Manuscripts that have been developmentally edited or are close to the line-editing stage may need a critique.

Manuscript Critiques For Fiction

Authors often come to me for beta reading and are able to take my feedback from the report and use it for revisions, but some manuscripts need a more in-depth look than a beta can provide while also being pretty close to being ready for line editing. In this situation, a critique can provide valuable feedback at just the right stage.

Developmental editing can get rather extensive, and it’s definitely pricier, and sometimes a manuscript simply doesn’t need it. My manuscript critiques provide a scaled-down version of a developmental edit, focusing on character development and story structure while providing guidance for pushing the manuscript through to the next stage of production. 

A manuscript critique can be done on a story you’ve been tinkering around with for a while, or it can be utilized after a full developmental edit.

Rates

My rates for manuscript critiques vary depending on what you as an author are looking for and on the state of the manuscript but I will usually quote at the base rate of $0.01 (1 cent) per word. 

If a manuscript is very raw and requires more contemplation and reorganization, I will likely recommend developmental editing instead.

Manuscript Critique Delivery

Should you hire me to do a manuscript critique on your manuscript, I will deliver to you the following:

  • An editorial letter in PDF format, ranging between 8 and 15 pages in length. Includes character evaluations, story arc suggestions, writing tips, and story recommendations for your manuscript. 

You are welcome to submit a list of questions for me to answer, but these will not be read until after the initial reading and the writing of the editorial letter. 

Types of manuscripts accepted for manuscript critique:

  • Short stories
  • Novellettes
  • Novellas
  • Novels
  • Nonfiction (will be assigned to a Pikko’s House editor)

Please note that manuscript critiques do not provide manuscript revisions to fix sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar outside of a few examples. 

After seeing a sample of your manuscript, I can provide you with a pricing proposal detailing various editing package options for you to consider.

Base Estimate

Quick Overview

Here’s the short version of what my manuscript critique service includes:

Recommendations

Direct suggestions for addressing big picture issues such as plot, worldbuilding, characters, and story arc.

Character Assessment

A look into your primary and secondary characters that points out areas that need improvement.

Not Included

My manuscript critique service does not include the following:

Manuscript editing

Aside from a few teaching samples, your manuscript will not be edited.

Comments

Critiques do not include sidebar comments in the manuscript.

Formatting

Formatting will only be done should it be necessary to aid my ability to read.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're confident that I'm the right person to trust with your book or you have additional questions, contact me to discuss your project needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're confident that I'm the right person to trust with your book or you have additional questions, contact me to discuss your project needs.

Don’t See What You Need?

View Other Editing Services:

Beta Reading | Manuscript CritiqueDevelopmental Editing | Line Editing | Copy EditingProofreading 

View Add-On Services:

Ebook Formatting | Book Interior Design | ARC Distribution | Book Mockups

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