What's a manuscript critique?

Have you finished writing a novel but aren’t sure what kind of editing it might need?

A manuscript critique (also a manuscript evaluation or a manuscript assessment) is the best place to start.
 
What’s a manuscript critique?
A manuscript critique provides feedback on the three biggest issues affecting your novel.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Visit the costs of editing page to see time and cost estimates for an 80,000 word novel.

Here's what you get:
  • One full read-through of you novel.
  • A 5–10 page evaluation of your book with feedback on what is working well, and notes, suggestions, and feedback on the top three big-picture issues that need some revision.
  • A work plan with steps to help you revise your current draft.
  • An hour of follow-up questions answered via email.

What’s covered?
Big-picture issues or craft of writing issues, such as:
  • plot and structure,
  • head hopping,
  • point of view,
  • narration,
  • character arcs and motivation,
  • ineffective dialogue,
  • info-dumping,
  • showing and telling,
  • setting and description.
 
What’s not covered?
Detail-oriented topics, such as:
  • grammar,
  • punctuation,
  • word choice.
 
Here’s what I do:
  • First, I read the manuscript cover to cover and make notes on what’s going well, and what issues would benefit from revision.
  • Next, I write you a letter detailing the two or three major issues that could be revised for the story to be successful.
  • Finally, I provide a suggested work plan as a guide to help you navigate revisions in the next draft.