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 storytelling elements:
Romance genres
I offer the manuscript critique service in the romance genre. I specialise in editing the following romance subgenres:
- theme
- plot
- characters (goals, motivations, conflict, character development)
- point of view
- pacing
- setting
- genre conventions
- scene vs narrative summary (show vs tell)
- dialogue
Romance genres
I offer the manuscript critique service in the romance genre. I specialise in editing the following romance subgenres:
- contemporary romance
- YA romance
- romantic comedy
- paranormal romance
- romantic suspense
- fantasy romance
- romantasy
"Maria provided beta reading of my contemporary romance novel, and 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 seeking beta reading feedback."
Kate Underwood, contemporary romance writer
Kate Underwood, contemporary romance writer
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:
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:
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?
Why me?
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 (email or video call)
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
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"Thank you for beta reading my manuscript. 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. Your Beta Reading Report was useful, and covered all of the areas I was looking for...I really appreciated your time and effort. Your communication with me was great, and you were very responsive. Thank you very much!" Rachel Carrara, romance writer |
"Maria did a beta read for a romantic comedy I had written, and I couldn't be happier with the feedback she gave. She had an easy to follow format of questions already prepared as she read my manuscript. It allowed me to see her thought process and what she found important as a reader. 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 read the heat/spice levels and the content 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 Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information.
How it works
Every editing project is unique. Fill in this form to 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.
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 read the heat/spice levels and the content 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 Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information.
How it works
Every editing project is unique. Fill in this form to 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.
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