect the critique to take, which is usually 3–4 weeks for a novel of 80,000 words. I ask for a 10% deposit, which will secure your place in my schedule.
Third, you’ll need to email me your full manuscript before our agreed start date, when I'll ask for a further 40% of the fee. I’ll then get started reading your novel, making lots of notes and writing an editorial letter. When I’ve finished I’ll send you the completed letter and ask for the remaining balance.
Finally, you’ll be able to send me up to three follow up emails (not including simple acknowledgements of receipt, etc.) to ask for clarification on anything that isn’t clear or any final questions that have occurred to you. You’ll need to do this within a month of receiving my letter, so that your novel is still fresh in my mind and I can provide you with the most helpful answers. With that, you should be armed with everything you need to revise your novel and take it to the next level!
How much does a critique cost?
Up to 80,000 words £700
81,000–100,000 £750
101,000–120,000 £800
121,000–140,000 £850
141,000–160,000 £900
Over 160,000 Enquire
81,000–100,000 £750
101,000–120,000 £800
121,000–140,000 £850
141,000–160,000 £900
Over 160,000 Enquire