The manuscript critique service (also known as manuscript evaluation or manuscript assessment) is a less intensive version of the developmental editing service. It addresses the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses and provides comprehensive feedback on the following issues:
theme
story structure
characters (goals, motivations, conflict, character development)
point of view
pacing
setting
genre conventions
scene vs narrative summary (show vs tell)
dialogue
It does not address line editing or copyediting issues such as grammar, spelling or punctuation.
Romance genres I offer the manuscript critique service in the romance genre. I specialise in editing the following romance subgenres:
contemporary romance
YA romance
paranormal romance
romantic suspense
romantasy
The developmental editing process First read-through I read the entire manuscript as quickly and as comfortably as possible to gain a general understanding of the story and to write down basic information about each scene (e.g viewpoint characters, location, main story events, notes).
Edit the manuscript I read the entire manuscript the second time slowly and carefully. I take extensive notes in an editorial report to guide the author.
Review and send documents I finish writing the editorial report and send it to the author.
Author review You review the editorial report and read carefully the feedback about the big-picture issues of your story.
Follow up support The Manuscript Critique service includes 30 minutes of follow-up support (email or Google Meet) where we discuss your story and answer potential questions.
Deliverables:
an editorial report (3-5 pages) full of detailed, constructive and honest feedback as a Microsoft Word document
30 minutes of follow-up support over email or Google Meet
Free sample edits Use this form and send me your completed manuscript with any other documents you have (synopsis, summary). I will read chapters from the beginning, middle and end of your story to get a general idea and identify potential issues.
I will perform a free sample edit on the first 1,000 words of your manuscript (4-5 pages). Then, I will send you the editorial report along with a no-obligation customised quote.
The purpose of the sample edit is to:
assess the author’s writing style, and identify the manuscript’s structure and potential big-picture storytelling issues
set scope expectations and ensure that my style of feedback aligns with what the author is looking for. I might leave more suggestions in the editorial report in my sample edit than I would on the full manuscript to ensure clarity and context.
For the manuscript critique service, the author gets only an editorial report of the first 1,000 words of their manuscript. I might leave more suggestions in the editorial report in my sample edit than I would on the full manuscript to give the author an idea of my editing style and make sure that it aligns with their expectations.
Why choose the manuscript critique service?
You are a new writer that needs to learn more about the foundations of novel writing first before they get overwhelmed with detailed page edits
You are an established author who is confident in their writing-craft knowledge and doesn’t need thorough guidance
You don’t have the budget for a full developmental editing service
You have not received any offers from publishers/agents
You are too close to your own story and you need another pair of (professional) eyes to read your manuscript
Why me?
Avid romance reader and romance genre specialist
Dedicated and passionate about my work
Attention to detail
Strong analytical skills
Excellent communication skills
Safety: your book is protected and not shared with anyone else
Investment Every editor’s circumstances are different and the cost of the service depends on a lot of factors such as the type of work, scope of work, the manuscript’s turnaround time and the editor’s training and experience.
As a new developmental editor, I offer significantly low rates to grow my portfolio and get honest testimonials. I charge €25 per hour for the Manuscript Critique service. Additional follow-up support (email or Google Meet) can be purchased at €80 per hour.
Deadline: about 2-4 weeks depending on the length and the complexity of the manuscript
The cost and the deadline provided are estimates. Please contact me to get a customised quote for your manuscript. Please read the heat/spice levels and the trigger warnings webpage to make sure we are a great fit to work together. Please note that a 20% non-refundable booking fee is required at the time of booking to secure a slot in my schedule. Read the Terms and Conditionsand Privacy Policy for more information.
How it works Every editing project is unique. Fill in this formto contact me and send me your completed manuscript along with any other related documents (synopsis, summary). I will respond to you as soon as possible with a no-obligation quote based on the specific needs of your manuscript.