Manuscript critique

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 constructive feedback on the following big-picture elements:
  • theme
  • plot 
  • characters 
  • 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 (Young Adult) romance
  • romantic comedy
  • fantasy romance
  • romantasy   
  • paranormal romance
  • romantic suspense

​Please read the heat/spice levels and the content warnings webpage to make sure we are a great fit to work together.           
​"...her feedback was invaluable, especially after I had completed numerous revisions and was struggling to pinpoint where my plot issues were. I appreciated the chance to have a new and unbiased set of eyes on my manuscript. She pointed out an issue with a subplot that I had not considered before, which helped me to focus my revision efforts effectively. Her feedback was timely and thoughtful, and I'd recommend her to any fellow authors..."
Kate Underwood, contemporary romance writer
​                                                 The 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 elements of your story.

Follow-up support
The manuscript critique service includes 30 minutes of follow-up support  (email or Google Meet) to 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 video meeting (Google Meet)         
​                      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
"...I found it extremely helpful to have an experienced second set of eyes to verify there were no plot holes or major inconsistencies in my manuscript...I really appreciated your time and effort. Your communication with me was great, and you were very responsive. Thank you very much!"
Rachel Anthony, romance writer
"... I couldn't be happier with the feedback she gave... her suggestions were very valuable and I hope to use her again."
Pamela Dean, romance comedy writer
​
                                         Investment
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 3-5 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 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 Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information. 
                                    Free discovery meeting
Book a free discovery meeting to discuss how I can help you improve the big-picture elements of your story and to see if we are a great fit to work together.
​                                Interested in working with me?
​Fill in this form and send me your completed manuscript along with any other related documents (synopsis, summary). I will respond to you as soon as possible to discuss how I can help you improve your manuscript and provide you with a no-obligation project quote.