Manuscript critique (for fiction writers)
If you’d like big-picture story guidance for your revision but would either prefer this in the form of a letter/report or you don’t need/want in-line edits on your manuscript, then a manuscript critique can help.
I will review your full manuscript and provide you with a detailed revision letter. The revision letter will focus on overall developmental concerns and provide advice on how to strengthen any weak/weaker areas of your manuscript.
Please note that this service does not include in-text comments/line edits.
The fee for this service varies depending on the level of feedback required. As a rough estimate, the fee for a 90,000-word manuscript could fall anywhere between £500 and £700 (payment plans available). Contact me to book.
More on manuscript critiques
A manuscript critique is a form of developmental editing in that its focus is on the big picture of your novel. As such, many of the same principles apply to manuscript critiques as to developmental edits.
About developmental editing
Developmental editing–also known as big-picture editing–evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of how a story is crafted. Developmental editing takes into consideration the author’s unique voice and writing style and works within it. The editor makes specific suggestions as to how the author can strengthen all aspects of their story to reflect what they’re trying to say in the most compelling way.
Examples of what is covered by developmental editing (these issues are also covered in manuscript critiques):
Plot inconsistencies/plot weaknesses
Characters who may be underdeveloped or whose actions aren’t quite believable
Structural weaknesses (narrative arc)
Character arc/s
Character relationships
Inconsistent point of view/impact of point of view on story
Setting and its impact on story
Pacing (balance of showing versus telling, level of exposition)
Ineffective use of tension
Theme and how effectively (or ineffectively) it’s conveyed
And more!
In other words, developmental editing is a general critique of what’s working and what isn’t. It is not copyediting or proofreading, but an overall view of the story and writing.
A developmental edit or manuscript critique usually takes place when the author has reached the point where they can no longer do anything more with the story on their own. This is often when the story is in its second or third draft, but may come later, depending on the writer’s process.
Often, authors will decide to implement big changes as the result of a developmental edit or a manuscript critique: chapters may move around, characters may change, and so on. Because of this, developmental editing or a manuscript critique is carried out prior to line edits, copyediting, and proofreading.
Questions you may have about a manuscript critique
Who is it for?
A manuscript critique is for anyone looking for big-picture feedback on their story, but who doesn’t need/want in-line edits/comments in the margin of their manuscript. (If you do want in-line edits and comments in the margin, then you might be interested in a full developmental edit.)
What happens after I receive my manuscript critique?
After you receive your critique, it’s important to take the time to read through the revision letter and any accompanying notes or articles you may have received.
While many authors are keen to start redrafting right away, in my experience, taking the time to digest feedback often results in a stronger and more considered revision. Also, for some authors, a manuscript critique can feel invasive—’who is this person to tell me about my characters!’ This is a natural reaction as creative writing is close to an author’s heart (and for good reason!). However, if this is something that you can relate to, it’s even more important to take the time to process and consider feedback before redrafting. Of course, this is not to say that the editor is always right (far from it!), but only to say that when authors make carefully considered decisions about their stories, the stories nearly always benefit.
It is up to you to decide whether or not to make any or all of the suggested changes.
Most of my critiques include a complimentary coaching session to discuss your revision (this can be through email, phone or video call). During this session you should feel free to ask any questions you might have about my feedback and your writing going forward. If you’d like additional time to discuss your revision, you might find my coaching service helpful.
If, after redrafting, you’d like me to read the manuscript again, then I’d be happy to do so. This could either be carried out as a developmental edit or I could do another critique.
I’m also happy to continue working with you as a book/writing coach, if that’s something you feel would be helpful. So, for example, if you wanted regular brainstorming sessions while redrafting, then this could be arranged. (For more on my coaching services, click here.)