Also known as a manuscript critique or assessment, a manuscript review takes a birds-eye view of your story. Like a developmental edit, it looks at the bones of your story:
- Story Hook
- Plot
- Subplot(s)
- Structure
- Pacing/Tension
- Twists
- Character Arc
- Theme
- Worldbuilding/Setting
- Timeline
- Antagonist and Conflict
- POV
- Ending/Resolution
Unlike a developmental edit, however, with a manuscript review, there are no comments in the text. So if you’d like less suggestions or tinkering in the text itself (or a cheaper option), then this type of edit might be for you!
Price: $0.008/word
A Manuscript Review Is For You If:
- You have a complete manuscript that hasn’t been edited.
- You want to know if your plot, pacing, and character development are on track.
- You’re overwhelmed by feedback from critique partners or beta readers and need clarity.
- You want to test the waters before investing in a full edit.
- You suspect your story has potential but need help identifying its strengths and weaknesses.
- You’re planning to query or self-publish and want to make sure your manuscript is submission-ready.
- You’re unsure whether your worldbuilding or speculative elements are clear and engaging.
- You have a short story you want to send to magazines/contests.
- You want someone to look at the bones of your story but want a cheaper option than a developmental edit.
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.
- After receiving half your payment, I’ll read your complete novel, putting 15+ pages of feedback on a separate Word Document detailing the strengths and weaknesses of your story and suggestions of how to tighten your story.
- Once I receive the final payment, I’ll return the 15+ pages of notes.
- Then we’ll schedule a 30 minute chat to discuss any questions you have about the edits. 😊
A Manuscript Review Includes:
- 15+ pages of detailed feedback covering the main structural elements of your story (character development, plot, twists, pacing/tension, theme, beginning, ending, etc.) with an emphasis on what is working and what could benefit from further development.
- Specific ideas on how to make your story stronger
- 30 minute call after edits have been delivered to discuss any questions you may have.
Please note that a manuscript review does not include in-line edits.
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.
Sample Manuscript Review
