Manuscript Feedback
You’ve written a draft, you've been revising, and now it's time for big-picture feedback.
Manuscript feedback (aka manuscript critique, manuscript evaluation, editorial assessment) helps writers identify and solve problems at the level of the story. Like a developmental edit, this service attends to big-picture issues: plot, structure, conflict, character arc, point of view, pacing, theme, worldbuilding, a work’s conversation with its genre. It combines expert knowledge of how the elements of fiction work together to impact readers with deep care for your particular vision and goals for this piece.
Available for manuscripts in romance (novels, novellas, short stories, and more), fantasy, and other genres, depending on the specific nature and needs of the project; reach out to discuss options!
You'll receive an editorial letter that reports on what’s working and what may require further attention, touching on all the major components of storytelling (and, for romance projects, of romance specifically), with lots of commentary on and concrete ideas for your specific work, as well as links to resources for further explanation or exploration as appropriate. After reviewing my feedback, you can schedule a half-hour follow-up video chat or ask questions via email.
Manuscript feedback does not include:
This option is excellent for writers who want big-picture feedback—a bird's-eye view of the story landscape—and feel confident applying that kind of feedback to their own work. If you’d prefer to see lots of in-text comments asking questions, making observations, noting patterns and examples, and suggesting possible rewrites in addition to the editorial letter, reach out to discuss a developmental edit. Alternatively, consider combining manuscript feedback with ongoing support through revision coaching.
This service generally happens with a full manuscript that the writer has already revised on their own: You’ve taken it as far as you can and now want an informed and thoughtful new perspective. But if you're feeling stuck with a partial manuscript or even an outline and synopsis, feel free to be in touch to discuss possibilities.
Because we’re all trying to be kind and get it right, I always query, explain, and propose solutions if I encounter language or storytelling that strikes me as potentially harmful to readers because of connections to ableism, racism, fat phobia, classism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, or any other cultural yuckiness.
Available for manuscripts in romance (novels, novellas, short stories, and more), fantasy, and other genres, depending on the specific nature and needs of the project; reach out to discuss options!
You'll receive an editorial letter that reports on what’s working and what may require further attention, touching on all the major components of storytelling (and, for romance projects, of romance specifically), with lots of commentary on and concrete ideas for your specific work, as well as links to resources for further explanation or exploration as appropriate. After reviewing my feedback, you can schedule a half-hour follow-up video chat or ask questions via email.
Manuscript feedback does not include:
- in-text comments
- flagging or correcting typos, grammatical missteps, or other sentence-level issues (although I will mention habits and patterns I notice in the text)
This option is excellent for writers who want big-picture feedback—a bird's-eye view of the story landscape—and feel confident applying that kind of feedback to their own work. If you’d prefer to see lots of in-text comments asking questions, making observations, noting patterns and examples, and suggesting possible rewrites in addition to the editorial letter, reach out to discuss a developmental edit. Alternatively, consider combining manuscript feedback with ongoing support through revision coaching.
This service generally happens with a full manuscript that the writer has already revised on their own: You’ve taken it as far as you can and now want an informed and thoughtful new perspective. But if you're feeling stuck with a partial manuscript or even an outline and synopsis, feel free to be in touch to discuss possibilities.
Because we’re all trying to be kind and get it right, I always query, explain, and propose solutions if I encounter language or storytelling that strikes me as potentially harmful to readers because of connections to ableism, racism, fat phobia, classism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, or any other cultural yuckiness.
pricing
See my Services Menu for current pricing information.
content
Please note that I do not work on material that involves torture, on-page sexual violence, extensive horror or suspense elements, or sexual content that devalues consent. I am enthusiastic about consent-oriented sexually explicit material, and I particularly welcome writers wishing to hone this part of their craft!
My getting-to-know-you process involves asking about any parts of your story that may be emotionally difficult for readers, so that I can be prepared to give your manuscript the focus and presence it deserves.
My getting-to-know-you process involves asking about any parts of your story that may be emotionally difficult for readers, so that I can be prepared to give your manuscript the focus and presence it deserves.
What's next?
If you think this sounds promising, let’s communicate! The first step in my process is to get to know you and your needs and, of course, answer any questions you may have. Then, if we’ve determined it’s a good fit, we’ll sign an agreement and get to work!
