Manuscript Critiques

Are you hoping to move forward with the book of your heart?  High five!  Receiving targeted feedback and encouragement from a professional writing coach can give you the needed momentum to see your work through to the end you desire, from prologue to finale.    

My experience as a coach draws from my education (an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts) my own writing practice (both academic and my award-winning fiction), my years as an undergraduate creative writing instructor, my time as a mentor for Author Mentor Match, and leading an online workshop leader at The Writing Barn (Austin, TX).

What you can expect

I will go through your work several times.  The first pass will allow me to experience your story as a fan.  The next passes will be dedicated to both micro and macro craft elements (plot, characterization, time flow, voice, etc.) as well as forming a “big picture” read as to what is working well, and what could be doing more in the story.  

I will include in-text notes, as well as an editorial letter.  For a full novel, this can range from 5-10 pages, or 2-5 for a partial.  My response time ranges from one to four weeks, depending on the length of your submission.  I will shower you with praise, but also gently provide actionable suggestions to work on the areas I noted.   I might also suggest craft books or other resources that might help you for this book or future works.  You can take the writing teacher out of the classroom, but not the classroom out of the writing teacher.

Especially with everything now on Zoom.

Speaking of Zoom, each whole novel critique comes with the option of two, online, half hour consults; partial and query critiques include one half hour follow-up.  (This can be done on Zoom, on the phone, or over email, based on your preference.   You can use this to ask specific questions, hear me gush about your brilliance, or let me know what you want me to specifically read for (if we meet before I begin your critique).

 Pricing

Whole Novel Critique: I will provide a close read of your novel—what sings on the page and what might not be working for the story—and provide suggestions and an outline to move you through another draft.  You are welcome to set up a zoom before or after your critique (or both).  Additionally, I will read one or two new chapters to see if you are progressing in the right direction.  Price: $850.00 for the first 60,000 words, $150.00 for every 7,500 words after. 

Partial Critique: If you are just starting a new work or want to see how the beginning of your story might read for those requesting partials in the querying stage, a partial critique is a good place to start.  Price: $250 for a full synopsis (I LOVE synopses) and first twenty-five pages.

Query Package:  Are you querying, you brave soul?  Submit your query letter (I query like a boss), synopsis, and first twenty-five pages to shine it up for agents and editors. Price: $150. 

Sample Critique:  Would you like to see if you would like to work together?  No problem!  You can submit the first ten pages of your work to give it a try. Price: $40. (The cost will be applied to a longer critique, should you decide to move forward.)

Mentorship: I am, at heart, a writing teacher.  I have benefited from extraordinary teachers and mentors, and I love to work with other writers.  $300 for each submission of up to 20,000 words.  (Minimum of three sessions required; includes Zoom and email support.)