The first three chapters are the most important part of your story. They must hook the reader, ensure that the character is someone worth rooting for, set the genre/tone of your novel, and jumpstart the incident that thrusts your main character into the main plot of your story.
Thus, it could be helpful to have someone look at your story before you either commit to completing the novel or commencing a full edit. The first chapter critique (or up to 10,000 words) will ensure your story is starting out in the right place; it’s perfect if you who can’t afford the other editing services or aren’t ready for them quite yet.
In a first three chapter critique, I will:
- Make sure your hook is engaging
- Ensure your character is likeable
- Check to see that you have the right balance of information regarding characters, setting, worldbuilding
- Make sure the reader can visualize the setting
- You have the appropriate amount of internal monologue
- Point out any way where the sentences can flow better
- Check the pacing
- Ensure the beginnings and ends of your chapters/scenes make the reader want to keep reading
- Look for the incident that kicks off the main story and ensure that it’s appropriate to the story world and genre
Price: $100
A 1st Three Chapter Critique (or up to 10,000 words) is For You If:
- You’re not sure you’re starting your novel in the right place.
- You want to know if your opening chapters hook the reader—and deliver on the genre’s promise.
- You’re not sure if your main character is relatable/likeable.
- You’re testing out a new project and want early feedback before writing the full draft.
- You want to make sure your story’s beginning is as tight and action-packed as possible to grab the reader/agent/publisher’s attention.
- You’ve rewritten your opening several times and still aren’t confident that it’s working.
- You need help identifying red flags that might stop a reader (or agent) from continuing.
- You’ve had feedback that your beginning is confusing or slow but don’t know how to fix it.
- You want focused, professional insight without committing to a full edit just yet.
How it Works
- You’ll fill out this information form.
- I’ll send you an email with a letter of agreement outlining price and deadlines.
- Then I’ll read your first three pages or up to 10,000 words (whichever comes first) and make in-line edits.
- I’ll also make notes in a separate Word document (1-3 pages) detailing my comments more thoroughly as well as the strengths and weaknesses of your opening chapters.
- Once I receive payment, I’ll return your edited first chapters and the 1-3 pages of feedback.
- Then you can send me one follow-up email asking any questions about my edits.
A 1st Three Chapter Critique Includes:
- In-line edits
- 1-3 page review letter detailing the strengths and weaknesses in your first three chapters
- One follow-up email
Please note: This edit does not include a call.
I would be honored to work with you to help make the bones of your fantasy or sci-fi story* stronger! Fill out the information form below to get started.
*Please note: I only accept stories with minimal spice (sex off-page is okay), minimal cussing, and no LGBTQ+ characters.