Many writers find they need holistic feedback on their manuscript before attempting a revision or submitting to an agent. When you purchase a manuscript critique, your editor will read your entire novel or nonfiction book and provide you with comprehensive editorial feedback addressing the manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, and any specific concerns you have. The critique will take the form of an in-depth letter to you, and you will have the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. Sample critiques are available upon request.
FOR NOVELS, MEMOIRS, & GENERAL NONFICTION
Full Manuscript Critique (Basic Level)
Typical quotes range from $1,000 - $2,500.
Your editor reads your complete manuscript and compiles feedback in an editorial letter ranging from 3-5 single-spaced pages. The critique letter summarizes feedback on a range of issues, including any or all of the following: concept; hook; voice; character development; pacing; flow of narrative; transitions; plot; structure; point of view; dialogue.
Full Manuscript Critique (Extensive Level)
Typical quotes range from $1,500- $3,000
This service is a more thorough, detail-oriented version of the basic critique described above. Your editor reads your manuscript and compiles feedback in an extensive editorial letter, usually ranging from 6-10 single-spaced pages. Recommendations will typically be more numerous, detailed, and specific as compared to a standard critique. The editorial letter covers feedback on a range of issues, including any or all of the following: pacing; concept; hook; voice; character development; pacing; flow of narrative; transitions; plot; structure; point of view; dialogue; audience; potential market.
Partial Manuscript Critique
Quotes vary widely depending on whether you are submitting a few chapters vs. an almost-completed manuscript.
If you need holistic feedback on an unfinished manuscript, this service is for you. Your editor will read as much as you have written and compile feedback in an editorial letter. (The length of this letter will vary based on the length of the partial manuscript you submit.) The critique will summarize feedback on a range of issues, including any or all of the following: pacing; flow of narrative; transitions; voice; plot; structure; dialogue; character development.
First Chapter Critique
8 cents per word for a critique only or 10 cents per word for a critique plus a line edit. (In either case there is a 2,500 word minimum. If your first chapter is under 2,500 words, you are welcome to submit two chapters for review.)
Your editor will read your first chapter or prologue and provide a 1-2 page feedback letter summarizing its strengths and weaknesses. A First Chapter Critique can be a great way to test the chemistry with your editor before committing to a full manuscript edit. If you decide to move forward after that, you can apply the cost of the First Chapter Critique toward the editing of your full manuscript.
Second Read Manuscript Critique
The price of your initial manuscript critique minus 20%.
After you have completed an initial full or partial manuscript critique (described above), you have the option of a "Second Read Critique," where your editor reads your revised manuscript and writes a second, shorter critique letter assessing how well you have addressed his/her concerns, and what concerns still linger.
FOR EVERYTHING ELSE
Picture Book Critique
$175 - $375, depending on length.
Your editor will review your picture book manuscript and address some or all of the following topics: age appropriateness and marketing viability; character motivation, pacing, language, overall story concept; image possibilities; suggestions for craft books and/or other picture books to study, depending on what aspects of the text need strengthening. Line editing may be added to this service for an additional fee.
Screenplay Critique
Typical quotes range from $750 - $1,500.
Your editor will read your screenplay draft and compile feedback in an editorial letter ranging from 5-7 single-spaced pages. The letter will cover feedback on a range of issues, including: pacing; transitions; voice; plot; structure; dialogue; character development; audience.
Short Story Critiques
Prices vary by length. Discounts available for collections that include four or more stories.
Your editor will read your short story (or collection of stories) and provide feedback in an editor letter. The length of the feedback letter will depend on how many short stories you submit for critique. This service does NOT include line edits made via track changes.
